Summary
“National Prejudice”
by Oliver Goldsmith
Annotating
Paraphrasing and Quoting
Organizing
Annotating
As I am one of that sauntering tribe
of mortals, who spend the
greatest part of their time in
taverns, coffee houses, and
other places of public resort, I
have thereby an opportunity of
observing an infinite variety of
characters, which, to a person
of contemplative turn, is a much
higher entertainment than a
view of all the curiosities of art
and nature. In one of these, my
late rambles, I accidentally fell
into the company of half a
dozen gentlemen, who were
engaged in a warm dispute
about some political affair; the
decision of which, as they were
equally divided in their
sentiments, they thought proper
to refer to me, which naturally
drew me in for a share of the
conversation.
 Identify unknown words
 Saunter: to walk about in an
idle or leisurely manner.
Annotating
As I am one of that sauntering tribe
of mortals, who spend the
greatest part of their time in
taverns, coffee houses, and
other places of public resort, I
have thereby an opportunity of
observing an infinite variety of
characters, which, to a person
of contemplative turn, is a much
higher entertainment than a
view of all the curiosities of art
and nature. In one of these, my
late rambles, I accidentally fell
into the company of half a
dozen gentlemen, who were
engaged in a warm dispute
about some political affair; the
decision of which, as they were
equally divided in their
sentiments, they thought proper
to refer to me, which naturally
drew me in for a share of the
conversation.
 Identify unknown words
 Saunter: to walk about in an
idle or leisurely manner.
 Contemplative: marked by or
given to contemplation;
 Contemplation: an act of
considering with attention
Annotating
As I am one of that sauntering tribe
of mortals, who spend the
greatest part of their time in
taverns, coffee houses, and
other places of public resort, I
have thereby an opportunity of
observing an infinite variety of
characters, which, to a person
of contemplative turn, is a much
higher entertainment than a
view of all the curiosities of art
and nature. In one of these, my
late rambles, I accidentally fell
into the company of half a
dozen gentlemen, who were
engaged in a warm dispute
about some political affair; the
decision of which, as they were
equally divided in their
sentiments, they thought proper
to refer to me, which naturally
drew me in for a share of the
conversation.
 Identify unknown words
 Saunter: to walk about in an
idle or leisurely manner.
 Contemplative: marked by or
given to contemplation;
 Contemplation: an act of
considering with attention
 Sentiment: an attitude, thought,
or judgment prompted by
feeling
Annotating
As I am one of that sauntering tribe
of mortals, who spend the
greatest part of their time in
taverns, coffee houses, and
other places of public resort, I
have thereby an opportunity of
observing an infinite variety of
characters, which, to a person
of contemplative turn, is a much
higher entertainment than a
view of all the curiosities of art
and nature. In one of these, my
late rambles, I accidentally fell
into the company of half a
dozen gentlemen, who were
engaged in a warm dispute
about some political affair; the
decision of which, as they were
equally divided in their
sentiments, they thought proper
to refer to me, which naturally
drew me in for a share of the
conversation.
 Identify main ideas
Paraphrasing
As I am one of that sauntering tribe
of mortals, who spend the
greatest part of their time in
taverns, coffee houses, and
other places of public resort, I
have thereby an opportunity of
observing an infinite variety of
characters, which, to a person
of contemplative turn, is a much
higher entertainment than a
view of all the curiosities of art
and nature. In one of these, my
late rambles, I accidentally fell
into the company of half a
dozen gentlemen, who were
engaged in a warm dispute
about some political affair; the
decision of which, as they were
equally divided in their
sentiments, they thought proper
to refer to me, which naturally
drew me in for a share of the
conversation.
 Restate the main ideas in your
own words:
 Goldsmith often watched
people when he visited public
places
 Sometimes people invited him
to take part in their
conversations
Quoting
As I am one of that sauntering tribe
of mortals, who spend the
greatest part of their time in
taverns, coffee houses, and
other places of public resort, I
have thereby an opportunity of
observing an infinite variety of
characters, which, to a person
of contemplative turn, is a much
higher entertainment than a
view of all the curiosities of art
and nature. In one of these, my
late rambles, I accidentally fell
into the company of half a
dozen gentlemen, who were
engaged in a warm dispute
about some political affair; the
decision of which, as they were
equally divided in their
sentiments, they thought proper
to refer to me, which naturally
drew me in for a share of the
conversation.
 Identify any sentences that are
particularly effective or cannot
be easily paraphrased:
 This paragraph really has no
outstanding language suitable
for quoting.
Organizing
As I am one of that sauntering tribe
of mortals, who spend the
greatest part of their time in
taverns, coffee houses, and
other places of public resort, I
have thereby an opportunity of
observing an infinite variety of
characters, which, to a person
of contemplative turn, is a much
higher entertainment than a
view of all the curiosities of art
and nature. In one of these, my
late rambles, I accidentally fell
into the company of half a
dozen gentlemen, who were
engaged in a warm dispute
about some political affair; the
decision of which, as they were
equally divided in their
sentiments, they thought proper
to refer to me, which naturally
drew me in for a share of the
conversation.
 Organize your paraphrased and
quoted material into your own
sentence:
 Goldsmith often watched
people when he visited public
places
 Sometimes people invited him
to take part in their
conversations
Goldsmith often watched
people when he visited
public places, and
sometimes they invited him
to take part in their
conversations.
Annotating
Amongst a multiplicity of other
topics, we took occasion to talk
of the different characters of the
several nations of Europe; when
one of the gentlemen, cocking
his hat, and assuming such an
air of importance as if he had
possessed all the merit of the
English nation in his own
person, declared that the Dutch
were a parcel of avaricious
wretches; the French a set of
flattering sycophants; that the
Germans were drunken sots,
and beastly gluttons; and the
Spaniards proud, haughty, and
surly tyrants; but that in
bravery, generosity, clemency,
and in every other virtue, the
English excelled all the rest of
the world.
 Identify unknown words
 Multiplicity: a great number
Annotating
Amongst a multiplicity of other
topics, we took occasion to talk
of the different characters of the
several nations of Europe; when
one of the gentlemen, cocking
his hat, and assuming such an
air of importance as if he had
possessed all the merit of the
English nation in his own
person, declared that the Dutch
were a parcel of avaricious
wretches; the French a set of
flattering sycophants; that the
Germans were drunken sots,
and beastly gluttons; and the
Spaniards proud, haughty, and
surly tyrants; but that in
bravery, generosity, clemency,
and in every other virtue, the
English excelled all the rest of
the world.
 Identify unknown words
 multiplicity: a great number
 merit: a praiseworthy quality
Annotating
Amongst a multiplicity of other
topics, we took occasion to talk
of the different characters of the
several nations of Europe; when
one of the gentlemen, cocking
his hat, and assuming such an
air of importance as if he had
possessed all the merit of the
English nation in his own
person, declared that the Dutch
were a parcel of avaricious
wretches; the French a set of
flattering sycophants; that the
Germans were drunken sots,
and beastly gluttons; and the
Spaniards proud, haughty, and
surly tyrants; but that in
bravery, generosity, clemency,
and in every other virtue, the
English excelled all the rest of
the world.
