Are you looking for a way to give back to your community, but don’t know where to start? One of the best ways you can invest in the future of your community is by helping to better educate our youngsters. Schools are under-funded, and even talented teachers are beset with the growing pressure of helping students without enough resources. With our group-funding program, you can go online and look through thousands of teacher programs that are looking for funding. These programs were designed by teachers who know what they need to help their students succeed. Very rarely do you get the chance to donate money and know exactly where your money is going. Donate today and help change the lives of a classroom of students in your community.

Which of the following is a unique benefit of this group-funding program?

Many teachers across the country are noticing the importance of film in the modern classroom. No longer is putting a movie on meant as an invitation for students to check out while the teacher does work at their desk. Films are a versatile medium, and can function as textbooks, pieces of literature, or pieces of art that can bring a new dimension to a student’s learning. The teachers leading this charge know that teaching a film effectively means preparing lessons with the same amount of time and effort as any other days. A teacher could simply shut the lights and throw on the first 20 minutes of Steven Spielberg’s “Saving Private Ryan” because the class is studying World War II. Or, the teacher could spend a class period analyzing the scene with the class, looking at how Spielberg builds anxiety and tension, how he creates the chaos of the beach, and how he gets the audience to care for characters they haven’t even met yet.

Which of the following is the author’s overall conclusion concerning teachers using film in the classroom?

Many teachers across the country are noticing the importance of film in the modern classroom. No longer is putting a movie on meant as an invitation for students to check out while the teacher does work at their desk. Films are a versatile medium, and can function as textbooks, pieces of literature, or pieces of art that can bring a new dimension to a student’s learning. The teachers leading this charge know that teaching a film effectively means preparing lessons with the same amount of time and effort as any other days. A teacher could simply shut the lights and throw on the first 20 minutes of Steven Spielberg’s “Saving Private Ryan” because the class is studying World War II. Or, the teacher could spend a class period analyzing the scene with the class, looking at how Spielberg builds anxiety and tension, how he creates the chaos of the beach, and how he gets the audience to care for characters they haven’t even met yet.

Which of the following sentences would be a supporting detail to explain how “Saving Private Ryan” could be used in the classroom?

Many teachers across the country are noticing the importance of film in the modern classroom. No longer is putting a movie on meant as an invitation for students to check out while the teacher does work at their desk. Films are a versatile medium, and can function as textbooks, pieces of literature, or pieces of art that can bring a new dimension to a student’s learning. The teachers leading this charge know that teaching a film effectively means preparing lessons with the same amount of time and effort as any other days. A teacher could simply shut the lights and throw on the first 20 minutes of Steven Spielberg’s “Saving Private Ryan” because the class is studying World War II. Or, the teacher could spend a class period analyzing the scene with the class, looking at how Spielberg builds anxiety and tension, how he creates the chaos of the beach, and how he gets the audience to care for characters they haven’t even met yet.

Based on the context, which of the following is the best meaning of the word versatile used in the passage?

Mahatma Ghandi was an inspirational leader who made a lot of sacrifices for the people of India. In 1921, Gandhi took charge of the Indian National Congress, a group of thirteen men in the Indian government who fought discrimination and unfair taxation against farmers and urban laborers. Using the nonviolent tactic of civil disobedience, Gandhi and his followers bravely resisted British control over Indian life, choosing not to follow unfair, discriminatory laws and policies. The British were not happy to see Ghandi and his followers rebelling in this way.

The British responded to this resistance by strengthening their military presence in India, often at the cost of human lives. While Ghandi was fighting to gain more freedom for the people of India, the British government was, often violently, suppressing it. For his effort, Gandhi was eventually imprisoned in 1942 for his “radical” beliefs, but he refused to recognize violence as a means of fighting the British. He gained international attention for his hunger strikes, refusing to eat until the British changed their unjust policies.

Mahatma Ghandi was an inspirational leader who made a lot of sacrifices for the people of India. In 1921, Gandhi took charge of the Indian National Congress, a group of thirteen men in the Indian government who fought discrimination and unfair taxation against farmers and urban laborers. Using the nonviolent tactic of civil disobedience, Gandhi and his followers bravely resisted British control over Indian life, choosing not to follow unfair, discriminatory laws and policies. The British were not happy to see Ghandi and his followers rebelling in this way.

The British responded to this resistance by strengthening their military presence in India, often at the cost of human lives. While Ghandi was fighting to gain more freedom for the people of India, the British government was, often violently, suppressing it. For his effort, Gandhi was eventually imprisoned in 1942 for his “radical” beliefs, but he refused to recognize violence as a means of fighting the British. He gained international attention for his hunger strikes, refusing to eat until the British changed their unjust policies.

