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Question

Difficulty: MediumFigurative Language and Figures of Speech in Context

Read the passage excerpt below:

"Following the collapse of the regional agricultural cooperative, Chief Adeleke described the community's sudden reliance on imported grain as 'drinking salt water to quench a desert thirst.'"

What does Chief Adeleke's use of figurative language in the excerpt imply about the community's reliance on imported grain?

  1. It is a desperate temporary measure that will ultimately worsen their plight.Answer
  2. B
    It represents a refreshing and satisfying solution to the community's severe food shortage.
  3. C
    It proves that imported grain is financially costlier than locally cultivated crops.
  4. D
    It praises the modern logistical speed and efficiency of the grain distribution network.

Answer

Chief Adeleke's statement implies that relying on imported grain is a desperate temporary measure that will ultimately worsen the community's plight.
The metaphor 'drinking salt water to quench a desert thirst' contrasts an acute need with an attempt to resolve it using something that actually worsens the underlying condition. In context, relying on imported grain offers momentary relief while deepening the community's long-term vulnerability.

Step-by-Step Solution

1
Identify the figurative expression used in the passage.
The key figurative phrase is 'drinking salt water to quench a desert thirst'.
Recognizing the metaphor allows for analyzing the relationship between the immediate action and its long-term consequence.
2
Analyze the real-world implication of the metaphor.
Ingesting salt water when dehydrated provides a fleeting sensation of fluid intake but actually accelerates dehydration and harm.
Translating the metaphorical imagery to logical outcomes reveals the speaker's intended meaning.
3
Apply the metaphorical analysis to the context of imported grain.
Imported grain provides immediate sustenance but damages local self-sufficiency, worsening the long-term crisis.
The correct answer accurately reflects both the initial relief and the resulting aggravation of the problem.

Key Concept

Contextual Interpretation of Metaphor and Figurative Language
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Topics

Figurative Language and Figures of Speech in Context

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