Question

text 1
the banjo is an instrument that comes from africa. evidence of the banjo being played in africa dates back to the early 1600s. back then, the instrument had a different name and a different look from the banjo we know today. the original banjo was made from materials such as dried gourds and goat skins.
text 2
in the 1940s, a young musician named earl scruggs developed a new way of playing the banjo. the technique used three fingers to quickly pick the instruments five strings. this created a different sound that led to a new style of music known as bluegrass. as a result, the banjo is a key instrument in bluegrass bands.
which sentence best combines the main, or central, ideas of both texts?
the banjo is an instrument that has african roots as well as connections to bluegrass music.
the musician earl scruggs created a new type of banjo using dried gourds and goat skins.

Explanation:

To determine the sentence that combines the main ideas of both texts, we analyze each option:

• The first option: "The banjo is an instrument that has African roots as well as connections to bluegrass music." Text 1 explains the banjo's African origins, and Text 2 details its role in bluegrass music (due to Earl Scruggs' contribution). This option integrates both central ideas.
• The second option focuses only on Earl Scruggs' banjo - making, which is not the main idea of either text (Text 1 is about the banjo's origin, Text 2 about its role in bluegrass via playing technique).

Answer:

The banjo is an instrument that has African roots as well as connections to bluegrass music.