SAT #17 Reading (Question 36)

Question

Based on the passage, Burke believes that French leaders who would advocate moderate positions are [...]?

Answer 1

Answer Choice D is the correct answer because Lines 18-22 say, “If any of them should happen to propose a scheme of liberty, soberly limited and defined with proper qualifications, he will be immediately outbid by his competitors who will produce something more splendidly popular.” These Lines tell us that Burke believes that French leaders who advocate more moderate positions are sensible and qualified but will ultimately be outbid by those who are more popular, and most closely match Answer Choice D which says that Burke finds these leaders are “sensible, but are likely to be undermined.” Answer Choice A is incorrect because, although Burke does suggest that these leaders will raise suspicions or be distrusted, he never clearly calls them “brave.” Answer Choice B is incorrect because Burke doesn’t ever call these leaders “cowardly” and suggests that they’ll receive a more negative reaction, not that they’ll be praised. Answer Choice C is incorrect because Burke moreso calls these leaders “sensible” than the more specific “virtuous,” and suggests that they’ll be outbid, not necessarily “ignored.”