Question

read the excerpt from chapter 8 of the travels of marco polo. hormuz is a great and splendid city on the sea, governed by a malik and with several cities and towns in subjection to it. the people are saracens who worship mahomet. the climate is excessively hot—so hot that the houses are fitted with ventilators to catch the wind. the ventilators are set to face the quarter from which the wind blows and let it blow into the house. this they do because they cannot endure the over - powering heat. which statement best explains the author’s perspective about living in hormuz? the author is confused by the hot climate and how the people handle it. the author is impressed by the hot climate and the people’s response to it. the author wants to learn more about the worship of mahomet in hormuz. the author is surprised by the religious practice of the people of hormuz.

Explanation:

1. Analyze Option 1: The excerpt describes the climate and people's response, but "confused" is not supported. The author explains the ventilation system clearly, not showing confusion.
2. Analyze Option 2: The author notes the "excessively hot" climate and how people use ventilators to deal with it. The description of the city as "great and splendid" and the detailed explanation of the ventilation system suggests admiration (being impressed) by the climate and people's response.
3. Analyze Option 3: The excerpt mentions the people worship Mahomet but does not indicate the author wants to learn more. The focus is on the city and climate, not a desire for further religious knowledge.
4. Analyze Option 4: The author states the people worship Mahomet but does not express surprise. The tone is descriptive, not surprised about the religious practice.

Answer:

B. The author is impressed by the hot climate and the people’s response to it.