"Body Rituals of the Nacirema" Quiz

According to the text, what is the main function of the “latipso” in Nacirema culture?

• A place of religious worship

• A center for ritual purification

• A temple where bodily rituals are performed by medicine men

• A school for teaching sacred rites

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What is the central idea of the article?

• The Nacirema are a superstitious people with complex religious beliefs.

• American health and beauty habits may appear irrational when viewed anthropologically.

• Ancient rituals are still practiced in modern societies.

• The Nacirema's customs are based on a fear of death and disease.

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Which of the following best explains how Miner's structure influences the reader’s understanding of the Nacirema?

• By presenting information chronologically, he builds a narrative of cultural progress.

• By using academic language and an objective tone, he encourages critical distance from familiar practices.

• By beginning with a personal anecdote, he creates emotional appeal.

• By using first-person narration, he highlights his personal biases.

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What is the most likely meaning of “masochistic tendencies” as used in the context of the Nacirema’s rituals?

• A strong desire to inflict pain on others

• A need to follow ancient religious practices

• A fascination with health and hygiene

• A willingness to endure pain for perceived benefit

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Which phrase from the text most contributes to the satirical tone?

• “the medicine men have a very imposing temple”

• “a highly developed market economy”

• “ritual fasts to make fat people thin and ceremonial feasts to make thin people fat”

• “the people are deeply concerned with their health”

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How does the author’s use of diction affect the tone of the article?

• The informal diction creates a humorous tone.

• The religious diction creates a reverent tone.

• The formal, anthropological diction creates a satirical tone.

• The emotional diction creates a persuasive tone.

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What is Horace Miner’s likely purpose in writing this article?

• To expose the truth about an unfamiliar tribe

• To question the value of American hygiene practices

• To encourage respect for diverse cultural traditions

• To critique how academic language can alienate familiar ideas

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Which of the following best reflects the author’s point of view?

• Cultural rituals should be respected, regardless of their origins.

• Western society should adopt more rational health practices.

• An outsider’s perspective can make the familiar appear strange.

• Anthropologists should avoid studying cultures too similar to their own.

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What claim does Miner make about the Nacirema’s use of medicine men?

• Medicine men are necessary for healing both physical and spiritual ailments.

• The reliance on medicine men shows the society’s deep faith in science.

• The Nacirema depend on elaborate rituals that may not improve health.

• The role of medicine men is purely symbolic in Nacirema culture.

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How does Miner support his claim about the Nacirema’s obsession with the body?

• By comparing them to other primitive tribes

• By listing their daily rituals and describing them with clinical language

• By offering statistical data about health outcomes

• By including testimonies from tribal members

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