Question 43

The Romans staged extravaganzas.

The passage mentions that the Romans were famous for their extravagant displays in the Coliseum, highlighting their historical role in the development of circus-like entertainment.

A) Ernest Hemingway did not like circuses.

This option is incorrect as the extract does not state Hemingway's dislike for circuses; rather, it quotes him as suggesting that the circus is an "ageless delight" that can be purchased, implying a positive view.

B) The Romans staged extravaganzas.

This option is correct because the passage explicitly states that "The Romans were famous for their extravaganzas in the Coliseum," providing a clear historical reference to their grand performances.

C) "Circus" is an Italian word.

This option is incorrect as the extract does not provide information about the etymology of the word "circus," and therefore cannot confirm or deny its Italian origins.

D) The costumes of the clowns are outrageous.

This option is not supported by the extract. While the passage mentions fanciful costumes, it does not describe them as outrageous or provide any specific details about them.

Conclusion

The correct answer, B, is definitively supported by the text, which clearly states the historical significance of Roman extravaganzas. All other options fail because they misinterpret or lack direct support from the passage, highlighting the importance of accurate comprehension of the text provided.