Read the excerpt from "Politics and the English Language" by George Orwell.

To begin with, it has nothing to do with archaism, with the salvaging of obsolete words and turns of speech, or with the setting-up of a "standard-English” which must never be departed from. On the contrary, it is especially concerned with the scrapping of every word or idiom which has outworn its usefulness. It has nothing to do with correct grammar and syntax, which are of no importance so long as one makes one’s meaning clear, or with the avoidance of Americanisms, or with having what is called a "good prose style.” On the other hand it is not concerned with fake simplicity and the attempt to make written English colloquial.

Which best describes George Orwell’s purpose and the way he achieves it in this excerpt?

Orwell’s purpose is to persuade readers to use simple language in political writing. He achieves this by arguing that grammar is important.
Orwell’s purpose is to persuade readers to use simple language in political writing. He achieves this by discouraging the use of worn-out words and phrases.
Orwell’s purpose is to entertain readers with humorous language. He achieves this by using unusual grammar.
Orwell’s purpose is to entertain readers with humorous language. He achieves this by using funny words and phrases.

1 answer

The best description of George Orwell’s purpose and the way he achieves it in the excerpt is:

Orwell’s purpose is to persuade readers to use simple language in political writing. He achieves this by discouraging the use of worn-out words and phrases.

In the excerpt, Orwell emphasizes the importance of eliminating outdated and ineffective language, which aligns with his advocacy for clarity and simplicity in political writing.