Read the excerpt from "A Modest Proposal." I propose to provide for them in such a manner, as, instead of being a charge upon their parents, or the parish, or wanting food and raiment for the rest of their lives, they shall, on the contrary, contribute to the feeding, and partly to the cloathing of many thousands. . . . Which false premise does the author rely on in this excerpt?
Answer
A
that parents would choose to disown their children instead of caring for them
B
that parents would value their children over an improved economy
C
that parents would rather sell their children than be responsible for them
D
that parents would prefer to provide for their children instead of selling them
Explanation
Swift’s speaker proposes that poor parents sell their children so the children can become food and clothing for others. This proposal depends on the false premise that parents would rather sell their children than take responsibility for supporting them. The other choices describe caring for or disowning children, not the assumption behind the excerpt.
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