The case for the library — Aptitude Question
The case for the library: The public library is a strange institution by the standards of modern economics. Answer and worked solution on CodeKairo.
- Topic: Reading Comprehension
- Section: Verbal Ability
- Difficulty: Medium
- Time target: 90 seconds
Question
The public library is a strange institution by the standards of modern economics. It gives away, free of charge, a service that people would pay for. It admits everyone regardless of what they can spend. And it survives, in most countries, on a budget that would embarrass a mid-sized company. Its defenders no longer argue chiefly about books; they argue about the library as one of the few remaining places a person may sit for an afternoon without being asked to buy anything.
According to the passage, how has the defence of libraries changed?
Options
- It now rests on the library as a public space rather than chiefly on books.
- It now rests on the cost of running libraries.
- It has become an argument about literacy rates.
- It has not changed at all.
Show the answer and the worked solution
Correct answer: A. It now rests on the library as a public space rather than chiefly on books.
Worked solution
- The passage says defenders 'no longer argue chiefly about books'.
- They argue instead for the library as a place one may sit without spending.
- That is the shift the first option describes.
Answer: It now rests on the library as a public space rather than chiefly on books.
The idea
When a passage contrasts 'once' with 'now', the question is usually about that shift. Locate both halves before choosing.
Shortcut. The question asks about change, so go straight to the 'no longer … ; they argue …' sentence: books out, a place to sit without buying in. Only one option names that swap.
Common trap. "It now rests on the cost of running libraries." — the passage mentions a small budget, so cost feels relevant, but the budget describes the library; it is not the new defence.