Mahatma Ghandi was an inspirational leader who made a lot of sacrifices for the people of India. In 1921, Gandhi took charge of the Indian National Congress, a group of thirteen men in the Indian government who fought discrimination and unfair taxation against farmers and urban laborers. Using the nonviolent tactic of civil disobedience, Gandhi and his followers bravely resisted British control over Indian life, choosing not to follow unfair, discriminatory laws and policies. The British were not happy to see Ghandi and his followers rebelling in this way.

The British responded to this resistance by strengthening their military presence in India, often at the cost of human lives. While Ghandi was fighting to gain more freedom for the people of India, the British government was, often violently, suppressing it. For his effort, Gandhi was eventually imprisoned in 1942 for his “radical” beliefs, but he refused to recognize violence as a means of fighting the British. He gained international attention for his hunger strikes, refusing to eat until the British changed their unjust policies.

Mahatma Ghandi was an inspirational leader who made a lot of sacrifices for the people of India. In 1921, Gandhi took charge of the Indian National Congress, a group of thirteen men in the Indian government who fought discrimination and unfair taxation against farmers and urban laborers. Using the nonviolent tactic of civil disobedience, Gandhi and his followers bravely resisted British control over Indian life, choosing not to follow unfair, discriminatory laws and policies. The British were not happy to see Ghandi and his followers rebelling in this way.

The British responded to this resistance by strengthening their military presence in India, often at the cost of human lives. While Ghandi was fighting to gain more freedom for the people of India, the British government was, often violently, suppressing it. For his effort, Gandhi was eventually imprisoned in 1942 for his “radical” beliefs, but he refused to recognize violence as a means of fighting the British. He gained international attention for his hunger strikes, refusing to eat until the British changed their unjust policies.

Mahatma Ghandi was an inspirational leader who made a lot of sacrifices for the people of India. In 1921, Gandhi took charge of the Indian National Congress, a group of thirteen men in the Indian government who fought discrimination and unfair taxation against farmers and urban laborers. Using the nonviolent tactic of civil disobedience, Gandhi and his followers bravely resisted British control over Indian life, choosing not to follow unfair, discriminatory laws and policies. The British were not happy to see Ghandi and his followers rebelling in this way.

The British responded to this resistance by strengthening their military presence in India, often at the cost of human lives. While Ghandi was fighting to gain more freedom for the people of India, the British government was, often violently, suppressing it. For his effort, Gandhi was eventually imprisoned in 1942 for his “radical” beliefs, but he refused to recognize violence as a means of fighting the British. He gained international attention for his hunger strikes, refusing to eat until the British changed their unjust policies.

Mahatma Ghandi was an inspirational leader who made a lot of sacrifices for the people of India. In 1921, Gandhi took charge of the Indian National Congress, a group of thirteen men in the Indian government who fought discrimination and unfair taxation against farmers and urban laborers. Using the nonviolent tactic of civil disobedience, Gandhi and his followers bravely resisted British control over Indian life, choosing not to follow unfair, discriminatory laws and policies. The British were not happy to see Ghandi and his followers rebelling in this way.

The British responded to this resistance by strengthening their military presence in India, often at the cost of human lives. While Ghandi was fighting to gain more freedom for the people of India, the British government was, often violently, suppressing it. For his effort, Gandhi was eventually imprisoned in 1942 for his “radical” beliefs, but he refused to recognize violence as a means of fighting the British. He gained international attention for his hunger strikes, refusing to eat until the British changed their unjust policies.

When scientists do experiments, they need to follow what is called the scientific method. The scientific method is a structure for experimentation that ensures valid data. In using the scientific method, experimenters must first state the purpose. What is the problem or the question that they are exploring? In order to make sure the experiment is worth the time, they should then do research to see if anyone has already collected valid data on the subject. Experimenters can then use that data, and their prior knowledge, to propose a hypothesis, or a prediction of what is going to happen. Once the parameters and expectations are clearly stated, experimenters simply have to carry out the experiment, collect the data, and draw conclusions. If experimenters don’t follow this method, they risk corrupting their data and drawing inaccurate conclusions.

Which of the following best describes the structure of this text?

