ASVAB (Armed Services Vocational Aptitude Battery)Paragraph Comprehension (PC)Easy
Read the following passage: "The earliest forms of writing, such as cuneiform developed by the Sumerians around 3400 BCE, primarily served practical administrative purposes. These systems were used to record economic transactions, inventories, and legal codes. Over time, their complexity evolved, allowing for the expression of more abstract concepts and narratives. However, their initial creation was intrinsically linked to the growing needs of organized societies to manage resources and maintain order." Based on the passage, what was the main reason for the development of early writing systems?
- ATo communicate across vast geographical distances.
- BTo manage administrative tasks and economic records.
- CTo document religious rituals and spiritual beliefs.
- DTo create epic poems and historical narratives.
Show answer & explanationAnswer & explanation
Correct answer: B. To manage administrative tasks and economic records.
The passage explicitly states that early writing systems 'primarily served practical administrative purposes' and were used to 'record economic transactions, inventories, and legal codes,' directly supporting option B.
Why the other options are wrong
- A. While a consequence, the passage doesn't identify this as the main initial reason.
- C. The passage does not mention religious documentation as the primary initial purpose.
- D. The passage mentions this evolved over time, but not as the primary initial reason.
Early Writing Purpose
Early writing systems, like cuneiform, were initially developed to fulfill practical administrative and economic needs of organized societies.
- Developed by Sumerians (cuneiform)
- Around 3400 BCE
- Primarily for administrative/economic records
Memory trick: Ancient scribes kept tabs on their Tabs.