Question

Read the passage below and answer the question.

But there are still some within our country who wrongly believe they can make a contribution to the cause of justice and peace by clinging to the shibboleths that have been proved to spell nothing but disaster.

Based on the context of the passage above, a shibboleth is _____.

A an ancient economic law
B a belief of classesof people
C a colonizer’s perspective
D a group of religious people

Answer 1

b. a custom, principle, or belief distinguishing a particular class or group of people, especially a long-standing one regarded as outmoded or no longer important.

Answer 2

Based on the context of the passage above, a shibboleth is a belief of classesof people. Option B is correct.

A shibboleth refers to any custom or tradition, a phrasing or a single word, that characterizes one particular group of people and distinguishes it from another group of pleople. Shibboleths have been implemented in many societies as passwords, forms of self-identification, conveying loyalty and affinity, keeping traditional segregation, or protecting from real threats.