Question

The passage given below is followed by four alternate summaries. Choose the option that best captures the essence of the passage.
The dominant hypotheses in modern science believe that language evolved to allow humans to exchange factual information about the physical world. But an alternative view is that language evolved, in modern humans at least, to facilitate social bonding. It increased our ancestors’ chances of survival by enabling them to hunt more successfully or to cooperate more extensively. Language meant that things could be explained and that plans and past experiences could be shared efficiently.

• A. From the belief that humans invented language to process factual information, scholars now think that language was the outcome of the need to ensure social cohesion and thus human survival.
• B. Since its origin, language has been continuously evolving to higher forms, from being used to identify objects to ensuring human survival by enabling our ancestors to bond and cooperate.
• C. Most believe that language originated from a need to articulate facts, but others think it emerged from the need to promote social cohesion and cooperation, thus enabling human survival.
• D. Experts are challenging the narrow view of the origin of language, as being merely used to describe facts and label objects, to being necessary to promote more complex interactions among humans.

Answer 1

The Correct Option is C

The dominant theory states language primarily developed for factual information exchange. Conversely, a secondary theory proposes language originated to strengthen social connections, thus aiding human survival.
Option C accurately summarizes these two central perspectives without deviating from the topic.
Option A includes both perspectives but inaccurately suggests a transition from historical beliefs to present academic consensus, which is not the situation.
Option B misses the core of the language origin debate, focusing instead on its progression to more complex forms, thereby misrepresenting the main point.
Option D incorrectly asserts disagreement among experts on these viewpoints, when the author merely presents them without implying any contention.

Therefore, the correct choice is (C): The majority believes language arose from the necessity to convey facts, while others contend it emerged from the need to enhance social unity and collaboration, thereby facilitating human survival.