 Identify unknown words
 multiplicity: a great number
 merit: a praiseworthy quality
 avaricious: greedy of gain,
excessively acquisitive
especially in seeking to hoard
riches
Annotating
Amongst a multiplicity of other
topics, we took occasion to talk
of the different characters of the
several nations of Europe; when
one of the gentlemen, cocking
his hat, and assuming such an
air of importance as if he had
possessed all the merit of the
English nation in his own
person, declared that the Dutch
were a parcel of avaricious
wretches; the French a set of
flattering sycophants; that the
Germans were drunken sots,
and beastly gluttons; and the
Spaniards proud, haughty, and
surly tyrants; but that in
bravery, generosity, clemency,
and in every other virtue, the
English excelled all the rest of
the world.
 Identify unknown words
 multiplicity: a great number
 merit: a praiseworthy quality
 avaricious: greedy of gain,
excessively acquisitive
especially in seeking to hoard
riches
 sycophant: a servile selfseeking flatterer
Annotating
Amongst a multiplicity of other
topics, we took occasion to talk
of the different characters of the
several nations of Europe; when
one of the gentlemen, cocking
his hat, and assuming such an
air of importance as if he had
possessed all the merit of the
English nation in his own
person, declared that the Dutch
were a parcel of avaricious
wretches; the French a set of
flattering sycophants; that the
Germans were drunken sots,
and beastly gluttons; and the
Spaniards proud, haughty, and
surly tyrants; but that in
bravery, generosity, clemency,
and in every other virtue, the
English excelled all the rest of
the world.
 Identify unknown words
 multiplicity: a great number
 merit: a praiseworthy quality
 avaricious: greedy of gain,
excessively acquisitive
especially in seeking to hoard
riches
 sycophant: a servile selfseeking flatterer
 clemency: disposition to be
merciful and especially to
moderate the severity of
punishment due
Annotating
Amongst a multiplicity of other
topics, we took occasion to talk
of the different characters of the
several nations of Europe; when
one of the gentlemen, cocking
his hat, and assuming such an
air of importance as if he had
possessed all the merit of the
English nation in his own
person, declared that the Dutch
were a parcel of avaricious
wretches; the French a set of
flattering sycophants; that the
Germans were drunken sots,
and beastly gluttons; and the
Spaniards proud, haughty, and
surly tyrants; but that in
bravery, generosity, clemency,
and in every other virtue, the
English excelled all the rest of
the world.
 Identify main ideas
Paraphrasing
Amongst a multiplicity of other
topics, we took occasion to talk
of the different characters of the
several nations of Europe; when
one of the gentlemen, cocking
his hat, and assuming such an
air of importance as if he had
possessed all the merit of the
English nation in his own
person, declared that the Dutch
were a parcel of avaricious
wretches; the French a set of
flattering sycophants; that the
Germans were drunken sots,
and beastly gluttons; and the
Spaniards proud, haughty, and
surly tyrants; but that in
bravery, generosity, clemency,
and in every other virtue, the
English excelled all the rest of
the world.
 Restate the main ideas in your
own words:
 They discussed the
characteristics of people from
other European countries
 One man stated that the Dutch
were greedy, the French were
self-serving flatterers, the
Germans were drunks, and the
Spaniards were overbearing
and cruel.
 In contrast, the man stated the
English possessed only the best
qualities
Quoting
Amongst a multiplicity of other
topics, we took occasion to talk
of the different characters of the
several nations of Europe; when
one of the gentlemen, cocking
his hat, and assuming such an
air of importance as if he had
possessed all the merit of the
English nation in his own
person, declared that the Dutch
were a parcel of avaricious
wretches; the French a set of
flattering sycophants; that the
Germans were drunken sots,
and beastly gluttons; and the
Spaniards proud, haughty, and
surly tyrants; but that in
bravery, generosity, clemency,
and in every other virtue, the
English excelled all the rest of
the world.
 Identify any sentences that are
particularly effective or cannot
be easily paraphrased:
 “beastly gluttons”
 “surly tyrants”
 “bravery, generosity, clemency,
and in every other virtue, the
English excelled all the rest of
the world”
Organizing
Amongst a multiplicity of other
topics, we took occasion to talk
of the different characters of the
several nations of Europe; when
one of the gentlemen, cocking
his hat, and assuming such an
air of importance as if he had
possessed all the merit of the
English nation in his own
person, declared that the Dutch
were a parcel of avaricious
wretches; the French a set of
flattering sycophants; that the
Germans were drunken sots,
and beastly gluttons; and the
Spaniards proud, haughty, and
surly tyrants; but that in
bravery, generosity, clemency,
and in every other virtue, the
English excelled all the rest of
the world.
 Incorporate the quotes into your
paraphrases:
 “beastly gluttons”
 “surly tyrants”
 One man stated that the Dutch
were greedy, the French were
self-serving flatterers, the
Germans were drunks, and the
Spaniards were overbearing
and cruel.
 One man stated that the Dutch
were greedy, the French were
self-serving flatterers, the
Germans were “beastly
gluttons,” and the Spaniards
were “surly tyrants.”
Organizing
Amongst a multiplicity of other
topics, we took occasion to talk
of the different characters of the
several nations of Europe; when
one of the gentlemen, cocking
his hat, and assuming such an
air of importance as if he had
possessed all the merit of the
English nation in his own
person, declared that the Dutch
were a parcel of avaricious
wretches; the French a set of
flattering sycophants; that the
Germans were drunken sots,
and beastly gluttons; and the
Spaniards proud, haughty, and
surly tyrants; but that in
bravery, generosity, clemency,
and in every other virtue, the
English excelled all the rest of
the world.
 Incorporate the quotes into your
paraphrases:
 “bravery, generosity, clemency,
and in every other virtue, the
English excelled all the rest of
the world”
 In contrast, the man stated the
English possessed only the best
qualities
 In contrast, the man stated that
in “bravery, generosity,
clemency, and in every other
virtue, the English excelled all
the rest of the world.”
Organizing
Amongst a multiplicity of other
topics, we took occasion to talk
of the different characters of the
several nations of Europe; when
one of the gentlemen, cocking
his hat, and assuming such an
air of importance as if he had
possessed all the merit of the
English nation in his own
person, declared that the Dutch
were a parcel of avaricious
wretches; the French a set of
flattering sycophants; that the
Germans were drunken sots,
and beastly gluttons; and the
Spaniards proud, haughty, and
surly tyrants; but that in
bravery, generosity, clemency,
and in every other virtue, the
English excelled all the rest of
the world.
