Writing an Argumentative Essay about an Ethical Issue — Unit test
Question 17 • (OC27) ENG 4-1001400-S2-VRobinson-VOL7006P
Read the excerpt from Act I of The Importance of Being Earnest.Jack. Oh, Gwendolen is as right as a trivet. As far as she is concerned, we are engaged. Her mother is perfectly unbearable. Never met such a Gorgon . . . I don’t really know what a Gorgon is like, but I am quite sure that Lady Bracknell is one. In any case, she is a monster, without being a myth, which is rather unfair . . . I beg your pardon, Algy, I suppose I shouldn’t talk about your own aunt in that way before you.Algernon. My dear boy, I love hearing my relations abused. It is the only thing that makes me put up with them at all. Relations are simply a tedious pack of people, who haven’t got the remotest knowledge of how to live, nor the smallest instinct about when to die.
Answer
A
In traditional society, Algernon would be expected to defend his aunt. Instead, he speaks freely about his feelings toward family.
B
In traditional society, Algernon would be expected to speak kindly to Jack. Instead, he is harsh in his response.
C
Algernon rises to his aunt’s defense when Jack becomes critical of her personality.
D
Algernon explains that his aunt is difficult, but that Gwendolen is a favorite cousin.
Explanation
Algernon says he enjoys hearing his relatives criticized and calls them tedious people who lack good judgment. This is unexpected because people are traditionally expected to defend or speak respectfully about their family members. Choice A captures the contrast: Algernon freely shares his negative feelings about his family instead of defending his aunt.
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