Question 11.

According to this passage, which one of the following statements best describes the significance of archaeology for historians?
A
Archaeology helps historians to carry out their primary duty.
B
Archaeology helps historians to interpret historical facts.
C
Archaeology helps historians to ascertain factual accuracy.
D
Archaeology helps historians to locate the oldest civilisations in history.

Question Explanation

Text Explanation

Note the context in which the author talks about archaeology and other the "auxiliary sciences" of history: 'But [to] praise a historian for his accuracy is like praising an architect for using well-seasoned timber or properly mixed concrete in his building. It is a necessary condition of his work, but not his essential function. It is precisely for matters of this kind that the historian is entitled to rely on what have been called the "auxiliary sciences" of history-archaeology, epigraphy, numismatics, chronology, and so forth...'


The author states auxiliary sciences like archaeology only help historians to ascertain the accuracy of facts. They do not help in the essential function of his work, which is to interpret the facts.

Option C is the correct choice.

Hence, the answer is 'Archaeology helps historians to ascertain factual accuracy.'

Choice C is the correct answer.

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