Dear Aunt Suzanne,
I have a few minutes before I get on the bus from Galway back to Dublin and wanted to tell you how my class trip to Ireland is going. We just spent 2 days on Inis Mor, the largest of the Aran Islands, which are just off the central west coast of Ireland. We took a ferry from Galway, a ride that takes about an hour and was quite gray and stormy.
For an island that is only about 12 square miles, there is a lot to do and see on Inis Mor! After eating steak and vegetable stew and brown bread with butter, we went to the sweater market, where all kinds of woolen products were sold. The Aran Islands are known for their wool because sheep thrive here and generations have used woolen sweaters and hats to survive long cold days of fishing on the open sea. In fact, I learned that each family or clan has its own signature knitting pattern and some are able to tell which family someone belongs to by the pattern of their sweater! The Healy pattern is an interesting combination of twists and braids, and I found you a birthday souvenir with a beautiful example
The next day, we rented bicycles and toured the island. We saw ancient ruins, a prehistoric hill fort, and a white sand beach. We also climbed down to a mysterious rock formation known as The Worm Hole” a rectangular hole in a stone shore that fills with thrashing waves and looks like it houses a terrible serpent (see attached photo). The Worm Hole was difficult to find, and when we stopped someone for directions, she only Spoke Gaelic Sometimes this island seems stuck in an earlier time.
Which of the following details supports the inference that Eva’s family has Irish roots?
A.
Eva has found an example of the Healy knitting pattern for her aunt
B.
Eva is learning about the culture and traditions in Ireland.
C.
Eva is communicating with her aunt while on a class trip to Ireland
D.
Eva is taking a lot of pictures while on her trip to Ireland.
The Correct Answer and Explanation is:
The detail that supports the inference that Eva’s family has Irish roots is:
A. Eva has found an example of the Healy knitting pattern for her aunt
Explanation:
This detail suggests a connection to Irish heritage because the Healy knitting pattern is specifically associated with the Aran Islands, known for their distinctive woolen sweaters. These sweaters often feature unique patterns that are linked to different families or clans on the islands. The fact that Eva has specifically sought out and found a souvenir with the Healy pattern implies a personal or familial significance to this pattern.
- Cultural Significance: The Aran Islands’ knitting patterns are a significant aspect of Irish cultural heritage. The Healy pattern, like other family patterns, has a historical and cultural value. The fact that Eva is interested enough to obtain a souvenir featuring this pattern indicates that she or her family may have a personal or cultural connection to Ireland.
- Personal Connection: Eva’s choice to find a specific family pattern suggests that there is more than just a tourist interest at play. It indicates a deeper personal connection to the cultural artifacts of Ireland. Such connections are often rooted in family heritage or ancestral origins. If Eva’s family has Irish roots, they might have a cultural or historical connection to the Aran Islands, making the Healy pattern especially meaningful to her.
- Cultural Continuity: The tradition of family-specific knitting patterns reflects a continuity of cultural practices and traditions. If Eva’s family has Irish roots, her interest in and acquisition of such a culturally significant item highlights a sense of cultural identity or pride.
While the other options (B, C, and D) provide context about Eva’s trip and her learning experiences, they do not directly indicate a personal or familial connection to Irish heritage as clearly as option A does. Option B reflects learning about the culture but not necessarily personal heritage; C reflects communication during a trip but does not imply family roots; and D reflects a common tourist activity without indicating cultural or familial ties.
Thus, Eva’s effort to obtain a souvenir featuring the Healy knitting pattern strongly supports the inference that her family has Irish roots.