Cities across the world are essentially blends of smaller cultural environments that lead people to have vastly different experiences. Each city typically contains a broad spectrum of dining establishments along with various art institutions like museums and theaters. Yet with all these blends of dining, art and night lives, what is the one characteristic that can distinguish a city?

Read the following passage and answer the question.

Cities across the world are essentially blends of smaller cultural environments that lead people to have vastly different experiences. Each city typically contains a broad spectrum of dining establishments along with various art institutions like museums and theaters. Yet with all these blends of dining, art and night lives, what is the one characteristic that can distinguish a city? History. The undeniably unique history of each city provides rich traditions and a bond between the local people that overshadows any other city’s mélange of dining and art institutions.

In context, which word most closely defines mélange?
A . frivolous
B . tradition
C . assortment
D . opportunity
E . brochure

Answer: C

Explanation:

The author selects words such as “spectrum” and “various” to refer to the dining and art institutions. Clearly mélange must be some sort of variety offering. Only choice “assortment” matches this definition.