Organize your paraphrased and quoted
material into your own sentence:
 One man stated that the Dutch
were greedy, the French were selfserving flatterers, the Germans
were “beastly gluttons,” and the
Spaniards were “surly tyrants.”
 In contrast, the man stated that in
“bravery, generosity, clemency,
and in every other virtue, the
English excelled all the rest of the
world.”
Once, as a man described the
different people of Europe, he
argued that the Dutch were greedy,
the French were self-serving
flatterers, the Germans were
“beastly gluttons,” and the
Spaniards were “surly tyrants”
while in “bravery, generosity,
clemency, and in every other
virtue, the English excelled all the
rest of the world.”
Organizing
 Combine your summarized paragraphs
Goldsmith often watched people when he visited public places, and sometimes
they invited him to take part in their conversations. Once, as a man described
the different people of Europe, he argued that the Dutch were greedy, the
French were self-serving flatterers, the Germans were “beastly gluttons,” and
the Spaniards were “surly tyrants” while in “bravery, generosity, clemency, and
in every other virtue, the English excelled all the rest of the world.”
Annotating
This very learned and judicious
remark was received with a
general smile of approbation by
all the company—all, I mean,
but your humble servant; who,
endeavoring to keep my gravity
as well as I could, and reclining
my head upon my arm,
continued for some time in a
posture of affected
thoughtfulness, as if I had been
musing on something else, and
did not seem to attend to the
subject of conversation; hoping
by these means to avoid the
disagreeable necessity of
explaining myself, and thereby
depriving the gentleman of his
imaginary happiness.
 Identify unknown words
 judicious: having, exercising,
or characterized by sound
judgment
Annotating
This very learned and judicious
remark was received with a
general smile of approbation by
all the company—all, I mean,
but your humble servant; who,
endeavoring to keep my gravity
as well as I could, and reclining
my head upon my arm,
continued for some time in a
posture of affected
thoughtfulness, as if I had been
musing on something else, and
did not seem to attend to the
subject of conversation; hoping
by these means to avoid the
disagreeable necessity of
explaining myself, and thereby
depriving the gentleman of his
imaginary happiness.
 Identify unknown words
 judicious: having, exercising,
or characterized by sound
judgment
 approbation: approval
Annotating
This very learned and judicious
remark was received with a
general smile of approbation by
all the company—all, I mean,
but your humble servant; who,
endeavoring to keep my gravity
as well as I could, and reclining
my head upon my arm,
continued for some time in a
posture of affected
thoughtfulness, as if I had been
musing on something else, and
did not seem to attend to the
subject of conversation; hoping
by these means to avoid the
disagreeable necessity of
explaining myself, and thereby
depriving the gentleman of his
imaginary happiness.
 Identify unknown words
 judicious: having, exercising,
or characterized by sound
judgment
 approbation: approval
 gravity: dignity or sobriety of
bearing
Annotating
This very learned and judicious
remark was received with a
general smile of approbation by
all the company—all, I mean,
but your humble servant; who,
endeavoring to keep my gravity
as well as I could, and reclining
my head upon my arm,
continued for some time in a
posture of affected
thoughtfulness, as if I had been
musing on something else, and
did not seem to attend to the
subject of conversation; hoping
by these means to avoid the
disagreeable necessity of
explaining myself, and thereby
depriving the gentleman of his
imaginary happiness.
 Identify unknown words
 judicious: having, exercising,
or characterized by sound
judgment
 approbation: approval
 gravity: dignity or sobriety of
bearing
 affected: assumed artificially
or falsely
Annotating
This very learned and judicious
remark was received with a
general smile of approbation by
all the company—all, I mean,
but your humble servant; who,
endeavoring to keep my gravity
as well as I could, and reclining
my head upon my arm,
continued for some time in a
posture of affected
thoughtfulness, as if I had been
musing on something else, and
did not seem to attend to the
subject of conversation; hoping
by these means to avoid the
disagreeable necessity of
explaining myself, and thereby
depriving the gentleman of his
imaginary happiness.
 Identify unknown words
 judicious: having, exercising,
or characterized by sound
judgment
 approbation: approval
 gravity: dignity or sobriety of
bearing
 affected: assumed artificially
or falsely
 muse: to become absorbed in
thought
Annotating
This very learned and judicious
remark was received with a
general smile of approbation by
all the company—all, I mean,
but your humble servant; who,
endeavoring to keep my gravity
as well as I could, and reclining
my head upon my arm,
continued for some time in a
posture of affected
thoughtfulness, as if I had been
musing on something else, and
did not seem to attend to the
subject of conversation; hoping
by these means to avoid the
disagreeable necessity of
explaining myself, and thereby
depriving the gentleman of his
imaginary happiness.
 Identify unknown words
 judicious: having, exercising,
or characterized by sound
judgment
 approbation: approval
 gravity: dignity or sobriety of
bearing
 affected: assumed artificially
or falsely
 muse: to become absorbed in
thought
 attend: to pay attention to
Annotating
This very learned and judicious
remark was received with a
general smile of approbation by
all the company—all, I mean,
but your humble servant; who,
endeavoring to keep my gravity
as well as I could, and reclining
my head upon my arm,
continued for some time in a
posture of affected
thoughtfulness, as if I had been
musing on something else, and
did not seem to attend to the
subject of conversation; hoping
by these means to avoid the
disagreeable necessity of
explaining myself, and thereby
depriving the gentleman of his
imaginary happiness.
 Identify main ideas
Paraphrasing
This very learned and judicious
remark was received with a
general smile of approbation by
all the company—all, I mean,
but your humble servant; who,
endeavoring to keep my gravity
as well as I could, and reclining
my head upon my arm,
continued for some time in a
posture of affected
thoughtfulness, as if I had been
musing on something else, and
did not seem to attend to the
subject of conversation; hoping
by these means to avoid the
disagreeable necessity of
explaining myself, and thereby
depriving the gentleman of his
imaginary happiness.
 Restate the main ideas in your own
words
 Everyone agreed with the man
but Goldsmith
 Goldsmith pretended to be
thinking about something else
so he wouldn’t have to respond
to the statement
Quoting
This very learned and judicious
remark was received with a
general smile of approbation by
all the company—all, I mean,
but your humble servant; who,
endeavoring to keep my gravity
as well as I could, and reclining
my head upon my arm,
continued for some time in a
posture of affected
thoughtfulness, as if I had been
musing on something else, and
did not seem to attend to the
subject of conversation; hoping
by these means to avoid the
disagreeable necessity of
explaining myself, and thereby
depriving the gentleman of his
imaginary happiness.
 Identify any sentences that are
particularly effective or cannot
be easily paraphrased:
 This paragraph really has no
outstanding language suitable
for quoting.
Organizing
This very learned and judicious
remark was received with a
general smile of approbation by
all the company—all, I mean,
but your humble servant; who,
endeavoring to keep my gravity
as well as I could, and reclining
my head upon my arm,
continued for some time in a
posture of affected
thoughtfulness, as if I had been
musing on something else, and
did not seem to attend to the
subject of conversation; hoping
by these means to avoid the
disagreeable necessity of
explaining myself, and thereby
depriving the gentleman of his
imaginary happiness.
