Read the excerpt from "A Quilt of a Country."
What is the point of this splintered whole? What is the
point of a nation in which Arab cabbies chauffeur
Jewish passengers through the streets of New York-
and in which Jewish cabbies chauffeur Arab
passengers, too, and yet speak in theory of hatred, one
for the other? What is the point of a nation in which one
part seems to be always on the verge of fisticuffs with
another, blacks and whites, gays and straights, left and
right, Pole and Chinese and Puerto Rican and
Slovenian? Other countries with such divisions have in
fact divided into new nations with new names, but not
this one, impossibly interwoven even in its hostilities.
Which statement best summarizes the central idea of
this paragraph?
O America's cultural differences have caused it to
fracture.
America is a united country despite its cultural
differences.
America's cultural differences make it impossible to
live peacefully.
O America is always on the verge of civil unrest due to
its multicultural citizens.



Answer :

The central idea of the paragraph from "A Quilt of a Country" is that America, despite its diverse cultural differences and hostilities, remains a united country. The author questions the purpose of a nation where individuals from various backgrounds interact and coexist, yet tensions and animosities still exist between them. Despite these divisions and conflicts, the author highlights the unique interconnectedness of the American society, emphasizing how different groups coexist within the same nation, unlike other countries that have divided over similar issues. To summarize: - America is a united country despite its cultural differences. - The diversity and hostilities within the nation are acknowledged, but the interconnectedness and coexistence of different groups are emphasized. - The paragraph reflects on the complexity and unity of America, contrasting it with other countries that have split over cultural divisions. Overall, the paragraph underscores the resilience and unity of America amidst its cultural diversity, highlighting the intricate tapestry of coexistence and shared experiences that define the nation.