Question 9 • CMS 2026-2027 English II CREDIT RECOVERY
Read this passage from chapter 5 of The Prince . There are, for example, the Spartans and the Romans. The Spartans held Athens and Thebes, establishing there an oligarchy: nevertheless they lost them. The Romans, in order to hold Capua, Carthage, and Numantia, dismantled them, and did not lose them. They wished to hold Greece as the Spartans held it, making it free and permitting its laws, and did not succeed. Which features of the passage are typical of a compare/contrast structure? Choose three correct answers.
Answer
A
It identifies two groups that will be discussed.
B
It uses the signal phrase for example to introduce evidence.
C
It explains the reasons invading forces did not succeed.
D
It uses the signal word nevertheless to indicate a difference.
E
It describes similar and different outcomes to similar actions.
Explanation
The passage names two groups, the Spartans and the Romans, then compares how they tried to hold conquered places. The word “nevertheless” signals a contrast: the Spartans lost Athens and Thebes despite establishing an oligarchy, while the Romans kept the places they dismantled. The final example also contrasts the Romans’ failure in Greece with their success in the other cities, showing similar actions and different outcomes.
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