Question

Which statement best expresses the theme of the passage? (A.Workers need to organize for better health care.) (B).Dictatorships use lies to manipulate the populace. (C).Sometimes, you cannot trust what you see with your own eyes. (D).Relying on others is the only way to get through difficult times.
Read the passage from Animal Farm.

It had come to his knowledge, he said, that a foolish and wicked rumour had been circulated at the time of Boxer's removal. Some of the animals had noticed that the van which took Boxer away was marked "Horse Slaughterer," and had actually jumped to the conclusion that Boxer was being sent to the knacker's. It was almost unbelievable, said Squealer, that any animal could be so stupid. Surely, he cried indignantly, whisking his tail and skipping from side to side, surely they knew their beloved Leader, Comrade Napoleon, better than that? But the explanation was really very simple. The van had previously been the property of the knacker, and had been bought by the veterinary surgeon, who had not yet painted the old name out. That was how the mistake had arisen.

Answer 1

Answer: B. Dictatorships use lies to manipulate the populace.

Option B is the one that best expresses the theme of the passage. In this passage, the animals feel horrified when they discover that the horse is about to be sent to the slaughterer. The animals can see with their own eyes that he is being taken by the slaughterer's van. However, the pigs tell the animals that this is simply a confusion and that Boxer was being sent to the vet. This is a clear lie, but it demonstrates how dictatorships often use lies in order to manipulate the populace.

Answer 2

(B).Dictatorships use lies to manipulate the populace.