Why are the outsides of the buildings in Philbert Place so darkened ?

London weather is foggy. <<my choice
They were once attractive.
They are stained with soot.
The area is too crowded.

Fog does not darken the buildings.

What is the only thing that could make these walls so dark?

Yeah I looked up the question, it's supposed to be from an excerpt from The Lost Prince by Francis Hodgson Burnett.

I imagine the answer is soot.

It is the soot. I took the test

To answer the question about why the outsides of the buildings in Philbert Place are darkened, we need to examine the options provided.

The first option suggests that the darkening may be due to the foggy weather in London. While London is known for its foggy weather, it is unlikely to be the sole reason for the darkening of buildings. Fog can cause moisture and dampness, but it doesn't necessarily darken the exterior surfaces of buildings significantly.

The second option suggests that the buildings were initially attractive but have since become darkened. However, without further context or details, it is difficult to determine how or why the buildings became less attractive or darkened over time.

The third option proposes that the buildings are stained with soot. Soot is a black, powdery substance that can accumulate on surfaces due to the burning of fossil fuels like coal or wood. This explanation is plausible, especially in cities with historical or older buildings that have been exposed to pollution or lack of maintenance.

The fourth option suggests that the area is too crowded, but it is unlikely to be the direct cause of the buildings' darkening. Crowded areas can lead to many other issues, such as reduced sunlight exposure or increased pollution, which might indirectly contribute to the darkening but would not be the primary cause.

Therefore, based on the options provided, the most likely explanation for the darkened outsides of the buildings in Philbert Place would be that they are stained with soot, which could be a result of historical pollution or lack of maintenance.

I bet this comes from something you were supposed to be reading, and we have no idea. I bet you will find it in the paragraph leading up to the buildings. Are you certain it is not soot?