Read the passage about foolish opinions, observation, and imaginary creatures such as unicorns and salamanders, then answer the question. Ancient and medieval writers, according to the author, wrote confidently about unicorns and salamanders without ever seeing them. What does the author suggest about unicorns and salamanders in this context?

Introduction / Context:
This question continues from the passage that criticises foolish opinions and unverified beliefs. The author mentions that ancient and medieval writers wrote confidently about unicorns and salamanders, even though they had never observed such creatures. The question asks what conclusion the author wants us to draw about the status of these animals.

Given Data / Assumptions:

• The passage states that ancient and medieval writers knew all about unicorns and salamanders, according to their own claims.
• It also points out that none of these writers had ever seen these creatures.
• The author uses this example to illustrate how people make dogmatic statements without observation.
• The passage is about avoiding foolish opinions and focusing on evidence.
• Unicorns and salamanders are used as symbols of unverified or mythical ideas.

Concept / Approach:
The main concept here is the difference between myth and evidence based belief. The author is not treating unicorns and salamanders as real animals but as examples of creatures described in traditional stories. The fact that no one had seen them and yet wrote detailed accounts is presented as a fault. Therefore, the correct option must reflect that the author treats these animals as unreal or legendary, not as real but invisible beings.

Step-by-Step Solution:
Step 1: Recall the exact statement about unicorns and salamanders in the passage. Step 2: Note that the author says ancient and medieval writers knew all about them and yet had never seen them. Step 3: Understand the implied criticism: people spoke with great confidence without any direct observation. Step 4: Ask what this implies about the creatures themselves. If nobody has ever seen them, they are being treated as mythical beings rather than real animals. Step 5: Choose the answer that best reflects the idea that these creatures never really existed in reality.

Verification / Alternative check:
To verify, check whether the passage gives any hint that unicorns or salamanders exist. It does not describe any real evidence. Instead, it highlights that writers did not avoid dogmatic statements even though they had never seen these animals. This is a classic example of myth being treated like fact. Therefore, the option that states that they never really existed, while writers acted as if they did, clearly matches the authors purpose.

Why Other Options Are Wrong:

• Option A claims that they have existed in the past. The passage gives no evidence of this; it only shows that people wrote about them.
• Option B suggests that they are invisible. This is not mentioned in the passage, and it would not support the argument about careless belief.
• Option C says that they caused people to write strange stories, which may sound plausible but does not capture the key point that the stories were not based on observation.

Common Pitfalls:
A typical error is treating everything written in a text about mythical creatures as if it were historical fact. Another pitfall is failing to see sarcasm or humour in the authors tone. When the writer says that ancient authors knew all about these beasts, the tone is ironic. Recognising irony and the lack of observation helps avoid choosing options that treat unicorns and salamanders as real animals.

Final Answer:
The author uses unicorns and salamanders as examples of imaginary creatures that writers described without evidence. Hence, the correct interpretation is that they never really existed, although writers spoke dogmatically about them.