When scientists do experiments, they need to follow what is called the scientific method. The scientific method is a structure for experimentation that ensures valid data. In using the scientific method, experimenters must first state the purpose. What is the problem or the question that they are exploring? In order to make sure the experiment is worth the time, they should then do research to see if anyone has already collected valid data on the subject. Experimenters can then use that data, and their prior knowledge, to propose a hypothesis, or a prediction of what is going to happen. Once the parameters and expectations are clearly stated, experimenters simply have to carry out the experiment, collect the data, and draw conclusions. If experimenters don’t follow this method, they risk corrupting their data and drawing inaccurate conclusions.

Which of the following statements best describes the author’s point of view?

Dear Karla,

Congratulations on being named Employee of the Year for 2018. We appreciate all of your hard work and how dedicated you have been to our company. When the committee convened to discuss the potential award recipients, you became a clear frontrunner because of your long hours and the 11% growth in global sales that your team achieved in a slowing economy. As you know, this award comes with a new parking spot, a $5,000 bonus, and a plaque displayed near our office entrance. Please see Su Yun at your earliest convenience for your official photo.

Thank you for everything you do,
Fahmida Bukhari, Director of Human Resources
Systematic Alliance Reserve, Inc.

Dear Karla,

Congratulations on being named Employee of the Year for 2018. We appreciate all of your hard work and how dedicated you have been to our company. When the committee convened to discuss the potential award recipients, you became a clear frontrunner because of your long hours and the 11% growth in global sales that your team achieved in a slowing economy. As you know, this award comes with a new parking spot, a $5,000 bonus, and a plaque displayed near our office entrance. Please see Su Yun at your earliest convenience for your official photo.

Thank you for everything you do,
Fahmida Bukhari, Director of Human Resources
Systematic Alliance Reserve, Inc.

A spacesuit consists of several pieces. The Hard Upper Torso covers the astronaut's chest. The arm assembly covers the arms and connects to the gloves. The helmet and Extravehicular Visor Assembly are designed to protect the astronaut's head while still allowing him or her to see as much as possible.

The Lower Torso Assembly covers the astronaut's legs and feet. The flexible parts of the suit are made from several layers of material. The layers perform different functions, from keeping oxygen within the spacesuit to protecting from space dust.

Underneath the spacesuit, astronauts wear a Liquid Cooling and Ventilation Garment. Tubes are woven into this tight-fitting piece of clothing that covers the entire body except for the head, hands and feet. Water flows through these tubes to keep the astronaut cool during spacewalks.

On the back of the spacesuit is a backpack called the Primary Life Support Subsystem. This backpack contains the oxygen that astronauts breathe during spacewalks. It also removes carbon dioxide that astronauts exhale. The backpack also provides electricity for the suit. A fan moves the oxygen through the spacesuit and life support systems, and a water tank holds the cooling water that flows through the Liquid Cooling and Ventilation Garment.

A spacesuit consists of several pieces. The Hard Upper Torso covers the astronaut's chest. The arm assembly covers the arms and connects to the gloves. The helmet and Extravehicular Visor Assembly are designed to protect the astronaut's head while still allowing him or her to see as much as possible.

The Lower Torso Assembly covers the astronaut's legs and feet. The flexible parts of the suit are made from several layers of material. The layers perform different functions, from keeping oxygen within the spacesuit to protecting from space dust.

Underneath the spacesuit, astronauts wear a Liquid Cooling and Ventilation Garment. Tubes are woven into this tight-fitting piece of clothing that covers the entire body except for the head, hands and feet. Water flows through these tubes to keep the astronaut cool during spacewalks.

On the back of the spacesuit is a backpack called the Primary Life Support Subsystem. This backpack contains the oxygen that astronauts breathe during spacewalks. It also removes carbon dioxide that astronauts exhale. The backpack also provides electricity for the suit. A fan moves the oxygen through the spacesuit and life support systems, and a water tank holds the cooling water that flows through the Liquid Cooling and Ventilation Garment.

A spacesuit consists of several pieces. The Hard Upper Torso covers the astronaut's chest. The arm assembly covers the arms and connects to the gloves. The helmet and Extravehicular Visor Assembly are designed to protect the astronaut's head while still allowing him or her to see as much as possible.

The Lower Torso Assembly covers the astronaut's legs and feet. The flexible parts of the suit are made from several layers of material. The layers perform different functions, from keeping oxygen within the spacesuit to protecting from space dust.

Underneath the spacesuit, astronauts wear a Liquid Cooling and Ventilation Garment. Tubes are woven into this tight-fitting piece of clothing that covers the entire body except for the head, hands and feet. Water flows through these tubes to keep the astronaut cool during spacewalks.

