Question

in 1841, british cabinet - maker thomas cook transformed the world of travel with an unprecedented idea: organized tours at prices the middle class could afford. this was a profound departure from the norms of the time, as travel was typically available only to the wealthy.
interestingly, cooks business had roots in the temperance movement. believing strongly that alcohol caused many of societys problems, he arranged a 12 - mile train journey for 500 people to a temperance meeting. after making a deal with the railway for discounted tickets, he was able to offer the entire trip, including food, at a price that working - class families could afford. the venture was an enormous success, with people turning out all along the railway line to cheer on the tourists.
four years later, cook began to turn a profit off his all - inclusive tours across the united kingdom, and in 1872, he led his first round - the - world tour.
as other tour providers began offering similar services, cooks business remained dominant. so what distinguished cook and his venture? first, he was inspired by more than profit, believing deeply that travel offered educational experiences that could heal societys ills. in addition, his working - class background meant that he understood his clients better than other tour operators.
which inference is best supported by the text?
choose 1 answer:
a cooks love of travel inspired him to create a tour company to serve the middle and working classes.
b cooks personal beliefs played a role in the origins and the success of his tour company.
c the expansion of cooks business allowed working - class families from around the world to travel.
d cook was originally inspired by personal beliefs but was eventually motivated only by profit.

Explanation:

• Option A: The text mentions Cook's business had roots in the temperance movement (not love of travel) initially. So this option is incorrect.
• Option B: Cook's belief in the temperance movement (personal belief) led to his first tour (origins). Also, his belief that travel offered educational experiences (personal belief) contributed to his business's success. This option is correct.
• Option C: The text says he led a round - the - world tour but doesn't mention that his business expansion allowed working - class families from around the world to travel. The first tour was for a temperance meeting (local context initially). So this option is incorrect.
• Option D: The text says he was inspired by more than profit (belief in travel's educational value). So this option is incorrect.

Answer:

B. Cook's personal beliefs played a role in the origins and the success of his tour company.