Question

Dhofar is a fine city of great size and splendour lying about 500 miles north-west of Shihr. Here again the people are Saracens and worship Mahomet, and are subject to a count who is likewise subject to the sultan of Aden. You must understand that this city is still within the province of Aden. The city stands on the sea and has a very good port, frequented by many merchant ships that import and export great quantities of merchandise. Many good Arab steeds, and horses from other lands as well, are brought here, and the merchants make a handsome profit on them.

–“The Middle East,”
Marco Polo

Which details from the passage reveal a subjective perspective? Check all that apply.

“a very good port”
“within the province of Aden”
“a fine city of great size and splendour”
“great quantities of merchandise”
“the merchants make a handsome profit”

Answer 1

Subjective: “a very good port”; “a fine city of great size and splendour”; “the merchants make a handsome profit.”

These phrases use opinionated, evaluative words (“very good,” “fine,” “splendour,” “handsome profit”) rather than strictly measurable facts.

Objective (not subjective): “within the province of Aden” (a factual location). “great quantities of merchandise” is more factual/quantitative, not clearly evaluative.