On the back of the spacesuit is a backpack called the Primary Life Support Subsystem. This backpack contains the oxygen that astronauts breathe during spacewalks. It also removes carbon dioxide that astronauts exhale. The backpack also provides electricity for the suit. A fan moves the oxygen through the spacesuit and life support systems, and a water tank holds the cooling water that flows through the Liquid Cooling and Ventilation Garment.

A blood glucose test, or fasting PG test, is given after a patient has gone without food for at least eight hours. It's widely considered to be a reliable test, and it appears the results aren't affected by patient age or physical activity. Many doctors prefer this method of testing because it's easy, fast and inexpensive.

In this context, reliable means

A blood glucose test, or fasting PG test, is given after a patient has gone without food for at least eight hours. It's widely considered to be a reliable test, and it appears the results aren't affected by patient age or physical activity. Many doctors prefer this method of testing because it's easy, fast and inexpensive.

Compared to most of our country’s other Founding Fathers, Thomas Paine is essentially unknown. In fact, there are many Americans who have never even heard of him. Paine was born in 1737, the son of a corsetier—a tailor specializing in corsets and other undergarments—and grew up in rural Thetford, England. As a young man, Paine worked as a corsetier, sailor, and minister, but found his true calling when he moved to the British colonies in America.

Paine first gained notoriety as the editor of Pennsylvania Magazine and, as political turmoil engulfed the colonies, he became more prominent. In 1776, Paine anonymously published a book called Common Sense that argued forcefully for American independence from Britain. The book’s popularity spread like wildfire; soon there were 200,000 copies in circulation. Once the war began, Paine published a series of pamphlets called The Crisis. These, in the midst of a bloody war, helped keep up the morale of the troops. Thomas Paine is also credited with conceiving the name “The United States of America.”

Thomas Paine was an extremely talented writer; Thomas Jefferson and John Adams drew heavily on his work when drafting the Declaration of Independence. Later in life, Paine wrote other, highly controversial works. He was even exiled from England and imprisoned in France for his writings. In 1796, Paine did his part to inspire what would become Social Security. He suggested a system of social insurance for the young and the elderly in his last great work, Agrarian Justice.

Compared to most of our country’s other Founding Fathers, Thomas Paine is essentially unknown. In fact, there are many Americans who have never even heard of him. Paine was born in 1737, the son of a corsetier—a tailor specializing in corsets and other undergarments—and grew up in rural Thetford, England. As a young man, Paine worked as a corsetier, sailor, and minister, but found his true calling when he moved to the British colonies in America.

Paine first gained notoriety as the editor of Pennsylvania Magazine and, as political turmoil engulfed the colonies, he became more prominent. In 1776, Paine anonymously published a book called Common Sense that argued forcefully for American independence from Britain. The book’s popularity spread like wildfire; soon there were 200,000 copies in circulation. Once the war began, Paine published a series of pamphlets called The Crisis. These, in the midst of a bloody war, helped keep up the morale of the troops. Thomas Paine is also credited with conceiving the name “The United States of America.”

Thomas Paine was an extremely talented writer; Thomas Jefferson and John Adams drew heavily on his work when drafting the Declaration of Independence. Later in life, Paine wrote other, highly controversial works. He was even exiled from England and imprisoned in France for his writings. In 1796, Paine did his part to inspire what would become Social Security. He suggested a system of social insurance for the young and the elderly in his last great work, Agrarian Justice.

Compared to most of our country’s other Founding Fathers, Thomas Paine is essentially unknown. In fact, there are many Americans who have never even heard of him. Paine was born in 1737, the son of a corsetier—a tailor specializing in corsets and other undergarments—and grew up in rural Thetford, England. As a young man, Paine worked as a corsetier, sailor, and minister, but found his true calling when he moved to the British colonies in America.

Paine first gained notoriety as the editor of Pennsylvania Magazine and, as political turmoil engulfed the colonies, he became more prominent. In 1776, Paine anonymously published a book called Common Sense that argued forcefully for American independence from Britain. The book’s popularity spread like wildfire; soon there were 200,000 copies in circulation. Once the war began, Paine published a series of pamphlets called The Crisis. These, in the midst of a bloody war, helped keep up the morale of the troops. Thomas Paine is also credited with conceiving the name “The United States of America.”

Thomas Paine was an extremely talented writer; Thomas Jefferson and John Adams drew heavily on his work when drafting the Declaration of Independence. Later in life, Paine wrote other, highly controversial works. He was even exiled from England and imprisoned in France for his writings. In 1796, Paine did his part to inspire what would become Social Security. He suggested a system of social insurance for the young and the elderly in his last great work, Agrarian Justice.

