Developing an Argument

Supporting statement + examples (lines 14-29)

This richness is due to the variety of elements of which English is made of :

a)        Germanic foundation

b)       Scandinavian

c)        Norman French

d)       French

e)       Latin

f)         Celtic

Further clarification + examples (lines 29-40)

The English language is also rich in its rhythmic variety. The elements are:

a)      Saxon

b)      Norman French

c)       Welsh

d)      Latin

e)      Greek

Statement + examples (lines 49-51)

It is generally thought that the greatest people excel  in one art. Examples:

a)        Italy and France in painting

b)       Germany in music

c)        England in poetry

Refutation + Example (lines 52-68)

This is not correct because:

a)        No exclusivity in various arts

b)       Not-English poetry

Example: Baudelaire, Valery

Further refutation + example (lines 68-76)

A nation which leads in a particular art form in a particular period does not necessarily  produce the greatest artists. Example: Goethe.

Statement (lines  86-99)

The ability of European literature to renew itself depends on two factors:

a)        Influences from abroad

b)       Learning from its sources

The exercises you have done so far should enable you to identify some aspects of the essay. First of all answer these questions on Eliot’s essay.

A.   Who is the essayist addressing?

He is addressing to a German listening audience.

B.    Whose opinions are put forward in the essay?

The opinions are the essayist’s ones.

C.    What is the writer’s main intention?

His intention is to communicate the richness of English, expressing the reasons of it.

D.   How does the essayist substantiate his statements?

He substantiates his statements with historical arguments and references to literature.