PrepTest 108, Section 3, Question 8
A metaphor is the application of a word(66 more words not shown)
Which one of the following(9 more words not shown)
- AIt is not(9 more words not shown)
- BEither all uses(11 more words not shown)
- CNonliteral meaning is(11 more words not shown)
- DMetaphors are nonliteral(12 more words not shown)
- EThe ordinary meanings(18 more words not shown)
Reading the argument
A metaphor borrows a description rather than using it literally. Calling a sunrise “warm bread,” for example, might suggest warmth or comfort. It doesn't mean the sun is a loaf of bread. The comparison depends on our understanding of what bread ordinarily is.
Now the extremists say every use of language works that way. But if nothing were ever used literally, what ordinary meaning would the metaphor depart from? The author argues that the nonliteral use depends on there being some literal use to contrast it with.
What we’re looking for
I can follow that response. We don't need to invent an objection just to keep arguing. The author defines a metaphor, introduces the claim that all language is metaphorical, and then rejects that claim with a reason. For the main-conclusion question, the answer should state the rejection: not every use of language is metaphorical.
Working the answers
- ACorrect
It is not the case that all language is metaphorical. That's what “this cannot be so” rejects. The final explanation about literal meanings gives us the author's reason for rejecting it; A states the point that reason supports.
- B
The author doesn't force us to choose between everything being literal and everything being metaphorical. Some uses could be literal and others metaphorical. In fact, the argument says literal uses are needed for nonliteral ones. B introduces an all-or-nothing choice that the author never makes.
- C
This is the supporting reason. If nonliteral meaning requires some literal uses, then all uses cannot be nonliteral. C explains why the author rejects the extremists' position, rather than stating that rejection itself. A captures the main conclusion supported by this claim.
- D
This restates the opening definition of metaphor. The definition helps us understand the dispute and the reason the author gives, but the argument goes beyond defining a term. Its point is to reject the claim that every use of language is metaphorical.
- E
This introduces a claim about conventions fixing ordinary meanings. We can imagine discussing how shared language allows people to understand one another, but that isn't the argument presented. Nothing here establishes a particular process by which literal meanings must be fixed. The actual conclusion concerns whether all language is metaphorical.
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