Read the excerpt:
The ancient Library of Alexandria was part of a research institution where scholars studied mathematics, astronomy, medicine and literature. Rulers ordered that every ship entering the harbour be searched for books, which were copied and the copies returned to their owners. Historians still debate how the library declined; there was no single fire but a long loss of funding and support over several centuries.
What do historians say about the library's decline?
Answer and explanation
Correct answer: C. It was a long process rather than one fire
- Step 1: Find the relevant detail in the text: "there was no single fire but a long loss of funding and support".
- Step 2: This detail answers the question directly.
Answer
It was a long process rather than one fire.
Why not the others: "It ended in one fire" is not supported by the text; "It was moved to another city" is not supported by the text; "It never declined" is not supported by the text.
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