Question

read the passage from sugar changed the world. one of these early hindu writings, the atharva veda, speaks of an archer’s bow made of sugar cane. it tells of growing a circle of sugar cane as a kind of sweet protection for a lover, and it includes specific instructions on how to use sugar cane. which inference does this passage support? ○ hindus who lived in ancient times used sugar the same way we use it today. ○ hindus who lived in ancient times believed that sugar had powerful properties. ○ most hindus in ancient times had very few specific uses for sugar cane. ○ most hindus in ancient times searched for new ways to use sugar cane.

Explanation:

• Analyze Option 1: The passage doesn't show ancient Hindus used sugar the same as today (no comparison to modern use), so eliminate.
• Analyze Option 2: The passage mentions using sugar cane for a bow, as a sweet protection, and specific instructions. This implies they believed sugar had powerful properties (for protection, crafting), so this is supported.
• Analyze Option 3: The passage gives multiple specific uses (bow, protection, instructions), so "very few" is wrong. Eliminate.
• Analyze Option 4: The passage focuses on existing uses, not searching for new ones. Eliminate.

Answer:

B. Hindus who lived in ancient times believed that sugar had powerful properties.