langofcomp2e

AP-Style Multiple-Choice Quiz (George Orwell, “Politics and the English Language”)

AP-Style Multiple Choice Quiz

George Orwell, “Politics and the English Language”

After reading the selection from “Politics and the English Language,” choose the best answer to each question. Click the submit button when finished. The following questions refer to paragraphs 14–17.

Question 10.10 In the context of paragraph 14, political speeches and writing can best be described as

1. In the context of paragraph 14, political speeches and writing can best be described as

informal and anecdotal.

robust and priggish.

simple and expressive.

abstract and allusive.

astute and edifying.

Question 10.11 “Pacification,” “rectification of frontiers,” and “elimination of unreliable elements” (para. 14) are examples of

2. “Pacification,” “rectification of frontiers,” and “elimination of unreliable elements” (para. 14) are examples of

phraseology designed to obfuscate meaning.

“euphemism, question-begging and sheer cloudy vagueness” (para. 14)

specific events described in concrete diction.

fresh, imaginative imagery in political language.

metaphors that elucidate abstract ideas.

Question 10.12 In paragraph 15, the author uses two similes — “like soft snow” and “like a cuttlefish squirting out ink” — in order to

3. In paragraph 15, the author uses two similes — “like soft snow” and “like a cuttlefish squirting out ink” — in order to

exemplify exhausted idioms.

provide evidence to a thesis.

reflect existing social conditions.

highlight poetic cadence.

provide contrast to debased language.

Question 10.13 The sentence in paragraph 15 beginning “I should expect to find” contains which of the following?

4. The sentence in paragraph 15 beginning “I should expect to find” contains which of the following?

dangling modifier

relative clause

gerund phrase

correlative conjunction

imperative

Question 10.14 In paragraph 16, the author compares the italicized phrases that begin with “a not unjustifiable assumption” to a packet of aspirins in order to

5. In paragraph 16, the author compares the italicized phrases that begin with “a not unjustifiable assumption” to a packet of aspirins in order to

dissuade the reader from using such phrases.

convey the addictive quality of using such phrases.

illustrate the convenience of using such phrases.

suggest his indifference to using such phrases.

imply the benefit of using such phrases.

Question 10.15 By conceding in paragraph 16 that he has committed the very faults he protests against, the author employs which of the following rhetorical strategies?

6. By conceding in paragraph 16 that he has committed the very faults he protests against, the author employs which of the following rhetorical strategies?

appeal to ethos

shock and awe

close reading

appeal to pathos

admission of guilt

Question 10.16 Which of the following is likely hyperbole?

7. Which of the following is likely hyperbole?

“German, Russian and Italian languages have all deteriorated in the last ten or fifteen years.” (para. 15)

“But if thought corrupts language, language can also corrupt thought.” (para. 16)

“I have again and again committed the very faults I am protesting against.” (para. 16)

“[E]very such phrase anaesthetizes a portion of one’s brain.” (para. 16)

“[T]he decadence of our language is probably curable.” (para. 17)

Question 10.17 The overall tone of the selection can best be described as

8. The overall tone of the selection can best be described as

hypocritical and condescending.

scholarly and detached.

witty and accusatory.

patriotic and persuasive.

lighthearted and whimsical.

Question 10.18 In context, the phrase “flyblown metaphors” in paragraph 17 can best be interpreted to mean

9. In context, the phrase “flyblown metaphors” in paragraph 17 can best be interpreted to mean

perceptive and colorful turns of phrase.

expressive and appropriate colloquialisms.

vapid and overused sayings.

subversive and devious claims.

reappropriated and inventive clichés.

Question 10.19 According to the author, all of the following are ways to cure the decadence of language EXCEPT

10. According to the author, all of the following are ways to cure the decadence of language EXCEPT

limiting the use of Latin and Greek words.

minimizing descriptive language.

never using the not un- formation.

eliminating the use of foreign phrases and scientific jargon.

avoiding abstract or vague language.