need help (sat preparation)

Question

How would the meaning of the following passage change if Wiesel used the word “troubles” rather than “plight”?

"Have we really learned from our experiences? Are we less insensitive to the plight of victims of ethnic cleansing and other forms of injustices in places near and far?"

a. “Plight” implies a problem that has a way out; “troubles” is less specific.

b. “Plight” is a more appropriate choice for formal writing than “troubles.”

c. “Plight implies a particularly difficult struggle. “Troubles” is less intense.

d. “Plight” lessens the intensity of the struggle, more so than “troubles.”

Answer 1

a. A is incorrect because the words plight and troubles can both imply problems that have a way out.

b. B is incorrect because the formality of both words are pretty similar.

c. C Is correct because although the words plight and troubles are similar, the word plight is stronger in meaning in relation to the topic of victims of ethnic cleansing and other forms of injustices. Plight signifies the intensity of the topic at hand more effectively then the word troubles.

d. D is incorrect because as stated in above, plight strengthens the intensity of the struggle.

Answer 2

A. Makes no sense, plight and troubles are both generic words even if one is stronger than the other and both would have solutions ('ways out').

B. The word choice here is not a question of "formality", either word could be considered formal enough to use in the situation.

C. The correct answer - 'troubles' is far less intense than 'plight' which would be appropriate when talking about ethnic cleansing.

D. The opposite answer to D and makes no sense.