Question

analyzing a rebuttal

i said earlier that the decadence of our language is probably curable. those who deny this would argue, if they produced an argument at all, that language merely reflects existing social conditions, and that we cannot influence its development by any direct tinkering with words and constructions. so far as the general tone or spirit of a language goes, this may be true, but it is not true in detail. silly words and expressions have often disappeared, not through any evolutionary process but owing to the conscious action of a minority. two recent examples were explore every avenue and leave no stone unturned, which were killed by the jeers of a few journalists.

• \politics and the english language,\

george orwell

in this passage, how does orwell support his rebuttal of a counterclaim?

• by providing examples of how journalists have failed to change the english language
• by describing hypothetical situations in which english might be changed in the future
• by giving specific examples of how people have made small changes to english
• by using quotations from journalists with expertise in the study of languages

Explanation:

Identify the counterclaim and rebuttal

Orwell's main claim is that the decline of the English language is curable. The counterclaim is that language merely reflects social conditions and cannot be influenced by direct tinkering. Orwell's rebuttal is that while this may be true in general, it is not true in detail because conscious actions can change language.

Analyze the supporting evidence

To support his rebuttal, Orwell provides specific historical examples of "silly words and expressions" ("explore every avenue" and "leave no stone unturned") that disappeared due to the conscious actions of a minority (the jeers of a few journalists).

Evaluate the answer choices

The evidence consists of specific, real-world examples of people (journalists) making small changes to English by mocking and eliminating cliché phrases. This directly matches the option: "by giving specific examples of how people have made small changes to English."

Answer:

• by providing examples of how journalists have failed to change the English language
• by describing hypothetical situations in which English might be changed in the future
• by giving specific examples of how people have made small changes to English (Correct answer)
• by using quotations from journalists with expertise in the study of languages