In those societies, the … and the cultured lived together.

Analyze the question

This is an opposites question with a gap. The underlined word is not shown, but from the sentence it is "cultured". We need a word that fits the gap and is most nearly opposite in meaning to "cultured".

Explain the concept

"Cultured" means refined, educated, civilised and well-mannered. Its opposite should describe someone who is uncivilised or uncultured.

Solution: test each option

• A. ignorant means lacking knowledge. It is the opposite of "educated" or "learned", not strictly of "cultured". It is a possible fit, but it is not the best one.
• B. rich is about wealth, which is unrelated to being cultured. It is wrong.
• C. barbaric means uncivilised, crude and savage. This is the direct opposite of "cultured" (civilised and refined). It also fits the sentence: "In those societies, the barbaric and the cultured lived together."
• D. arrogant means proud and overbearing. It has no relation to culture, so it is wrong.

"Ignorant" is the closest distractor. It contrasts with "knowledgeable", but "cultured" is about civilisation and refinement, and the antonym that matches this is "barbaric".

Answer: C. barbaric

Tip: In opposites questions, first pin down the exact sense of the key word. "Cultured" is about refinement and civilisation, not just knowledge. Then choose the option that opposes that exact sense, and be careful with near-fit distractors like "ignorant".