 Organize your paraphrased and
quoted material into your own
sentence:
 Everyone agreed with the man
but Goldsmith
 Goldsmith pretended to be
thinking about something else
so he wouldn’t have to respond
to the statement
Everyone in the group agreed
with the man except Goldsmith
who pretended to be thinking
about something else so he
wouldn’t be forced to disagree
with the speaker.
Organizing
 Combine your summarized paragraphs
Goldsmith often watched people when he visited public places, and sometimes
they invited him to take part in their conversations. Once, as a man described
the different people of Europe, he argued that the Dutch were greedy, the
French were self-serving flatterers, the Germans were “beastly gluttons,” and
the Spaniards were “surly tyrants” while in “bravery, generosity, clemency, and
in every other virtue, the English excelled all the rest of the world.” Everyone
in the group agreed with the man except Goldsmith who pretended to be
thinking about something else so he wouldn’t be forced to disagree with the
speaker.
Annotating
But my pseudo-patriot had no mind to let me
escape so easily. Not satisfied that his opinion
should pass without contradiction, he was
determined to have it ratified by the suffrage
of every one in the company; for which
purpose addressing himself to me with an air
of inexpressible confidence, he asked me if I
was not of the same way of thinking. As I am
never forward in giving my opinion,
especially when I have reason to believe that
it will not be agreeable; so, when I am
obliged to give it, I always hold it for a
maxim to speak my real sentiments. I
therefore told him that, for my own part, I
should not have ventured to talk in such a
preemptory strain, unless I had made the tour
of Europe, and examined the manners of
these several nations with great care and
accuracy: that, perhaps, a more impartial
judge would not scruple to affirm that the
Dutch were more frugal and industrious, the
French more temperate and polite, the
Germans more hardy and patient of labor and
fatigue, and the Spaniards more staid and
sedate, than the English; who, though
undoubtedly brave and generous, were at the
same time rash, headstrong, and impetuous;
too apt to be elated with prosperity, and to
despond in adversity.
 Identify unknown words
 pseudo: being apparently
rather than actually as stated
Annotating
But my pseudo-patriot had no mind to let me
escape so easily. Not satisfied that his opinion
should pass without contradiction, he was
determined to have it ratified by the suffrage
of every one in the company; for which
purpose addressing himself to me with an air
of inexpressible confidence, he asked me if I
was not of the same way of thinking. As I am
never forward in giving my opinion,
especially when I have reason to believe that
it will not be agreeable; so, when I am
obliged to give it, I always hold it for a
maxim to speak my real sentiments. I
therefore told him that, for my own part, I
should not have ventured to talk in such a
preemptory strain, unless I had made the tour
of Europe, and examined the manners of
these several nations with great care and
accuracy: that, perhaps, a more impartial
judge would not scruple to affirm that the
Dutch were more frugal and industrious, the
French more temperate and polite, the
Germans more hardy and patient of labor and
fatigue, and the Spaniards more staid and
sedate, than the English; who, though
undoubtedly brave and generous, were at the
same time rash, headstrong, and impetuous;
too apt to be elated with prosperity, and to
despond in adversity.
 Identify unknown words
 pseudo: being apparently
rather than actually as stated
 contradiction: act or an
instance of contradicting
 contradict: to assert the
contrary of
Annotating
But my pseudo-patriot had no mind to let me
escape so easily. Not satisfied that his opinion
should pass without contradiction, he was
determined to have it ratified by the suffrage
of every one in the company; for which
purpose addressing himself to me with an air
of inexpressible confidence, he asked me if I
was not of the same way of thinking. As I am
never forward in giving my opinion,
especially when I have reason to believe that
it will not be agreeable; so, when I am
obliged to give it, I always hold it for a
maxim to speak my real sentiments. I
therefore told him that, for my own part, I
should not have ventured to talk in such a
preemptory strain, unless I had made the tour
of Europe, and examined the manners of
these several nations with great care and
accuracy: that, perhaps, a more impartial
judge would not scruple to affirm that the
Dutch were more frugal and industrious, the
French more temperate and polite, the
Germans more hardy and patient of labor and
fatigue, and the Spaniards more staid and
sedate, than the English; who, though
undoubtedly brave and generous, were at the
same time rash, headstrong, and impetuous;
too apt to be elated with prosperity, and to
despond in adversity.
 Identify unknown words
 pseudo: being apparently
rather than actually as stated
 contradiction: act or an
instance of contradicting
 contradict: to assert the
contrary of
 ratify: to approve and sanction
formally
Annotating
But my pseudo-patriot had no mind to let me
escape so easily. Not satisfied that his opinion
should pass without contradiction, he was
determined to have it ratified by the suffrage
of every one in the company; for which
purpose addressing himself to me with an air
of inexpressible confidence, he asked me if I
was not of the same way of thinking. As I am
never forward in giving my opinion,
especially when I have reason to believe that
it will not be agreeable; so, when I am
obliged to give it, I always hold it for a
maxim to speak my real sentiments. I
therefore told him that, for my own part, I
should not have ventured to talk in such a
preemptory strain, unless I had made the tour
of Europe, and examined the manners of
these several nations with great care and
accuracy: that, perhaps, a more impartial
judge would not scruple to affirm that the
Dutch were more frugal and industrious, the
French more temperate and polite, the
Germans more hardy and patient of labor and
fatigue, and the Spaniards more staid and
sedate, than the English; who, though
undoubtedly brave and generous, were at the
same time rash, headstrong, and impetuous;
too apt to be elated with prosperity, and to
despond in adversity.
 Identify unknown words
 pseudo: being apparently
rather than actually as stated
 contradiction: act or an
instance of contradicting
 contradict: to assert the
contrary of
 ratify: to approve and sanction
formally
 suffrage: a vote given in
deciding a controverted
question
Annotating
But my pseudo-patriot had no mind to let me
escape so easily. Not satisfied that his opinion
should pass without contradiction, he was
determined to have it ratified by the suffrage
of every one in the company; for which
purpose addressing himself to me with an air
of inexpressible confidence, he asked me if I
was not of the same way of thinking. As I am
never forward in giving my opinion,
especially when I have reason to believe that
it will not be agreeable; so, when I am
obliged to give it, I always hold it for a
maxim to speak my real sentiments. I
therefore told him that, for my own part, I
should not have ventured to talk in such a
preemptory strain, unless I had made the tour
of Europe, and examined the manners of
these several nations with great care and
accuracy: that, perhaps, a more impartial
judge would not scruple to affirm that the
Dutch were more frugal and industrious, the
French more temperate and polite, the
Germans more hardy and patient of labor and
fatigue, and the Spaniards more staid and
sedate, than the English; who, though
undoubtedly brave and generous, were at the
same time rash, headstrong, and impetuous;
too apt to be elated with prosperity, and to
despond in adversity.
