Word Meaning in the Preface to A Dictionary of the English Language

Question 1

In "A Modest Proposal," why does Swift intentionally use false premises as a basis for his arguments?

Revolt · Accepted Answer

to signal that he is actually writing a satire

Question 2

Which sentence about Swift’s "A Modest Proposal" is written subjectively?

Revolt · Accepted Answer

“A Modest Proposal” is one of the most brilliant, well-constructed, and effective satires ever written.

Question 3

Read the statement about Swift’s "A Modest Proposal."In "A Modest Proposal," Swift indisputably proves that the children's skins could even be used to create clothing.

Revolt · Accepted Answer

suggests

Question 4

Read the excerpt from "A Modest Proposal."A very worthy person, a true lover of his country, and whose virtues I highly esteem, was lately pleased, in discoursing on this matter, to offer a refinement upon my scheme. He said, that many gentlemen of this kingdom, having of late destroyed their deer, he conceived that the want of venison might be well supply'd by the bodies of young lads and maidens.

Revolt · Accepted Answer

anyone who is truly virtuous or patriotic would not suggest using children for food, so Swift means the opposite of what he says.

Question 5

Read the statement about Swift’s "A Modest Proposal."Swift foolishly boasts that his proposal to help end poverty will also encourage marriage and improve the quality of family life.

Revolt · Accepted Answer

foolishly boasts

Question 6

criticizeexplainsupportapplaud

Revolt · Accepted Answer

criticize

Question 7

Which are main ideas of Swift’s "A Modest Proposal"? Select three options.People could solve the problem of poverty in England by breeding, selling, and eating its impoverished children.The practice of eating impoverished children would benefit the poor, the wealthy, and the English economy.Those who constantly breed would have to care for their children for only one year before selling them for a profit.Men would take better care of their pregnant wives because they would not want to do anything to cause a miscarriage.Swift maintains that his solution to end poverty in England is the easiest, cheapest, and most effective proposal thus far made.

Revolt · Accepted Answer

People could solve the problem of poverty in England by breeding, selling, and eating its impoverished children.; The practice of eating impoverished children would benefit the poor, the wealthy, and the English economy.; Swift maintains that his solution to end poverty in England is the easiest, cheapest, and most effective proposal thus far made.

Question 8

Read the excerpt from "A Modest Proposal."The poorer tenants will have something valuable of their own, which by law may be made liable to a distress, and help to pay their landlord's rent, their corn and cattle being already seized, and money a thing unknown.

Revolt · Accepted Answer

Swift writes that “poorer tenants will have something valuable of their own” that can “help to pay their landlord’s rent.”

Question 9

Which sentence about Swift’s "A Modest Proposal" is written objectively?

Revolt · Accepted Answer

“A Modest Proposal” uses false premises to signal that it is actually a satire.

Word Meaning in the Preface to A Dictionary of the English Language Answers

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