Before a Painting

Question

James Weldon Johnson

I knew not who had wrought with skill so fine
What I beheld; nor by what laws of art
He had created life and love and heart
On canvas, from mere color, curve and line. 4
Silent I stood and made no move or sign;
Not with the crowd, but reverently apart;
Nor felt the power my rooted limbs to start,
But mutely gazed upon that face divine. 8

And over me the sense of beauty fell,
As music over a raptured listener to
The deep-voiced organ breathing out a hymn;
Or as on one who kneels, his beads to tell, 12
There falls the aureate glory filtered through
The windows in some old cathedral dim.
Question

Principle: a primary truth, assumption, law or belief.

Read the definition of the word "principle." Then choose the sentence that uses it correctly.
Responses

A The principle at my school is going to retire this year.The principle at my school is going to retire this year.

B The principles of democracy are articulated in the Constitution.The principles of democracy are articulated in the Constitution.

C My father always tells me that I shouldn't spend the principle, only the interest.My father always tells me that I shouldn't spend the principle, only the interest.

D If you have questions about dress code, the assistant principle is the person to see.

Answer 1

The sentence that uses the word "principle" correctly is:

B The principles of democracy are articulated in the Constitution.

In this context, "principles" refers to fundamental truths or beliefs that guide the system of democracy.

The other options misuse the word "principle":

• A refers to the "principal," which is a person in charge, not a foundational truth.
• C uses "principle" instead of "principal" to refer to the initial amount of money invested.
• D also uses "principle" instead of "principal" to describe a person.