Argumentation 7

In the passage, Franklin uses whistles as analogies for:

• cherishing childhood memories.

• overvaluing useless things.

• setting long-term goals.

• wasting important opportunities.

Answer explanation

Choice B is correct. The whistles are a metaphor for useless things that people value too much, such as popularity and wealth.

What is Franklin's primary purpose for writing "The Whistle"?

• to argue that people should be more thoughtful when making choices

• to suggest that people are confused because life offers too many choices

• to assert that schools should teach children to make better choices

• to contend that it is important to accept responsibility for your choices

Answer explanation

Choice A is correct. Franklin’s purpose for writing is to provide evidence of people who suffer because of bad choices in order to persuade them to be more thoughtful.

How does the structure of paragraphs 2, 3, and 4 support Franklin's purpose?

• It outlines the step-by-step solution for wasting money on useless things.

• It explains the cause-and-effect relationship between greed and corruption.

• It narrates the lesson Franklin learned in childhood from overvaluing a toy.

• It compares the desire for material goods with the desire to do good.

Answer explanation

Choice C is correct. The three paragraphs use a narrative structure to tell Franklin’s childhood story; it provides background in support of his claim that people too often place too much value on things

Use the following excerpt to answer the question.

In short, I conceive that great part of the miseries of mankind are brought upon them by the false estimates they have made of the value of things, and by their giving too much for their whistles.

What can you infer about Franklin's attitude toward his fellow human beings? He believes they:

• are incapable of intelligent thought.

• waste their lives on unnecessary pursuits.

• will always be miserable creatures.

• deserve the consequences of bad choices.

Answer explanation

Choice B is correct. Franklin implies that if people were more thoughtful about the choices they make and the value they place on things and experiences, they would be less unhappy.

Use this sentence to answer Questions 5-7. My brothers, and sisters, and cousins, understanding the bargain I had made, told me I had given four times as much for it as it was worth; put me in mind what good things I might have bought with the rest of the money; and laughed at me so much for my folly, that I cried with vexation; and the reflection gave me more chagrin than the whistle gave me pleasure.

The Synonym for the word Vexation is:

• Delight

• Annoyance

• Excitement

• Satisfaction

Answer explanation

The word vexation means a feeling of irritation, frustration, or annoyance. In the sentence, the speaker says he “cried with vexation,” showing that he felt upset and troubled after being laughed at by his family. Therefore, annoyance is the correct synonym, as it best matches the emotional state described in the passage.

Use this sentence to answer the question

My brothers, and sisters, and cousins, understanding the bargain I had made, told me I had given four times as much for it as it was worth; put me in mind what good things I might have bought with the rest of the money; and laughed at me so much for my folly, that I cried with vexation; and the reflection gave me more chagrin than the whistle gave me pleasure.

The synonym of reflection is :

• Thought

• Purchase

• Laughter

• Pleasure

Answer explanation

The word reflection refers to careful thinking or consideration. In the passage, it means thinking about his mistake and realizing how foolish he had been. This thought caused him more chagrin than pleasure. Therefore, thought is the correct synonym.

Use this sentence to answer the question.

My brothers, and sisters, and cousins, understanding the bargain I had made, told me I had given four times as much for it as it was worth; put me in mind what good things I might have bought with the rest of the money; and laughed at me so much for my folly, that I cried with vexation; and the reflection gave me more chagrin than the whistle gave me pleasure.

Which of the above underlined words is neutral, with no negative connotation:

• Vexation

• Chagrin

• Reflection

Answer explanation

Words like vexation and chagrin have negative connotations, as they annoyance and distress. The word reflection, however, simply means thinking or consideration and does not carry a negative or positive feeling on its own. Therefore, reflection is the neutral word.

What examples does Franklin use to support his claim that people should not “give too much for the whistle”?
(Select all that apply.)

A. a hedonist

B. a toy shop owner

C. a spendthrift

D. one who coveted popularity

E. a brutish husband

F. one who desired the favor of the court

G. a hoarder of wealth

H. Franklin’s brothers and sisters

Write the option according to alphabetical order. (In capital letters)

(a)  

Answer explanation

Choices A, C, D, F, and G are correct. Paragraphs 5 through 10 relate Franklin’s observations of men and women who sacrificed their values—their freedom, their self-respect, their minds—in order to attain something not worth having. These examples include a man who desired the favor of the court, a man who coveted popularity, a miser, a hedonist, a spendthrift, and a woman who married a brute.