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For thousands of years, several characteristics have been consistent across human societies around the world. Animal husbandry, agriculture, and artistic expression are some of the similarities all societies share. Another similarity is the mustache. So now I mustache a question: why have mustaches had such a notable presence in human history? Humans have been shaving for as long as there has been facial hair to shave. However, it is in the past several centuries that mustaches have undergone a more creative transformation. Now, there are many different types of mustaches. The Handlebar, Pencil, and Walrus are only a few of the many types known today. With just a sharpened razor and some mustache wax, the creativity of people and their mustaches can be endless. Though the popularity of the mustache in different cultures varies over time, it has certainly influenced other creations. In the 1800s and early 1900s, mustaches were so popular that a new style of drinking cup, the mustache cup, was created. The mustache cup had a built-in covering over the top so mustaches would not be touched by the beverage. A more recent example of the mark of mustaches can be seen by the first World Mustache Tournament in 2013. The mustache truly is part of the human experience. Due to its place in the human experience, the mustache is a symbol with varied significance: power, prestige, beauty. When one thinks of mustaches, one may think of a villain from silent films, twisting the ends of his mustache. One may also think of a respected leader with a mustache of prominence. Perhaps one may think of people with famous mustaches: Tom Selleck, Burt Reynolds, and Charlie Chaplin, to name a few. No matter what one pictures when thinking of mustaches, it is clear that the mustache has a substantial effect on human perception.

For what reason did the author include information about the World Mustache Tournament?

  • A. To emphasize the prestige associated with mustaches
  • B. To encourage readers to participate in the tournament
  • C. To highlight the competitive nature of people with mustaches
  • D. To demonstrate that mustaches remain popular in modern times
Correct Answer: D

Rationale: The author included information about the World Mustache Tournament to showcase that mustaches maintain relevance and popularity in contemporary times. By referencing this event, the passage indicates that mustaches continue to be celebrated and have a significant presence in modern culture. This serves to highlight the enduring appeal and influence of mustaches on society, contradicting any notion that they are outdated or no longer relevant. The World Mustache Tournament is used as an example to demonstrate the ongoing interest and significance of mustaches, supporting the idea that they have not lost their popularity over time.