Read the following passage, and mark the letter A, B, C, or D on your answer sheet to indicate the correct answer to each of the questions. Today, in many parts of the world, it is customary for people to shake hands upon meeting as gesture of good will. Originally, however, the practice of shaking hands had a more practical purpose. Shaking hands originated in medieval times. In those days, when a man came on a stranger, he would often automatically reach for his sword with his ...

Read the following passage, and mark the letter A, B, C, or D on your answer sheet to indicate the correct answer to each of the questions.

Today, in many parts of the world, it is customary for people to shake hands upon meeting as gesture of good will. Originally, however, the practice of shaking hands had a more practical purpose. Shaking hands originated in medieval times. In those days, when a man came on a stranger, he would often automatically reach for his sword with his right hand, in case he had to use the weapon to defend himself. Sometimes, both parties found themselves circling around each other, weapons in hand, until it was mutually agreed that the weapons could be laid aside. Then, the two parties extended their right hands to show they had no weapons, and clasped them. This was the beginning of the handshake. The custom of shaking hands is not a universal one. In the Orient, people have, for centuries, clasped their own hands in front of them upon meeting to show that they held no weapons. In France, a custom developed in which people who met would kiss each other on both cheeks. The natives of some South-sea islands greet by rubbing noses.

At first,the purpose of shaking hands was ____________.