Question

Paraphrasing Objectively

I think it is agreed by all parties, that this prodigious number of children in the arms, or on the backs, or at the heels of their mothers, and frequently of their fathers, is in the present deplorable state of the kingdom, a very great additional grievance; and therefore whoever could find out a fair, cheap and easy method of making these children sound and useful members of the common-wealth, would deserve so well of the publick, as to have his statue set up for a preserver of the nation.
–“A Modest Proposal,”
Jonathan Swift

Write a one- to two-sentence paraphrase of the passage. Be sure to maintain an objective tone.

Answer 1

Sample Response: According to Swift, poverty in Ireland is such a serious problem that anyone who could provide a good solution would be considered a hero.

Answer 2

Children should be in an environment wherein they are well taken cared of while their parents are out working for their living. The proposed environment should be fair, cheap, and provides easy methods of teaching the children into becoming useful members not only of the family but also to the general public.