Question

historical/founding documents
passage 1 is adapted from plutarchs on love to ones offspring in morals, first published around 100 a.d. and translated here by arthur richard shilleto.
passage 2 is adapted from alexander hamiltons speech to the new - york convention, first given on june 24, 1788.
passage 1
show paragraph numbers
consider in their marriages how much the animals follow nature. they do not wait for any laws about bachelors or the late - married. they do not fear penalties for childlessness. the male animal does not go with the female at all times; for its aim is not pleasure but procreation. so in the season of spring, the most appropriate time for such pairings, the female being attracts the male, and when pregnant, modestly retires and takes thought for the birth and safety of her offspring.
we cannot adequately describe all this, but every animal exhibits for its young affection and forethought and endurance and unselfishness. for universally the love of animals for their offspring makes timid ones bold, and lazy ones energetic, and greedy ones unselfish.
nature has given to the brutes an imperfect affection for their kind, one neither marked by justice nor going beyond commodity. whereas to man, a logical and social animal, she has taught justice and law, and honor to the gods, and has

1. why does the author of passage 1 discuss animals in the first and second paragraphs?

a) to show that animals are incapable of any affection for their young
b) to contrast the brutality of animals with the gentleness of humankind
c) to draw a comparison between the nature of animals and the nature of man
d) to show that human virtue has been corrupted by civilizations violence

1. based on the information in passage 1, the author would agree that having offspring could change an animal in which of the following ways?

a) it would make a friendly animal even friendlier.
b) it would make a frightened animal more despairing.
c) it would make an indifferent animal more affectionate.
d) it would make an ailing animal much healthier.

1. in passage 1, paragraph 4, sentence 4, the word conspicuous most closely means

a) ostentatious.
b) noticeable.
c) conscripted.
d) flagrant.

Explanation:

1. For question 31, the author discusses animals to compare their nature with that of man. The passage contrasts animal - behavior in marriage and care for offspring with human behavior and values.
2. For question 32, the passage mentions that having offspring can make animals more affectionate as it shows their love for young through various changes like timid ones becoming bold.
3. For question 33, in the context of the sentence, "conspicuous" means easily noticed. The love of animals for their offspring is easily noticeable as it causes changes in their behavior.

Answer:

1. C. To draw a comparison between the nature of animals and the nature of man
2. C. It would make an indifferent animal more affectionate.
3. B. noticeable