 Identify unknown words
 pseudo: being apparently
rather than actually as stated
 contradiction: act or an
instance of contradicting
 contradict: to assert the
contrary of
 ratify: to approve and sanction
formally
 suffrage: a vote given in
deciding a controverted
question
 inexpressible: indescribable
Annotating
But my pseudo-patriot had no mind to let me
escape so easily. Not satisfied that his opinion
should pass without contradiction, he was
determined to have it ratified by the suffrage
of every one in the company; for which
purpose addressing himself to me with an air
of inexpressible confidence, he asked me if I
was not of the same way of thinking. As I am
never forward in giving my opinion,
especially when I have reason to believe that
it will not be agreeable; so, when I am
obliged to give it, I always hold it for a
maxim to speak my real sentiments. I
therefore told him that, for my own part, I
should not have ventured to talk in such a
preemptory strain, unless I had made the tour
of Europe, and examined the manners of
these several nations with great care and
accuracy: that, perhaps, a more impartial
judge would not scruple to affirm that the
Dutch were more frugal and industrious, the
French more temperate and polite, the
Germans more hardy and patient of labor and
fatigue, and the Spaniards more staid and
sedate, than the English; who, though
undoubtedly brave and generous, were at the
same time rash, headstrong, and impetuous;
too apt to be elated with prosperity, and to
despond in adversity.
 Identify unknown words
 pseudo: being apparently
rather than actually as stated
 contradiction: act or an
instance of contradicting
 contradict: to assert the
contrary of
 ratify: to approve and sanction
formally
 suffrage: a vote given in
deciding a controverted
question
 inexpressible: indescribable
 maxim: a general truth
Annotating
But my pseudo-patriot had no mind to let me
escape so easily. Not satisfied that his opinion
should pass without contradiction, he was
determined to have it ratified by the suffrage
of every one in the company; for which
purpose addressing himself to me with an air
of inexpressible confidence, he asked me if I
was not of the same way of thinking. As I am
never forward in giving my opinion,
especially when I have reason to believe that
it will not be agreeable; so, when I am
obliged to give it, I always hold it for a
maxim to speak my real sentiments. I
therefore told him that, for my own part, I
should not have ventured to talk in such a
preemptory strain, unless I had made the tour
of Europe, and examined the manners of
these several nations with great care and
accuracy: that, perhaps, a more impartial
judge would not scruple to affirm that the
Dutch were more frugal and industrious, the
French more temperate and polite, the
Germans more hardy and patient of labor and
fatigue, and the Spaniards more staid and
sedate, than the English; who, though
undoubtedly brave and generous, were at the
same time rash, headstrong, and impetuous;
too apt to be elated with prosperity, and to
despond in adversity.
 Identify unknown words
 pseudo: being apparently
rather than actually as stated
 contradiction: act or an
instance of contradicting
 contradict: to assert the
contrary of
 ratify: to approve and sanction
formally
 suffrage: a vote given in
deciding a controverted
question
 inexpressible: indescribable
 maxim: a general truth
 preempt: to appropriate, seize,
or take for oneself before
others
Annotating
But my pseudo-patriot had no mind to let me
escape so easily. Not satisfied that his opinion
should pass without contradiction, he was
determined to have it ratified by the suffrage
of every one in the company; for which
purpose addressing himself to me with an air
of inexpressible confidence, he asked me if I
was not of the same way of thinking. As I am
never forward in giving my opinion,
especially when I have reason to believe that
it will not be agreeable; so, when I am
obliged to give it, I always hold it for a
maxim to speak my real sentiments. I
therefore told him that, for my own part, I
should not have ventured to talk in such a
preemptory strain, unless I had made the tour
of Europe, and examined the manners of
these several nations with great care and
accuracy: that, perhaps, a more impartial
judge would not scruple to affirm that the
Dutch were more frugal and industrious, the
French more temperate and polite, the
Germans more hardy and patient of labor and
fatigue, and the Spaniards more staid and
sedate, than the English; who, though
undoubtedly brave and generous, were at the
same time rash, headstrong, and impetuous;
too apt to be elated with prosperity, and to
despond in adversity.
 Identify unknown words
 pseudo: being apparently
rather than actually as stated
 contradiction: act or an
instance of contradicting
 contradict: to assert the
contrary of
 ratify: to approve and sanction
formally
 suffrage: a vote given in
deciding a controverted
question
 inexpressible: indescribable
 maxim: a general truth
 preempt: to appropriate, seize,
or take for oneself before
others
 impartial: unprejudiced
Annotating
But my pseudo-patriot had no mind to let me
escape so easily. Not satisfied that his opinion
should pass without contradiction, he was
determined to have it ratified by the suffrage
of every one in the company; for which
purpose addressing himself to me with an air
of inexpressible confidence, he asked me if I
was not of the same way of thinking. As I am
never forward in giving my opinion,
especially when I have reason to believe that
it will not be agreeable; so, when I am
obliged to give it, I always hold it for a
maxim to speak my real sentiments. I
therefore told him that, for my own part, I
should not have ventured to talk in such a
preemptory strain, unless I had made the tour
of Europe, and examined the manners of
these several nations with great care and
accuracy: that, perhaps, a more impartial
judge would not scruple to affirm that the
Dutch were more frugal and industrious, the
French more temperate and polite, the
Germans more hardy and patient of labor and
fatigue, and the Spaniards more staid and
sedate, than the English; who, though
undoubtedly brave and generous, were at the
same time rash, headstrong, and impetuous;
too apt to be elated with prosperity, and to
despond in adversity.
 Identify unknown words
 scruple: an uneasy feeling
arising from conscience or
principle that tends to hinder
action
Annotating
But my pseudo-patriot had no mind to let me
escape so easily. Not satisfied that his opinion
should pass without contradiction, he was
determined to have it ratified by the suffrage
of every one in the company; for which
purpose addressing himself to me with an air
of inexpressible confidence, he asked me if I
was not of the same way of thinking. As I am
never forward in giving my opinion,
especially when I have reason to believe that
it will not be agreeable; so, when I am
obliged to give it, I always hold it for a
maxim to speak my real sentiments. I
therefore told him that, for my own part, I
should not have ventured to talk in such a
preemptory strain, unless I had made the tour
of Europe, and examined the manners of
these several nations with great care and
accuracy: that, perhaps, a more impartial
judge would not scruple to affirm that the
Dutch were more frugal and industrious, the
French more temperate and polite, the
Germans more hardy and patient of labor and
fatigue, and the Spaniards more staid and
sedate, than the English; who, though
undoubtedly brave and generous, were at the
same time rash, headstrong, and impetuous;
too apt to be elated with prosperity, and to
despond in adversity.
