WorksheetsA Modest Proposal Test
Total questions: 22
Worksheet time: 16mins
A Modest Proposal satirizes
Irish bankers
problems caused by overpopulation
English policy in Ireland
people who do not pay rent
The narrator of A Modest Proposal assumes the character of an
American giving advice to politicians in England
political planner devising strategies to conquer Ireland
economic planner acting for the benefit of England and Ireland
Irish Catholic who criticizes in the inefficiency of the British
The narrator claims to have no personal motive behind his proposal because he
does not have a wife
has all the money he could want
does not own a tavern
does not have any children to sell
What does Swift offer as a serious solution to Ireland's problems?
The establishment of a revolutionary government
The overthrow of the king
Mass emigration to America
Buying clothes and furniture made only in Ireland
Swift compares poor women to ___, whose only purpose is to have children.
employees
breeders
lawyers
Swift states that young children might make a tasty ___, or meal.
ornament
dish
plate
In verbal irony
what is meant is the opposite of what is said
there is almost always a tone of hostility or sarcasm
the characters do not know what is coming, but the reader does
what happens is the opposite of what is expected
Swift uses irony to satirize people who
offer proposals that are not likely to be accepted
have a cold-blooded attitude toward human suffering
believe that the problem of poverty in Ireland can be solved
dislike children
Why does Swift not have to come up with a solution for dealing with the old and diseased?
The government has already used the solution of poor healthcare
This population is dying on its own because of the conditions in Ireland
He actually has compassion for this group of people
There are very few old and diseased in the country
What is the BEST reason for why "A Modest Proposal" is still interesting as a satire?
Swift's solution is still shocking and relevant
Most people are familiar with the history of Ireland
There is still trouble between Protestants and Catholics
Satire is still a valid form of protest.
The purpose of A Modest Proposal is to satirize...
English policy in Ireland
Irish bankers
Tenants who don't pay rent
Overpopulation concerns
“A Modest Proposal” is a satire because
Swift really doesn’t want to eat babies.
Swift is using a ridiculous solution to bring about awareness of a serious problem.
Both Choices are Correct
The title of the essay, “ A Modest Proposal,” is an example of
understatement
overstatement
caricature
None of these
The primary purpose of satire is to . . .
To Criticize
To Sympathize with others
Make people laugh
How does satire attempt to improve individuals or society?
By modeling correct thoughts and behaviors
By praising achievements and honors
By ridiculing flaws and follies
By explicitly explaining the difference between right and wrong
Satire is always obvious.
True
False
In "Top of the Food Chain" the narrator tells the Senate committee that they used DDT in Borneo. This is important because:
DDT was banned for use in the US in 1972.
The EPA found it safe to use around domestic and wild animals.
The EPA found it safe for human consumption.
The World Health Organization found it safest for humans.
What irony was constructed when the speaker used the cliche "every cloud has a silver lining, wouldn't you agree?"
The use of DDT actually helped the citizens of Borneo in the long term.
In reality, the situation could not have become worse.
In reality, the use of the insecticide improved the health and the economy of Borneo.
After its use in Borneo, the federal government lifted the ban of DDT usage domestically.
