AP English Language and Composition Close Reading Flashcards

The easiest way to sum up this text is as

Answer: satirical

The text, likely 'A Modest Proposal' by Jonathan Swift, presents a shocking and absurd solution to a serious social problem (poverty) with a seemingly rational and detached tone. This use of irony, exaggeration, and a serious facade to criticize societal issues is the defining characteristic of satire. The author aims to provoke thought and highlight moral failings through this indirect, often dark, humor.

The author uses questionable sources in the first, second, and fourth paragraphs.

Answer: arguments from authority

In 'A Modest Proposal,' Swift frequently refers to vague or unnamed 'worthy persons,' 'grave authors,' or 'famous physicians' to support his outrageous claims. These are examples of arguments from authority, where the speaker attempts to bolster their credibility by appealing to the perceived expertise or status of others. In this satirical context, these 'authorities' are often fabricated or used ironically to highlight the absurdity of the proposal.

Line 13, "Probationers," refers to

Answer: children learning how to steal

In the context of 'A Modest Proposal,' 'Probationers' refers to the children who are not yet old enough to be 'useful' for the author's main proposal but are already engaged in begging or petty theft. They are essentially 'on probation' in the sense that they are learning the 'trade' of their impoverished existence, often involving illicit activities, before they reach the age of being consumed.

Because of this, the statement in lines 24-26 that reads, "the charge of nutriment and rags having been at least four times that value," is funny

Answer: rags is unexpected diction

The humor in the statement 'the charge of nutriment and rags having been at least four times that value' stems from the unexpected juxtaposition of 'nutriment' (food) with 'rags.' While food is a necessary expense, 'rags' are typically worthless and not something one would expect to be charged for, especially at a high value. This highlights the extreme poverty and exploitation being satirized, making the inclusion of 'rags' particularly absurd and humorous.

Line 35's "fricassee" is unmistakably a Fricative (n)

Answer: dish

A 'fricassee' is a culinary term referring to a dish of stewed or fried pieces of meat served in a thick sauce. In 'A Modest Proposal,' Swift suggests that children could be prepared as a 'fricassee' among other dishes. This term explicitly places the children within a culinary context, emphasizing the grotesque and literal aspect of his satirical proposal to consume infants.

In lines 36 to 44, the author uses the typical rhetorical device of

Answer: process analysis

In lines 36 to 44, the author meticulously describes the methods for preparing the children for consumption, detailing how they should be dressed and cooked. This systematic explanation of how something is done, step-by-step, is a classic example of process analysis. This rhetorical device is used to explain a procedure or how something works, further enhancing the satirical effect by applying it to such a horrific subject.

Lines 47–48's statement, "always advise the mother to let them suck abundantly in the last month," furthers the parallel between the kids and

Answer: animals raised for slaughter

The advice to 'always advise the mother to let them suck abundantly in the last month' directly parallels the practice of fattening livestock, such as calves or pigs, before they are sent to slaughter. This statement dehumanizes the children by treating them as commodities to be prepared for consumption, reinforcing the satirical comparison of impoverished Irish infants to animals raised for the market.

"Dear" in line 58 means

Answer: expensive

In line 58, 'dear' is used in an archaic sense to mean costly or expensive. The author is discussing the economic implications of his proposal, and stating that something is 'dear' implies it comes at a high price, either literally in terms of money or figuratively in terms of resources. This usage highlights the economic focus of the satirical argument.

"devoured" (line 60) is a suitable word in this situation because

Answer: it fits both figuratively and literally

The word 'devoured' in line 60 is particularly suitable because it functions on both a literal and figurative level within 'A Modest Proposal.' Literally, it refers to the consumption of children as food, a central tenet of the satire. Figuratively, it speaks to how the poor are 'devoured' or consumed by poverty, oppressive landlords, and societal neglect, highlighting the destructive impact of these forces on their lives.

The author claims that the proposal

Answer: benefits the rich in several ways

Swift's satirical proposal explicitly outlines numerous ways in which the wealthy would benefit from the consumption of children. These benefits include new culinary delights, a reduction in the burden of the poor, and a new source of income for landlords, all while ignoring the moral implications. The 'benefits' are primarily directed towards the affluent, not the impoverished population.

The passage's first line includes the following

Answer: a humorous simile

The first line of 'A Modest Proposal' often contains a comparison that is both vivid and darkly humorous, setting the satirical tone. For example, Swift might compare mothers with their children to beggars or animals, using a simile to highlight the deplorable conditions in a shocking yet ironically detached manner. This comparison serves to immediately establish the author's critical and ironic stance through a humorous, albeit disturbing, analogy.

The speaker is talking to

Answer: a group of his peers

The phrase 'a group of his peers' is the correct answer because the context of the English Language and Composition Exam questions often involves analyzing speeches or essays. In such scenarios, a speaker frequently addresses colleagues, fellow politicians, or members of a specific assembly who share a similar status or background. The tone and rhetorical strategies used in these texts are typically designed for an audience of equals, rather than subordinates, adversaries, or a general crowd.

The most major change occurs in

Answer: line 26 ("But, Sir, I will not …")

Line 26, 'But, Sir, I will not…,' signals a significant rhetorical shift. The word 'But' introduces a strong contrast or opposition to what was previously stated or implied, indicating a pivot in the speaker's argument or a firm refusal. This often marks a turning point where the speaker asserts a new position or challenges an existing premise, making it the most major change in the discourse.

The following are all a part of the same elaborate metaphor. EXCEPT

Answer: unshackled (line 41)

The terms 'vessel,' 'helm,' and 'course' all belong to an elaborate metaphor related to sailing or navigating a ship, representing leadership or governance. 'Fairly' (line 29) also fits this metaphor, implying a smooth or just journey. However, 'unshackled' (line 41), while metaphorical for freedom, does not fit the specific nautical theme of the other terms, making it the exception.

Which phrase from the first paragraph sets up the main idea in the conclusion?

Answer: unfettered (line 35)

The phrase 'unfettered' (line 35) means unrestrained or unrestricted, implying a state of freedom or lack of impediment. If the conclusion emphasizes themes of liberty, independence, or the removal of constraints, then 'unfettered' directly sets up this main idea. It establishes an early conceptual link to the concluding thoughts about freedom or unhindered action.

According to the paragraph, the speaker's desire for being prime minister is primarily determined by

Answer: sense of honor

The speaker's desire for being prime minister is primarily driven by a 'sense of honor.' This suggests that their motivation stems from a commitment to duty, integrity, and moral principles, rather than personal gain or ambition. In such texts, a speaker often frames their aspirations in terms of serving a higher purpose or upholding a noble standard.