CB Style Rhetorical Analysis MC Practice #4

40. The passage as a whole is best described as a

Answer: B - criticism of the limited goals of women’s education

Explanation: Throughout the passage, the author critiques the traditional views of female education, particularly focusing on the emphasis on women being trained solely to please men. The passage argues for a broader education for women, one that goes beyond mere pleasing and considers self-respect and personal development. This aligns closely with choice B. The other choices do not capture the central theme of the passage as effectively; they either focus on narrower aspects (like women's qualities or their right to choose a husband) or misinterpret the tone (such as seeing it as a cynical parody).

41. In line 9, “sceptre” is used as a

Answer: D - symbol of authority

Explanation: In the context of the passage, the sceptre is mentioned in relation to the understanding (intellect) wielding it, suggesting authority or control. It's used metaphorically to denote the power that understanding should have over the tumultuous passion of love. The other options do not fit the context as well; they either don't align with the passage's theme or misinterpret the symbolic meaning of the word "sceptre" in this context.

42. The first paragraph (lines 1-11) functions as

Answer: A - a reasoned introduction to an argument

Explanation: The first paragraph sets the stage for the author's argument by acknowledging the importance of love while also emphasizing the need for rationality and restraint in dealing with it. It introduces the central theme of the passage, which is to critique the limited views of female education and the consequences of solely focusing on pleasing others. This aligns with choice A. The other options do not accurately describe the function of this paragraph in the context of the passage.

43. In line 14, the phrase “the more important years of life” is best taken to mean the years when

Answer: D - maturity has been reached

Explanation: The phrase "the more important years of life" refers to the time when reflection takes place of sensation, implying a stage of life where maturity and understanding develop. This aligns with choice D. The other options either focus on earlier stages of life or misinterpret the meaning of the phrase in context.

44. In lines 20-21, the author reveals her intention to

Answer: A - appeal to the intelligence of those who support Rousseau’s theories

Explanation: The author poses questions to reason with the supporters of the opinion that female education should solely focus on pleasing men, indicating an attempt to engage with their perspective and challenge it through logical reasoning. This aligns with choice A. The other options either misinterpret the author's intention or go beyond what is explicitly stated in the passage.

45. The author’s approach to reasoning with “the supporters of this opinion” (line 20) is to pose questions that she

Answer: E - answers from her own point of view

Explanation: The author poses rhetorical questions to challenge the supporters of the opinion, aiming to make them reconsider their views and engage in critical thinking. This aligns with choice E. The other options either misinterpret the author's intention or suggest a lack of effectiveness in her approach, which is not supported by the passage.

46. In line 24, the “sunbeams” are “oblique” because they are

Answer: B - overly familiar and growing weaker

Explanation: The term "oblique sunbeams" suggests that the charms or efforts to please become indirect and less effective over time, implying a diminishing impact. This aligns with choice B. The other options either misinterpret the meaning of "oblique" or do not fit the context of the passage.

47. Which of the following is closest in meaning to the word “prejudice” as it is used in line 40?

Answer: D - Fixed convictions

Explanation: In the context of the passage, "prejudice" refers to preconceived notions or biases, particularly about the role of women in society. The author suggests that even women who are restrained by principle or fixed convictions may still feel neglected by their husbands due to societal expectations. This aligns with choice D. The other options do not accurately capture the meaning of "prejudice" as it is used in this context.

48. Lines 39-47 (“I now speak . . . discontent”) serve to

Answer: E - develop the metaphor of the “spring of bitterness” (line 36)

Explanation: In these lines, the author discusses the consequences of women being taught primarily to please and the dissatisfaction that may arise when their efforts are not adequately appreciated or reciprocated. This contributes to the development of the metaphor of the "spring of bitterness," suggesting that the pursuit of pleasing others can lead to resentment or unhappiness. This aligns with choice E. The other options either misinterpret the purpose of these lines or focus on different aspects of the passage.

49. In context, the author’s regard for “the great art of pleasing” (line 47) is best described as

Answer: A - minimal

Explanation: The author critiques the emphasis on pleasing others throughout the passage, suggesting that it is not a necessary or desirable focus for women's education. This implies that the author's regard for the "great art of pleasing" is minimal. This aligns with choice A. The other options either misinterpret the author's attitude toward pleasing or do not accurately reflect the tone of the passage.

50. In line 55, “a being” is best taken to mean a woman’s

Answer: D - husband

Explanation: In the context of the passage, "a being" refers to the husband, as the passage discusses the wife's reliance on her husband for happiness and the potential disappointment when that reliance is not fulfilled. This aligns with choice D. The other options do not fit the context of the passage.

51. The passage can best be classified as which of the following?

Answer: B - A reasoned appeal

Explanation: The passage presents a reasoned argument against the traditional views of female education and the emphasis on women being trained solely to please men. The author uses logical reasoning and rhetorical questions to challenge these views and advocate for a broader education for women. This aligns with choice B. The other options either misinterpret the tone or purpose of the passage or do not accurately describe its classification.

52. The author appears to believe most firmly that

Answer: C - all passions, but especially love, must be subject to reason

Explanation: Throughout the passage, the author argues that love should not be allowed to dethrone superior powers or usurp the understanding. The author emphasizes the importance of reason in guiding and restraining passions, particularly love. This aligns with choice C. The other options either misinterpret the author's beliefs or go beyond what is supported by the passage.

53. The author’s reflections on married love are best described as

Answer: C - serious and cautionary

Explanation: The author's reflections on married love highlight the potential pitfalls of relying solely on pleasing others and the dissatisfaction that can arise when efforts to please are not reciprocated. The tone is serious and cautionary, warning against the consequences of prioritizing superficial qualities over personal development and self-respect. This aligns with choice C. The other options either misinterpret the tone or purpose of the author's reflections or do not accurately describe them.

54. Throughout the passage, the author’s argument is meant chiefly to

Answer: C - change perceptions of how women should relate to men

Explanation: The author's argument primarily focuses on critiquing traditional views of female education and advocating for a broader understanding that goes beyond pleasing men. The passage aims to change perceptions of how women should relate to men by challenging the idea that women's primary role is to please and be subservient to men. This aligns with choice C. The other options either misinterpret the purpose of the author's argument or focus on narrower aspects of the passage.