The most eagerly anticipated social events were the rural fairs, Hundreds of men, women, and children attended from far and near. The men bought or traded farm animals and acquired needed merchandise while the women displayed food prepared in their kitchens, and everyone, Including the youngsters, watched or participated in a variety of competitive sports, with prizes awarded to the winners. These events typically included horse races, wrestling matches, and foot races, as well as some nonathletic events such as whistling competitions. No other occasions did so much to relieve the isolation of farm existence.

With the open countryside everywhere at hand, city dwellers naturally shared in some of the rural diversions. Favored recreations included fishing, hunting1 skating, and swimming. But city dwellers also developed other pleasures. which only compact communities made possible.

41. What is the passage mainly about?
(A) Methods of farming used by early settlers of the United States
(B) Hardships faced by the early settlers of the United States
(C) Methods of buying, selling, and trading used by early settlers of the United States
(D) Ways in which early settlers of the United States relaxed

42. What can be inferred about the diversions of the early settlers of the United States?
(A) They followed a pattern begun in Europe.
(B) They were enjoyed more frequently than in Europe.
(C) The clergy organized them.
(D) Only the wealthy participated in them.

43. Which of 'he following can be said about the country dwellers' attitude toward "the pursuit of pleasure"?
(A) They felt that it should help keep their minds on their work.
(B) They felt that it was not necessary.
(C) They felt that it should be. productive.
(D) They felt that it should not involve eating and drinking.


44. The phrase "thanks to" in line 8 is closest in meaning to
(A)grateful for
(B) help with
(C) because of
(D) machines for

45. The word "their" in line B refers to
(A) ways
(B) farm dwellers
(C) demands
(D) pressures

46. What is meant by the phrase "double-purpose" in line 11 ?
(A) Very frequent
(B) Useful and enjoyable
(C) Extremely necessary
(D) Positive and negative

47. The phrase "eagerly anticipated" in line 16 is closest in meaning to
(A) well organized
(B) old-fashioned
(C) strongly opposed
(D) looked forward to

48. Which of the following can be said about the rural diversions mentioned in the last paragraph in which city dwellers also participated?
(A) They were useful to the rural community.
(B) They involved the purchase items useful in the home.
(C) They were activities that could be done equally easily in the towns
(D) They were all outdoor activities.

49. What will the author probably discuss in the paragraph following this passage?
(A) The rural diversions enjoyed by both urban and rural people
(B) Leisure activities of city dwellers
(C) Building methods of the early settlers in rural areas
(D)Changes in the lifestyles of settlers' as they moved to the cities

50. Where in the passage does the author mention factors that might prevent people from enjoying themselves?