Question

WHAT ARE PROVERBS?
The definition of a proverb given in The Advanced Learner's Dictionary of Current English is as
good as any: a “popular short saying, with words of advice or warning”. Yet it is far from enabling us to
identify a proverb with any certainty. Is any widely used short saying a proverb? The important word
seems to be “popular”. But how popular must a saying be to become a proverb? The line must
evidently be drawn somewhere. We suggest that in the real sense of the word it must be thoroughly
“of the people”. It follows from this that it will usually be an old saying, since it is unlikely to become
part of the popular consciousness in a short period of time. There are of course exceptions, and some
proverbs jump into the popular mind with unusual rapidity, though we should have to exclude the
purely transient catch-phrases like “I couldn't care less” or “What's the odds?” The definition might
have said “a short wise saying”, but presumably this was thought unnecessary as the word “saying”,
when used in this way, implies wisdom. For wisdom is the other main ingredient of the proverb. To
become popular it must at least appear outstandingly wise; to remain popular it must in truth contain
enduring wisdom. That having been said, however, the fact remains that some wise sayings have
become proverbs, while others equally wise have not; they have been lost or they have remained
merely occasional quotations. It is impossible to account fully for this, but part of the reason certainly
has to do with succinctness. The sayings that have won readiest acceptance have in general been the
most pithy. Because they have been short, to the point, packed full, and neat in form, they have gained
quick and lasting entry to the public mind. Other things being equal, the long-winded, the over-fussy,
the formless saying has had little chance of making the grade.
It is these positive qualities that make the saying memorable, and by its very nature a proverb
is memorable. The devices used in their expression to support this memorable quality are worth
noting. Rhyme and assonance are one such device.

1- According to the text:
A) some wise sayings have become mere quotations but not proverbs.
B) what makes a saying into a proverb is the fact that it is long.
C) the long proverbs are able to achieve a high grade.
D) positive qualities make long formless sayings into proverbs.
E) rhyme and assonance are good examples of proverbs.

2- According to the text:
A) every saying will evidently become a proverb after sometime.
B) old sayings will become part of the popular unconsciousness.
C) some proverbs become part of the popular mind surprisingly fast.

Answer 1

Resposta:

do 1 é letra a do 2 é letra c