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WorksheetsOrwell Close Read
Total questions: 10
Worksheet time: 5mins
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
“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
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
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
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
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
Which of the following is likely hyperbole?
a. “German, Russian and Italian languages have all deteriorated in the last ten or fifteen years.” (para. 15)
b. “But if thought corrupts language, language can also corrupt thought.” (para. 16)
c. “I have again and again committed the very faults I am protesting against.” (para. 16)
d. “[E]very such phrase anaesthetizes a portion of one’s brain.” (para. 16)
e. “[T]he decadence of our language is probably curable.” (para. 17)
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
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
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
