Word Meaning in the Preface to A Dictionary of the English Language — Unit test
Question 14 • OK-English IV A-CR
Read the excerpt from the Declaration of Independence.Nor have We been wanting in attention to our Brittish brethren. We have warned them from time to time of attempts by their legislature to extend an unwarrantable jurisdiction over us. We have reminded them of the circumstances of our emigration and settlement here. We have appealed to their native justice and magnanimity, and we have conjured them by the ties of our common kindred to disavow these usurpations, which would inevitably interrupt our connections and correspondence. They too have been deaf to the voice of justice and of consanguinity.
Answer
A
to inform readers about British immigration to the colonies
B
to convince readers that Britain has treated the colonists unfairly
C
to inform readers about specific acts of British military aggression
D
to convince readers that American colonists should be tried in Britain
Explanation
The excerpt says the colonists repeatedly warned Britain, appealed to its sense of justice, and asked it to reject unjust claims of authority. It concludes that Britain ignored those appeals, presenting Britain as unfair and unreasonable. Therefore, the purpose is to convince readers that Britain has treated the colonists unfairly; the passage does not focus on immigration, specific military attacks, or trials in Britain.
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