A BRIEF OVERVIEW Background for “A Modest Proposal”
British in Ireland At the time, British exerted such control over Ireland that it was nearly a British colony. British considered Irish to be inferior. Jonathan Swift—Irish Patriot.
Verbal Irony and Sarcasm Verbal irony: what is said is the opposite of what is meant. Sarcasm: the use of a mocking, ironic tone.
Argumentative Writing: Problem-Solution Essays Identifies the problem and its causes. Proposes a solution (and how to implement it). Provides support for the solution using reasons and evidence. Notes other possible solutions and argues against them.