Question

read the passage.
the following is from a speech delivered by lucretia mott on december 17, 1849, in response to another lecturer’s criticism of equal rights for women. mott was an american abolitionist, social rights activist, and orator.
from discourse on woman
the lecturer regarded the announcement of woman’s achievements, and the offering of appropriate praise through the press, as a gross innovation upon the obscurity of female life—he complained that the exhibition of attainments of girls in schools was now equal to that of boys, and the newspapers announce that \miss brown received the first prize for english grammar,\ etc. if he objected to so much excitement of emulation in schools, it would be well; for the most enlightened teachers discountenance these appeals to love of approbation and self - esteem. but, while prizes continue to be awarded, can any good reason be given why the name of the girl should not be published as well as that of the boy? he spoke with scorn, that \we hear of mrs. president so and so; and committees and secretaries of the same sex.\ but if women can conduct their own business, by means of presidents and secretaries of their own sex, can he tell us why they should not? they will never make much progress in any moral movement, while they depend upon men to act for them. do we shrink from reading the announcement that mrs. somerville is made an honorary member of a scientific association?
(from \discourse on woman\ by lucretia mott)
this question has two parts. answer part a, and then answer part b.
part a
which claim by an opponent is the focus of mott’s argument?

1. that women have the ability to run businesses and charities
2. that it is good to give students prizes for achievements in class
3. that girls should never receive prizes in academic competitions
4. that it is inappropriate for the names of women to appear in papers

part b
how does mott support the main argument in the passage?

1. by describing the difficulties girls face in trying to win awards for scientific achievements
2. by giving examples of admirable women so that readers want to know more about them

Explanation:

Part A

To solve Part A, we analyze the opponent's claims and Mott's focus. The passage states the opponent disliked women’s achievements being announced in the press (e.g., “Miss Brown...”, “Mrs. President...”). Option 4 says it’s inappropriate for women’s names in papers, matching the opponent’s criticism. Option 1 is about business/charities (not the focus), 2 is about giving prizes (opponent didn’t support prizes for girls’ emulation but the issue is publicity), 3 is about never receiving prizes (opponent’s issue was publicity, not prizes themselves).

For Part B, Mott supports her argument by giving examples (e.g., Mrs. Somerville’s scientific association honor) to show women’s achievements should be publicized. Option 1 is incorrect (no difficulty description), Option 2 aligns with using examples of admirable women (Mrs. Somerville) to support her point.

Answer:

1. that it is inappropriate for the names of women to appear in papers

Part B