Page 1176 - Wordsmith A Guide to College Writing

c. is too difficult for today’s young people.
d. should not be necessary.

6. Which of the following bumper stickers would you be most likely

to find on the author’s car?

a. Make love, not war.

b. My country, right or wrong.
c. Keep honking . . . I’m reloading.

d. Freedom is not free.

7. Which statement most nearly expresses the main idea of the

essay?

a. The United States is a declining country.
b. A rigorous national service program would benefit the

country and the people who served.

c. The Greatest Generation was the one that came of age

during World War II.

d. President Kennedy would be horrified by the state of the
United States today.

Looking at Language

8. What is the level of vocabulary in the essay? What

assumption do you think the author makes about his audience?

9. In paragraph 4, the author uses the expression “worth its

salt.” What does this expression mean? Use a dictionary or the