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 female praise through the press, as a gross innovation upon the obscurity of appropriate 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 but, while prizes continue to be awarded, can any good reason be given why the name of the girl should not be published as well as that of the boy?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)
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
○ 3. by showing that giving girls credit for their work helps them build a more ethical society
○ 4. by explaining that women and men should receive similar notice for similar accomplishments

Explanation:

Part A

To determine the focus of Mott's argument, we analyze each option:

• Option 1: The passage doesn't focus on women running businesses/charities. Eliminate.
• Option 2: The opponent's criticism isn't about giving students prizes for class achievements. Eliminate.
• Option 3: The opponent's issue isn't about girls never receiving prizes, but about the publicity of their achievements. Eliminate.
• Option 4: The lecturer criticized the announcement of women's achievements (like names in papers), which matches this option.

To find how Mott supports her argument:

• Option 1: The passage doesn't discuss difficulties in winning scientific awards. Eliminate.
• Option 2: Mott's examples (Mrs. Somerville, etc.) aren't to make readers want to know more, but to support equality. Eliminate.
• Option 3: The passage doesn't link giving credit to building an ethical society. Eliminate.
• Option 4: Mott argues that women and men should get similar notice for similar accomplishments (e.g., why not publish girls' names like boys', women conducting business). This matches.

Answer:

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

Part B