Question 1
For thousands of years, several characteristics have been consistent across human societies around the world. Animal husbandry, agriculture, and artistic expression are some of the similarities all societies share. Another similarity is the mustache. So now I mustache a question: why have mustaches had such a notable presence in human history? Humans have been shaving for as long as there has been facial hair to shave. However, it is in the past several centuries that mustaches have undergone a more creative transformation. Now, there are many different types of mustaches. The Handlebar, Pencil, and Walrus are only a few of the many types known today. With just a sharpened razor and some mustache wax, the creativity of people and their mustaches can be endless. Though the popularity of the mustache in different cultures varies over time, it has certainly influenced other creations. In the 1800s and early 1900s, mustaches were so popular that a new style of drinking cup, the mustache cup, was created. The mustache cup had a built-in covering over the top so mustaches would not be touched by the beverage. A more recent example of the mark of mustaches can be seen by the first World Mustache Tournament in 2013. The mustache truly is part of the human experience. Due to its place in the human experience, the mustache is a symbol with varied significance: power, prestige, beauty. When one thinks of mustaches, one may think of a villain from silent films, twisting the ends of his mustache. One may also think of a respected leader with a mustache of prominence. Perhaps one may think of people with famous mustaches: Tom Selleck, Burt Reynolds, and Charlie Chaplin, to name a few. No matter what one pictures when thinking of mustaches, it is clear that the mustache has a substantial effect on human perception.
What can be inferred about the writer from the evidence provided in the passage?
Rationale
The writer enjoys having a beard.
The passage suggests that the writer has a personal preference for beards. This could be inferred from the writer's tone and the content of their discussion regarding beards.
A) No competitions exist for the best mustache.
The passage does not provide any information about the existence or non-existence of competitions for the best mustache. This is an assumption that cannot be made based on the given text.
C) Mustaches are not as easily styled as beards.
While the passage discusses beards, it does not compare the ease of styling between mustaches and beards. Therefore, this inference is not supported by the text.
D) The writer is a professional barber.
Although the writer discusses beards, there is no evidence in the text to suggest that they are a professional barber. The text does not mention any professional training or experiences related to haircare or grooming.
Conclusion
The evidence in the passage suggests that the writer has a personal preference for beards. The passage does not provide sufficient evidence to support the other choices: that there are no competitions for the best mustache, that mustaches are not as easily styled as beards, or that the writer is a professional barber.