 Identify unknown words
 scruple: an uneasy feeling
arising from conscience or
principle that tends to hinder
action
 frugal: avoiding waste, thrifty
Annotating
But my pseudo-patriot had no mind to let me
escape so easily. Not satisfied that his opinion
should pass without contradiction, he was
determined to have it ratified by the suffrage
of every one in the company; for which
purpose addressing himself to me with an air
of inexpressible confidence, he asked me if I
was not of the same way of thinking. As I am
never forward in giving my opinion,
especially when I have reason to believe that
it will not be agreeable; so, when I am
obliged to give it, I always hold it for a
maxim to speak my real sentiments. I
therefore told him that, for my own part, I
should not have ventured to talk in such a
preemptory strain, unless I had made the tour
of Europe, and examined the manners of
these several nations with great care and
accuracy: that, perhaps, a more impartial
judge would not scruple to affirm that the
Dutch were more frugal and industrious, the
French more temperate and polite, the
Germans more hardy and patient of labor and
fatigue, and the Spaniards more staid and
sedate, than the English; who, though
undoubtedly brave and generous, were at the
same time rash, headstrong, and impetuous;
too apt to be elated with prosperity, and to
despond in adversity.
 Identify unknown words
 scruple: an uneasy feeling
arising from conscience or
principle that tends to hinder
action
 frugal: avoiding waste, thrifty
 temperate: exercising
moderation and self-restraint
Annotating
But my pseudo-patriot had no mind to let me
escape so easily. Not satisfied that his opinion
should pass without contradiction, he was
determined to have it ratified by the suffrage
of every one in the company; for which
purpose addressing himself to me with an air
of inexpressible confidence, he asked me if I
was not of the same way of thinking. As I am
never forward in giving my opinion,
especially when I have reason to believe that
it will not be agreeable; so, when I am
obliged to give it, I always hold it for a
maxim to speak my real sentiments. I
therefore told him that, for my own part, I
should not have ventured to talk in such a
preemptory strain, unless I had made the tour
of Europe, and examined the manners of
these several nations with great care and
accuracy: that, perhaps, a more impartial
judge would not scruple to affirm that the
Dutch were more frugal and industrious, the
French more temperate and polite, the
Germans more hardy and patient of labor and
fatigue, and the Spaniards more staid and
sedate, than the English; who, though
undoubtedly brave and generous, were at the
same time rash, headstrong, and impetuous;
too apt to be elated with prosperity, and to
despond in adversity.
 Identify unknown words
 scruple: an uneasy feeling
arising from conscience or
principle that tends to hinder
action
 frugal: avoiding waste, thrifty
 temperate: exercising
moderation and self-restraint
 staid: characterized by dignity
Annotating
But my pseudo-patriot had no mind to let me
escape so easily. Not satisfied that his opinion
should pass without contradiction, he was
determined to have it ratified by the suffrage
of every one in the company; for which
purpose addressing himself to me with an air
of inexpressible confidence, he asked me if I
was not of the same way of thinking. As I am
never forward in giving my opinion,
especially when I have reason to believe that
it will not be agreeable; so, when I am
obliged to give it, I always hold it for a
maxim to speak my real sentiments. I
therefore told him that, for my own part, I
should not have ventured to talk in such a
preemptory strain, unless I had made the tour
of Europe, and examined the manners of
these several nations with great care and
accuracy: that, perhaps, a more impartial
judge would not scruple to affirm that the
Dutch were more frugal and industrious, the
French more temperate and polite, the
Germans more hardy and patient of labor and
fatigue, and the Spaniards more staid and
sedate, than the English; who, though
undoubtedly brave and generous, were at the
same time rash, headstrong, and impetuous;
too apt to be elated with prosperity, and to
despond in adversity.
 Identify unknown words
 scruple: an uneasy feeling
arising from conscience or
principle that tends to hinder
action
 frugal: avoiding waste, thrifty
 temperate: exercising
moderation and self-restraint
 staid: characterized by dignity
 sedate: serenely deliberate,
composed, and dignified in
character or manner
Annotating
But my pseudo-patriot had no mind to let me
escape so easily. Not satisfied that his opinion
should pass without contradiction, he was
determined to have it ratified by the suffrage
of every one in the company; for which
purpose addressing himself to me with an air
of inexpressible confidence, he asked me if I
was not of the same way of thinking. As I am
never forward in giving my opinion,
especially when I have reason to believe that
it will not be agreeable; so, when I am
obliged to give it, I always hold it for a
maxim to speak my real sentiments. I
therefore told him that, for my own part, I
should not have ventured to talk in such a
preemptory strain, unless I had made the tour
of Europe, and examined the manners of
these several nations with great care and
accuracy: that, perhaps, a more impartial
judge would not scruple to affirm that the
Dutch were more frugal and industrious, the
French more temperate and polite, the
Germans more hardy and patient of labor and
fatigue, and the Spaniards more staid and
sedate, than the English; who, though
undoubtedly brave and generous, were at the
same time rash, headstrong, and impetuous;
too apt to be elated with prosperity, and to
despond in adversity.
 Identify unknown words
 scruple: an uneasy feeling
arising from conscience or
principle that tends to hinder
action
 frugal: avoiding waste, thrifty
 temperate: exercising
moderation and self-restraint
 staid: characterized by dignity
 sedate: serenely deliberate,
composed, and dignified in
character or manner
 rash: characterized by or
resulting from ill-considered
haste or boldness
Annotating
But my pseudo-patriot had no mind to let me
escape so easily. Not satisfied that his opinion
should pass without contradiction, he was
determined to have it ratified by the suffrage
of every one in the company; for which
purpose addressing himself to me with an air
of inexpressible confidence, he asked me if I
was not of the same way of thinking. As I am
never forward in giving my opinion,
especially when I have reason to believe that
it will not be agreeable; so, when I am
obliged to give it, I always hold it for a
maxim to speak my real sentiments. I
therefore told him that, for my own part, I
should not have ventured to talk in such a
preemptory strain, unless I had made the tour
of Europe, and examined the manners of
these several nations with great care and
accuracy: that, perhaps, a more impartial
judge would not scruple to affirm that the
Dutch were more frugal and industrious, the
French more temperate and polite, the
Germans more hardy and patient of labor and
fatigue, and the Spaniards more staid and
sedate, than the English; who, though
undoubtedly brave and generous, were at the
same time rash, headstrong, and impetuous;
too apt to be elated with prosperity, and to
despond in adversity.
