Read the excerpt from "Politics and the English Language" by George Orwell. To begin with, it has nothing to do with archaism, with the salvaging of obsolete words and turns of speech, or with the setting-up of a "standard-English” which must never be departed from. On the contrary, it is especially concerned with the scrapping of every word or idiom which has outworn its usefulness. It has nothing to do with correct grammar and syntax, which are of no importance so long as one makes one’s meaning clear, or with the avoidance of Americanisms, or with having what is called a "good prose style.” On the other hand it is not concerned with fake simplicity and the attempt to make written English colloquial. Which best describes George Orwell’s purpose and the way he achieves it in this excerpt?
Answer
A
Orwell’s purpose is to persuade readers to use simple language in political writing. He achieves this by discouraging the use of worn-out words and phrases.
B
Orwell’s purpose is to persuade readers to use simple language in political writing. He achieves this by arguing that grammar is important.
C
Orwell’s purpose is to entertain readers with humorous language. He achieves this by using funny words and phrases.
D
Orwell’s purpose is to entertain readers with humorous language. He achieves this by using unusual grammar.
Explanation
Orwell explains that his concern is removing words and idioms that have outlived their usefulness, rather than enforcing strict grammar or a particular style. This supports the purpose of encouraging clear, simple language in political writing. Choice A correctly connects that purpose with his criticism of worn-out expressions; choice D is wrong because he says grammar and syntax are unimportant as long as the meaning is clear.
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