Classical Speeches and Literature of the Middle Ages — Test
Question 3 • English 3
Read the excerpt from Alexander the Great’s speech at Opis. Philip gave you cloaks to wear instead of skins, he brought you down from the mountains into the plains, he turned you into a fighting force ready to match your barbarian neighbours, with a security now based on trust in your own native courage rather than the strength of defensive positions: he made you city-dwellers and gave you the benefits of law and a civilized way of life. What is Alexander’s main point in this excerpt?
Answer
A
Philip’s leadership made the people into a strong civilization.
B
Philip moved the people’s home from the mountains into the city.
C
Philip’s leadership helped the people have more self-confidence.
D
Philip led the people to become as strong as their neighbors.
Explanation
Alexander lists several ways Philip changed the people’s lives: he improved their clothing, brought them into the plains, made them a capable fighting force, and gave them cities, laws, and a civilized way of life. Together, these examples support the main point that Philip’s leadership made the people into a strong civilization. The other choices mention individual changes, but not the full idea of the excerpt.
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