 Identify unknown words
 scruple: an uneasy feeling
arising from conscience or
principle that tends to hinder
action
 frugal: avoiding waste, thrifty
 temperate: exercising
moderation and self-restraint
 staid: characterized by dignity
 sedate: serenely deliberate,
composed, and dignified in
character or manner
 rash: characterized by or
resulting from ill-considered
haste or boldness
 impetuous: impulsive and
passionate
Annotating
But my pseudo-patriot had no mind to let me
escape so easily. Not satisfied that his opinion
should pass without contradiction, he was
determined to have it ratified by the suffrage
of every one in the company; for which
purpose addressing himself to me with an air
of inexpressible confidence, he asked me if I
was not of the same way of thinking. As I am
never forward in giving my opinion,
especially when I have reason to believe that
it will not be agreeable; so, when I am
obliged to give it, I always hold it for a
maxim to speak my real sentiments. I
therefore told him that, for my own part, I
should not have ventured to talk in such a
preemptory strain, unless I had made the tour
of Europe, and examined the manners of
these several nations with great care and
accuracy: that, perhaps, a more impartial
judge would not scruple to affirm that the
Dutch were more frugal and industrious, the
French more temperate and polite, the
Germans more hardy and patient of labor and
fatigue, and the Spaniards more staid and
sedate, than the English; who, though
undoubtedly brave and generous, were at the
same time rash, headstrong, and impetuous;
too apt to be elated with prosperity, and to
despond in adversity.
 Identify unknown words
 scruple: an uneasy feeling
arising from conscience or
principle that tends to hinder
action
 frugal: avoiding waste, thrifty
 temperate: exercising
moderation and self-restraint
 staid: characterized by dignity
 sedate: serenely deliberate,
composed, and dignified in
character or manner
 rash: characterized by or
resulting from ill-considered
haste or boldness
 impetuous: impulsive and
passionate
 adversity: a state of hardship or
affliction
Annotating
But my pseudo-patriot had no mind to let me
escape so easily. Not satisfied that his opinion
should pass without contradiction, he was
determined to have it ratified by the suffrage
of every one in the company; for which
purpose addressing himself to me with an air
of inexpressible confidence, he asked me if I
was not of the same way of thinking. As I am
never forward in giving my opinion,
especially when I have reason to believe that
it will not be agreeable; so, when I am
obliged to give it, I always hold it for a
maxim to speak my real sentiments. I
therefore told him that, for my own part, I
should not have ventured to talk in such a
preemptory strain, unless I had made the tour
of Europe, and examined the manners of
these several nations with great care and
accuracy: that, perhaps, a more impartial
judge would not scruple to affirm that the
Dutch were more frugal and industrious, the
French more temperate and polite, the
Germans more hardy and patient of labor and
fatigue, and the Spaniards more staid and
sedate, than the English; who, though
undoubtedly brave and generous, were at the
same time rash, headstrong, and impetuous;
too apt to be elated with prosperity, and to
despond in adversity.
 Identify main ideas
Paraphrasing
But my pseudo-patriot had no mind to let me
escape so easily. Not satisfied that his opinion
should pass without contradiction, he was
determined to have it ratified by the suffrage
of every one in the company; for which
purpose addressing himself to me with an air
of inexpressible confidence, he asked me if I
was not of the same way of thinking. As I am
never forward in giving my opinion,
especially when I have reason to believe that
it will not be agreeable; so, when I am
obliged to give it, I always hold it for a
maxim to speak my real sentiments. I
therefore told him that, for my own part, I
should not have ventured to talk in such a
preemptory strain, unless I had made the tour
of Europe, and examined the manners of
these several nations with great care and
accuracy: that, perhaps, a more impartial
judge would not scruple to affirm that the
Dutch were more frugal and industrious, the
French more temperate and polite, the
Germans more hardy and patient of labor and
fatigue, and the Spaniards more staid and
sedate, than the English; who, though
undoubtedly brave and generous, were at the
same time rash, headstrong, and impetuous;
too apt to be elated with prosperity, and to
despond in adversity.
 Restate the main ideas in your
own words
 The speaker wanted everyone
to agree with him
 He asked Goldsmith if he
agreed
 Goldsmith stated that he would
not make such a broad
statement unless he had made a
careful study these peoples
 Goldsmith suggested that the
Dutch might actually be good
handlers of money, the French
self-restrained, the Germans
hard-workers, and the
Spaniards dignified and
deliberate
 Goldsmith agrees that the
English have good qualities,
but they might also have some
poorer qualities also
Quoting
But my pseudo-patriot had no mind to let me
escape so easily. Not satisfied that his opinion
should pass without contradiction, he was
determined to have it ratified by the suffrage
of every one in the company; for which
purpose addressing himself to me with an air
of inexpressible confidence, he asked me if I
was not of the same way of thinking. As I am
never forward in giving my opinion,
especially when I have reason to believe that
it will not be agreeable; so, when I am
obliged to give it, I always hold it for a
maxim to speak my real sentiments. I
therefore told him that, for my own part, I
should not have ventured to talk in such a
preemptory strain, unless I had made the tour
of Europe, and examined the manners of
these several nations with great care and
accuracy: that, perhaps, a more impartial
judge would not scruple to affirm that the
Dutch were more frugal and industrious, the
French more temperate and polite, the
Germans more hardy and patient of labor and
fatigue, and the Spaniards more staid and
sedate, than the English; who, though
undoubtedly brave and generous, were at the
same time rash, headstrong, and impetuous;
too apt to be elated with prosperity, and to
despond in adversity.
 Identify any sentences that are
particularly effective or cannot
be easily paraphrased:
 “frugal and industrious”
 “temperate and polite”
 “rash, headstrong, and
impetuous; too apt to be elated
with prosperity, and to despond
in adversity”
Organizing
But my pseudo-patriot had no mind to let me
escape so easily. Not satisfied that his opinion
should pass without contradiction, he was
determined to have it ratified by the suffrage
of every one in the company; for which
purpose addressing himself to me with an air
of inexpressible confidence, he asked me if I
was not of the same way of thinking. As I am
never forward in giving my opinion,
especially when I have reason to believe that
it will not be agreeable; so, when I am
obliged to give it, I always hold it for a
maxim to speak my real sentiments. I
therefore told him that, for my own part, I
should not have ventured to talk in such a
preemptory strain, unless I had made the tour
of Europe, and examined the manners of
these several nations with great care and
accuracy: that, perhaps, a more impartial
judge would not scruple to affirm that the
Dutch were more frugal and industrious, the
French more temperate and polite, the
Germans more hardy and patient of labor and
fatigue, and the Spaniards more staid and
sedate, than the English; who, though
undoubtedly brave and generous, were at the
same time rash, headstrong, and impetuous;
too apt to be elated with prosperity, and to
despond in adversity.
 Incorporate the quotes into your
paraphrases:
 “frugal and industrious”
 “temperate and polite”
 Goldsmith suggested that the
Dutch might actually be good
handlers of money, the French
self-restrained, the Germans
hard-workers, and the
Spaniards dignified and
deliberate
Goldsmith suggested that the
Dutch might actually be
“frugal and industrious,” the
French “temperate and polite,”
the Germans hard workers, and
the Spaniards dignified and
deliberate.
