Name Date
A MODEST PROPOSAL
Reading Skill
IDENTIFY PROPOSITION AND SUPPORT
Although “A Modest Proposal” is a satire, the essay is logically organized and supported
by facts and evidence. The effectiveness of a proposition depends greatly on the way it is constructed. A successful proposal typically includes
• a clearly identified problem
• a proposition, or solution, that details the proposal’s implementation and advantages
• support for the proposal, including reasons, evidence, and fact
• acknowledgement of and refutation of opposing views or possible objections to the proposal
Directions: In the chart, record Swift’s proposal to the problem and give at least four examples of support for the proposal. One has been done for you.
Proposal:
Problem:
Poor children are a burden to their parents and the country.
Support:
1. These children can help feed and clothe thousands.
2.
3.
4.
Unit 3
British Literature
Answer Key
Reading Skill
Responses will vary. Possible answers are provided.
Proposal: Swift’s proposal is to have poor Irish babies sold as food.
Support: In lines 35–37, Swift says that there are 200, 000 “breeders,” or couples who can supply children.
In lines 149–165, the speaker supplies cost and profit calculations in order to provide numerical evidence and facts about economic benefit for what he is proposing.
In lines 175–184, the speaker gives supporting evidence as to how his proposal would improve family life. Mothers will treat their babies better knowing how valuable they are; there will be competition between mothers for fattening their babies; domestic violence against women will be curtailed.