Compared to most of our country’s other Founding Fathers, Thomas Paine is essentially unknown. In fact, there are many Americans who have never even heard of him. Paine was born in 1737, the son of a corsetier—a tailor specializing in corsets and other undergarments—and grew up in rural Thetford, England. As a young man, Paine worked as a corsetier, sailor, and minister, but found his true calling when he moved to the British colonies in America.

Paine first gained notoriety as the editor of Pennsylvania Magazine and, as political turmoil engulfed the colonies, he became more prominent. In 1776, Paine anonymously published a book called Common Sense that argued forcefully for American independence from Britain. The book’s popularity spread like wildfire; soon there were 200,000 copies in circulation. Once the war began, Paine published a series of pamphlets called The Crisis. These, in the midst of a bloody war, helped keep up the morale of the troops. Thomas Paine is also credited with conceiving the name “The United States of America.”

Thomas Paine was an extremely talented writer; Thomas Jefferson and John Adams drew heavily on his work when drafting the Declaration of Independence. Later in life, Paine wrote other, highly controversial works. He was even exiled from England and imprisoned in France for his writings. In 1796, Paine did his part to inspire what would become Social Security. He suggested a system of social insurance for the young and the elderly in his last great work, Agrarian Justice.

Compared to most of our country’s other Founding Fathers, Thomas Paine is essentially unknown. In fact, there are many Americans who have never even heard of him. Paine was born in 1737, the son of a corsetier—a tailor specializing in corsets and other undergarments—and grew up in rural Thetford, England. As a young man, Paine worked as a corsetier, sailor, and minister, but found his true calling when he moved to the British colonies in America.

Paine first gained notoriety as the editor of Pennsylvania Magazine and, as political turmoil engulfed the colonies, he became more prominent. In 1776, Paine anonymously published a book called Common Sense that argued forcefully for American independence from Britain. The book’s popularity spread like wildfire; soon there were 200,000 copies in circulation. Once the war began, Paine published a series of pamphlets called The Crisis. These, in the midst of a bloody war, helped keep up the morale of the troops. Thomas Paine is also credited with conceiving the name “The United States of America.”

Thomas Paine was an extremely talented writer; Thomas Jefferson and John Adams drew heavily on his work when drafting the Declaration of Independence. Later in life, Paine wrote other, highly controversial works. He was even exiled from England and imprisoned in France for his writings. In 1796, Paine did his part to inspire what would become Social Security. He suggested a system of social insurance for the young and the elderly in his last great work, Agrarian Justice.

At only five years old, Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart had already written five musical compositions. What are you waiting for? If you want to accomplish something in your life, the best day to start working towards it is yesterday. The universe only rewards people who are willing to take risks. Mozart was 5 when he was already on his way to being a legend; what’s holding you back?

Which of the following best supports the argument in this paragraph?

At only five years old, Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart had already written five musical compositions. What are you waiting for? If you want to accomplish something in your life, the best day to start working towards it is yesterday. The universe only rewards people who are willing to take risks. Mozart was 5 when he was already on his way to being a legend; what’s holding you back?

For some, the poverty and deprivations of youth must be credited with the grandest achievements of adulthood. The poet Robert Burns and his brother were expected to do the work of men at the age of thirteen. He had some schooling before then, and must have improved during this time, for he could read and spell well, and had some knowledge of English grammar.

Since rejoining UNESCO, one of our top priorities has been promoting literacy, with a particular focus on girls and women. To that end, quality providers of informal education have played and will continue to play a key role in decreasing the global adult illiteracy rate. We know that informal education can be more flexible and help reach adults who have long ago dropped out of the formal school system or who were systematically denied access to school. As the largest government donor to UNICEF, the United States is supporting efforts to support safe schools, and quality education for each and every girl and boy.

Jonathan Swift’s dark view of humanity is expressed in his novel Gulliver’s Travels (1726). Swift believed that society, which is meant to protect people from inequality and injustice, actually encourages the worst evils, promotes immorality, and allows injustices to occur. In Gulliver’s Travels, Swift asks whether “civilization” is only an elaborate cover for the lowest forms of human behavior.

