Question

read the passage.
secret messages often come in the form of carefully written code, but a much older, more colorful method can be found in flowers. floriography, the \language of flowers,\ refers to the symbolism of flowers and how they are worn or presented. for example, a rose with its thorns clipped off could be an encouragement; with the thorns on, however, it could be a dire warning. marigolds—said to symbolize trouble—signaled distraction or worry when pictured on a persons head and romantic woe when shown on a persons chest. even though floriography is not as common today, flowers still carry deep symbolic meaning in many cultures. whether expressing love, warning of danger, or signaling sorrow, the language of flowers continues to speak in subtle yet powerful ways.
based on the passage, what was the practical use of floriography?
it allowed people to hide notes written in code inside bouquets of flowers.
it allowed people to grow the types of flowers that matched their moods.
it allowed people to send messages with hidden meanings by displaying flowers.
it allowed people to develop an appreciation for the historical uses of flowers.

Explanation:

The passage states that floriography is the "language of flowers" and gives examples like a rose with thorns clipped off as encouragement or with thorns as a warning. It also mentions that flowers carry symbolic meaning (e.g., expressing love, warning of danger, signaling sorrow). This shows that it's about using flowers to send messages with hidden meanings.

• The first option about hiding coded notes in bouquets is not mentioned in the passage.
• The second option about growing flowers to match moods is not the focus (the focus is on sending messages with symbolic meaning).
• The fourth option about developing an appreciation for historical uses is too broad; the passage emphasizes the practical use of sending messages with symbolic meaning.

Answer:

It allowed people to send messages with hidden meanings by displaying flowers.