11. Why does the author place quotation marks around the word "patriotic" (sentence 2)?
Answer: A
To attribute to postwar Americans the perception of Wrigley’s gum as patriotic
The author places quotation marks around the word "patriotic" to indicate that this term reflects the perspective of postwar Americans, rather than being an objective description. This highlights how the perception of the gum was shaped by the cultural context of the time.
A) To attribute to postwar Americans the perception of Wrigley’s gum as patriotic
This option is correct because the quotation marks suggest that the term "patriotic" is a viewpoint held by Americans after the war, indicating that it was not an inherent quality of the gum but rather a label applied by consumers in response to Wrigley's wartime actions.
B) To praise the patriotism the Wrigley Company demonstrated during wartime
This option is incorrect as the use of quotation marks does not imply praise. Instead, it indicates that the term "patriotic" is a subjective interpretation by the public, rather than an assertion of the company's own patriotism.
C) To show that American soldiers used the word "patriotic" to describe Wrigley’s gum
This option is incorrect because there is no evidence in the extract suggesting that soldiers specifically used the term "patriotic" to describe the gum. The quotation marks are used to reflect a broader public sentiment rather than a specific source.
D) To reveal that the Wrigley Company changed the name of its gum to include the word "patriotic"
This option is incorrect as the extract does not mention any name change for the gum. The quotation marks serve to signify the interpretation of the gum by consumers, not a formal alteration in branding.
Conclusion
The correct answer, A, effectively captures the author's intent in using quotation marks around "patriotic," emphasizing that it represents the sentiments of postwar Americans rather than an official designation by the Wrigley Company. The other options fail to accurately reflect the context of the author’s choice of wording, focusing instead on interpretations that do not align with the extract's content.