Swift raises this question through satire, a literary form which he brings to perfection in Gulliver’s Travels. Following in the great tradition of classical satirists, Swift uses his novel to point out the underlying ridiculousness of the society around him. In one section of Gulliver’s Travels, for example, Gulliver describes his native England to the king of a land of giants. Gulliver talks enthusiastically to the giant king about the class system, laws, constitution, military glory, and history of his homeland. After carefully listening to Gulliver’s speech, however, the king proceeds to point out the many shortcomings of Gulliver’s native land. Gulliver is unable to come up with adequate responses to the criticism. He can only stand there in embarrassed silence as the king eventually concludes that the institutions of the human world should be condemned.

Jonathan Swift’s dark view of humanity is expressed in his novel Gulliver’s Travels (1726). Swift believed that society, which is meant to protect people from inequality and injustice, actually encourages the worst evils, promotes immorality, and allows injustices to occur. In Gulliver’s Travels, Swift asks whether “civilization” is only an elaborate cover for the lowest forms of human behavior.

Swift raises this question through satire, a literary form which he brings to perfection in Gulliver’s Travels. Following in the great tradition of classical satirists, Swift uses his novel to point out the underlying ridiculousness of the society around him. In one section of Gulliver’s Travels, for example, Gulliver describes his native England to the king of a land of giants. Gulliver talks enthusiastically to the giant king about the class system, laws, constitution, military glory, and history of his homeland. After carefully listening to Gulliver’s speech, however, the king proceeds to point out the many shortcomings of Gulliver’s native land. Gulliver is unable to come up with adequate responses to the criticism. He can only stand there in embarrassed silence as the king eventually concludes that the institutions of the human world should be condemned.

Jonathan Swift’s dark view of humanity is expressed in his novel Gulliver’s Travels (1726). Swift believed that society, which is meant to protect people from inequality and injustice, actually encourages the worst evils, promotes immorality, and allows injustices to occur. In Gulliver’s Travels, Swift asks whether “civilization” is only an elaborate cover for the lowest forms of human behavior.

Swift raises this question through satire, a literary form which he brings to perfection in Gulliver’s Travels. Following in the great tradition of classical satirists, Swift uses his novel to point out the underlying ridiculousness of the society around him. In one section of Gulliver’s Travels, for example, Gulliver describes his native England to the king of a land of giants. Gulliver talks enthusiastically to the giant king about the class system, laws, constitution, military glory, and history of his homeland. After carefully listening to Gulliver’s speech, however, the king proceeds to point out the many shortcomings of Gulliver’s native land. Gulliver is unable to come up with adequate responses to the criticism. He can only stand there in embarrassed silence as the king eventually concludes that the institutions of the human world should be condemned.

Jonathan Swift’s dark view of humanity is expressed in his novel Gulliver’s Travels (1726). Swift believed that society, which is meant to protect people from inequality and injustice, actually encourages the worst evils, promotes immorality, and allows injustices to occur. In Gulliver’s Travels, Swift asks whether “civilization” is only an elaborate cover for the lowest forms of human behavior.

Swift raises this question through satire, a literary form which he brings to perfection in Gulliver’s Travels. Following in the great tradition of classical satirists, Swift uses his novel to point out the underlying ridiculousness of the society around him. In one section of Gulliver’s Travels, for example, Gulliver describes his native England to the king of a land of giants. Gulliver talks enthusiastically to the giant king about the class system, laws, constitution, military glory, and history of his homeland. After carefully listening to Gulliver’s speech, however, the king proceeds to point out the many shortcomings of Gulliver’s native land. Gulliver is unable to come up with adequate responses to the criticism. He can only stand there in embarrassed silence as the king eventually concludes that the institutions of the human world should be condemned.

Jonathan Swift’s dark view of humanity is expressed in his novel Gulliver’s Travels (1726). Swift believed that society, which is meant to protect people from inequality and injustice, actually encourages the worst evils, promotes immorality, and allows injustices to occur. In Gulliver’s Travels, Swift asks whether “civilization” is only an elaborate cover for the lowest forms of human behavior.

Swift raises this question through satire, a literary form which he brings to perfection in Gulliver’s Travels. Following in the great tradition of classical satirists, Swift uses his novel to point out the underlying ridiculousness of the society around him. In one section of Gulliver’s Travels, for example, Gulliver describes his native England to the king of a land of giants. Gulliver talks enthusiastically to the giant king about the class system, laws, constitution, military glory, and history of his homeland. After carefully listening to Gulliver’s speech, however, the king proceeds to point out the many shortcomings of Gulliver’s native land. Gulliver is unable to come up with adequate responses to the criticism. He can only stand there in embarrassed silence as the king eventually concludes that the institutions of the human world should be condemned.