Critical Reading For Exams / Short Reading Comprehension 21


The history of mankind is a history of repeated injuries and usurpations on the part of many toward woman, having  in direct object the establishment of an absolute tyranny over her. To prove this, let facts be submitted to a candid world. 

He has never permitted her to exercise her inalienable right to the elective franchise. 

He had compelled her to submit to laws, in the formation of which she had no voice. 

He had withheld from her rights which are given the most ignorant and degraded men—both natives and  foreigners. 

Having deprived her of this first right of a citizen, the elective franchise, thereby leaving her without represen-  tation in the halls of legislation, he has oppressed her on all sides. 



As used in line (1), the word “usurpations” most nearly means

To intimidate repeatedly.
To restrict movement in membership.
To shackle with impunity.
To confine in deed and thought.
To force situations upon.

The primary purpose of the passage is to

Refute a common belief.
Propose a modification.
Predict an outcome or action.
Explain a situation.
Honor resilience of women.

The overall tone of the passage is

Snide.
Poignant.
Empathetic.
Critical.
Curt.