from Discourse on Woman

Question

The lecturer regarded the announcement of woman's achievements, and the offering of appropriate praise through the press, as a gross innovation upon the obscurity of female 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 But, while prizes continue to be awarded, can any good reason be given why the name of the girl should not be published as well as that of the boy?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?

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

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

Answer 1

The focus of Mott's argument is:

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

Mott addresses the lecturer's scorn for the announcement of women's achievements and argues that there is no reason why women's names should not be published alongside men's names when they receive recognition for their accomplishments.

Mott supports the main argument in the passage by:

4. by explaining that women and men should receive similar notice for similar accomplishments.

She argues that if prizes are given, there is no valid reason not to recognize the achievements of girls as well as boys, indicating that women should have the same visibility in accomplishments as men.