Question

The pigs did not actually work, but directed and supervised the others. With their superior knowledge it was natural that they should assume the leadership. Boxer and Clover would harness themselves to the cutter or the horse-rake (no bits or reins were needed in these days, of course) and tramp steadily round and round the field with a pig walking behind and calling out “Gee up, comrade!” or “Whoa back, comrade!” as the case might be.

–Animal Farm,

George Orwell

Which statement best explains the central idea of this passage?

The pigs do not do the same amount of physical work as the other animals.
Boxer and Clover are the only animals intelligent enough to work in the fields.
Life under at Animal Farm often feels like it is going in circles.
The pigs allow Boxer and Clover to work without bits and reins.

Answer 1

The pigs do not do the same amount of physical work as the other animals.

Explanation: The passage explicitly states the pigs "did not actually work" but supervised and led, while Boxer and Clover performed the physical labor, so the central idea is the unequal distribution of work.