Read this excerpt from Jonathan Swift's A Modest Proposal.

Question

"Thirdly, whereas the maintenance of an hundred thousand children, from two years old, and upwards, cannot be computed at less than ten shillings apiece per annum, the nation's stock will be thereby increased fifty thousand pounds per annum, besides the profit of a new dish, introduced to the tables of all gentlemen of fortune..."
Why does Swift include these sorts of
"facts and statistics" in his essay?
(1 point)
to make his use of verbal irony more effective
to reinforce his stated arguments
to avert opposition to his stated arguments
to demonstrate that he is well-educated

Answer 1

The correct answer is to reinforce his stated arguments. In A Modest Proposal, Jonathan Swift uses "facts and statistics" to support and strengthen his arguments and proposals. By including specific numbers and figures, he creates the illusion of a well-thought-out and logical plan, making it more difficult for readers to dismiss his ideas as mere satire.