Question

Friendship was indeed a value for the villagers, more for men than for women. Two good friends were said to be 'like brothers' (literally, like elder brother-younger brother, annatammandirahage). I heard this expression several times and I could not help recalling the statement of an elderly English colleague who had told me that he and his brother were very close and had written to each other every week. He had added, We are very good friends. That is friends, connoted intimacy in England while in Rampura (as in rural India everywhere), brotherhood conveyed intimacy'.

Which of the following best summarises the conclusion of the argument of this paragraph?

Options

• Friendship has greater value for men than for women

• People in England have different altitudes to brotherhood and friendship than people in rural India

• Brotherhood has greater value in rural India than in England

• Friendship has greater value in England than in India

Answer 1

People in England have different altitudes to brotherhood and friendship than people in rural India.

Explanation:

The conclusion of the argument is mentioned in its last lines ‘‘That is, friendship connoted intimacy in England while in Rural India, brotherhood conveyed intimacy.’’ Therefore, the attitude of people of England towards brotherhood and friendship is different from that of rural India. So, 'People in England have different attitudes to brotherhood and friendship than people in rural India' is correct.