Question

read the following excerpt from wongs testimony to congress. compare that to only 87 fired in the entire umbrella movement five years ago. the police’s excessive force today is clear. how would the meaning of this sentence change if the words excessive force were changed to the word protocol? it would make the police sound less intimidating as if they were just following procedure. it would take blame away from the police since they would be following the government’s orders. it would make wong sound like he is exaggerating the situation. it would make the police sound more abusive.

Explanation:

To determine the answer, we analyze the meaning of "excessive force" vs "protocol". "Excessive force" implies unjustified, harsh actions. "Protocol" suggests following established procedures. Option A says changing "excessive force" to "protocol" would make the police sound less intimidating as if they were following procedure, which matches the shift from implying misuse of force to following rules. Option B is incorrect as "protocol" doesn't shift blame to government orders. Option C is wrong as "protocol" doesn't relate to Wong exaggerating. Option D is incorrect as "protocol" would make police sound more compliant, not more abusive.

Answer:

A. It would make the police sound less intimidating as if they were just following procedure.