Satire in Swift's "A Modest Proposal" (Continued) — Quiz
Question 16 • English Language Arts 12
Read the excerpt from "A Modest Proposal." I profess, in the sincerity of my heart, that I have not the least personal interest in endeavouring to promote this necessary work, having no other motive than the publick good of my country, by advancing our trade, providing for infants, relieving the poor, and giving some pleasure to the rich. I have no children, by which I can propose to get a single penny; the youngest being nine years old, and my wife past child-bearing. Which statement effectively uses a quotation to relate Swift’s claim that he has no personal motive for making this proposal?
Answer
A
Swift explains that his new proposal will result in both “relieving the poor” and “giving some pleasure to the rich.”
B
According to Swift, he has “not the least personal interest in endeavouring to promote this necessary work.”
C
Swift writes that he does not stand to make any financial gain from the adoption of his proposed plan.
D
Swift states that his youngest child is nine years old and that his wife is currently past child-bearing.
Explanation
Swift claims that he has no personal motive, and the excerpt directly states he has “not the least personal interest” in promoting the proposal. Choice D uses that quotation to support the claim. The other choices either focus on the proposal’s supposed benefits or paraphrase details without quoting the key evidence.
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