Question 18 • $2526: sem 2: 1001410: English 4 HONORS: NEW
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.
Answer
A
Orwell’s purpose is to persuade readers to use simple language in political writing. He achieves this by arguing that grammar is important.
B
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.
C
Orwell’s purpose is to entertain readers with humorous language. He achieves this by using unusual grammar.
D
Orwell’s purpose is to entertain readers with humorous language. He achieves this by using funny words and phrases.
Explanation
Orwell says his concern is “the scrapping of every word or idiom which has outworn its usefulness.” This supports the idea that he wants writers to use clear, simple language in political writing by avoiding stale words and phrases. Choice A is wrong because the excerpt says correct grammar and syntax are not important as long as meaning is clear; the passage is not mainly intended to entertain.
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