Organizing
But my pseudo-patriot had no mind to let me
escape so easily. Not satisfied that his opinion
should pass without contradiction, he was
determined to have it ratified by the suffrage
of every one in the company; for which
purpose addressing himself to me with an air
of inexpressible confidence, he asked me if I
was not of the same way of thinking. As I am
never forward in giving my opinion,
especially when I have reason to believe that
it will not be agreeable; so, when I am
obliged to give it, I always hold it for a
maxim to speak my real sentiments. I
therefore told him that, for my own part, I
should not have ventured to talk in such a
preemptory strain, unless I had made the tour
of Europe, and examined the manners of
these several nations with great care and
accuracy: that, perhaps, a more impartial
judge would not scruple to affirm that the
Dutch were more frugal and industrious, the
French more temperate and polite, the
Germans more hardy and patient of labor and
fatigue, and the Spaniards more staid and
sedate, than the English; who, though
undoubtedly brave and generous, were at the
same time rash, headstrong, and impetuous;
too apt to be elated with prosperity, and to
despond in adversity.
 Incorporate the quotes into your
paraphrases:
 “rash, headstrong, and impetuous;
too apt to be elated with prosperity,
and to despond in adversity”
 Goldsmith agrees that the English
have good qualities, but they might
also have some poorer qualities
also
Goldsmith agrees that the English
have good qualities, but they might
also be “rash, headstrong, and
impetuous; too apt to be elated
with prosperity, and to despond in
adversity.”
Organizing
 Organize your paraphrased and quoted
material into your own sentence:
 The speaker wanted everyone to
agree with him
 He asked Goldsmith if he agreed
 Goldsmith stated that he would not
make such a broad statement
unless he had made a careful study
these peoples
 Goldsmith suggested that the
Dutch might actually be “frugal
and industrious,” the French
“temperate and polite,” the
Germans hard workers, and the
Spaniards dignified and deliberate.
 Goldsmith agrees that the English
have good qualities, but they might
also be “rash, headstrong, and
impetuous; too apt to be elated
with prosperity, and to despond in
adversity.”
The speaker, wanting everyone to
agree with his assessment of the
characters of these European
countries, asked Goldsmith if he
was of the same mind. Goldsmith,
however, stated that he could not
make such a broad statement unless
he had made a careful study of the
citizens of each of these countries.
In fact, Goldsmith suggested that
the Dutch might actually be “frugal
and industrious,” the French
“temperate and polite,” the
Germans hard workers, and the
Spaniards dignified and deliberate.
And while Goldsmith agreed that
the English have good qualities,
they might also be “rash,
headstrong, and impetuous; too apt
to be elated with prosperity, and to
despond in adversity.”
Organizing
 Combine your summarized paragraphs
Goldsmith often watched people when he visited public places, and sometimes
they invited him to take part in their conversations. Once, as a man described
the different people of Europe, he argued that the Dutch were greedy, the
French were self-serving flatterers, the Germans were “beastly gluttons,” and
the Spaniards were “surly tyrants” while in “bravery, generosity, clemency, and
in every other virtue, the English excelled all the rest of the world.” Everyone
in the group agreed with the man except Goldsmith who pretended to be
thinking about something else so he wouldn’t be forced to disagree with the
speaker. The speaker, however, wanted everyone to agree with his assessment
of the characters of these European countries, and asked Goldsmith if he was of
the same mind. Goldsmith reluctantly stated that he could not make such a
broad statement unless he had made a careful study of the citizens of each of
these countries. In fact, Goldsmith suggested that the Dutch might actually be
“frugal and industrious,” the French “temperate and polite,” the Germans hard
workers, and the Spaniards dignified and deliberate. And while Goldsmith
agreed that the English have good qualities, they might also be “rash,
headstrong, and impetuous; too apt to be elated with prosperity, and to despond
in adversity.”
Annotating
I could easily perceive that all the company
began to regard me with a jealous eye
before I had finished my answer, which
I had no sooner done, than the patriotic
gentleman observed, with a
contemptuous sneer, that he was greatly
surprised how some people could have
the conscience to live in a country
which they did not love, and to enjoy
the protection of a government, to
which in their hearts they were
inveterate enemies. Finding that by this
modest declaration of my sentiments I
had forfeited the good opinion of my
companions, and given them occasion
to call my political principles in
question, and well knowing that it was
in vain to argue with men who were so
very full of themselves, I threw down
my reckoning and retired to my own
lodgings, reflecting on the absurd and
ridiculous nature of national prejudice
and prepossession.
 Identify unknown words
 contemptuous: manifesting,
feeling, or expressing contempt
 contempt: lack of respect or
reverence for something
Annotating
 Identify unknown words
I could easily perceive that all the company
began to regard me with a jealous eye
before I had finished my answer, which
I had no sooner done, than the patriotic
gentleman observed, with a
contemptuous sneer, that he was greatly
surprised how some people could have
the conscience to live in a country
which they did not love, and to enjoy
the protection of a government, to
which in their hearts they were
inveterate enemies. Finding that by this
modest declaration of my sentiments I
had forfeited the good opinion of my
companions, and given them occasion
to call my political principles in
question, and well knowing that it was
in vain to argue with men who were so
very full of themselves, I threw down
my reckoning and retired to my own
lodgings, reflecting on the absurd and
ridiculous nature of national prejudice
and prepossession.
 contemptuous: manifesting,
feeling, or expressing contempt
 contempt: lack of respect or
reverence for something
 conscience: sensitive regard for
fairness or justice
Annotating
 Identify unknown words
I could easily perceive that all the company
began to regard me with a jealous eye
before I had finished my answer, which
I had no sooner done, than the patriotic
gentleman observed, with a
contemptuous sneer, that he was greatly
surprised how some people could have
the conscience to live in a country
which they did not love, and to enjoy
the protection of a government, to
which in their hearts they were
inveterate enemies. Finding that by this
modest declaration of my sentiments I
had forfeited the good opinion of my
companions, and given them occasion
to call my political principles in
question, and well knowing that it was
in vain to argue with men who were so
very full of themselves, I threw down
my reckoning and retired to my own
lodgings, reflecting on the absurd and
ridiculous nature of national prejudice
and prepossession.
 contemptuous: manifesting,
feeling, or expressing contempt
 contempt: lack of respect or
reverence for something
 conscience: sensitive regard for
fairness or justice
 inveterate: firmly established by
long persistence
Annotating
 Identify unknown words
I could easily perceive that all the company
began to regard me with a jealous eye
before I had finished my answer, which
I had no sooner done, than the patriotic
gentleman observed, with a
contemptuous sneer, that he was greatly
surprised how some people could have
the conscience to live in a country
which they did not love, and to enjoy
the protection of a government, to
which in their hearts they were
inveterate enemies. Finding that by this
modest declaration of my sentiments I
had forfeited the good opinion of my
companions, and given them occasion
to call my political principles in
question, and well knowing that it was
in vain to argue with men who were so
very full of themselves, I threw down
my reckoning and retired to my own
lodgings, reflecting on the absurd and
ridiculous nature of national prejudice
and prepossession.
 contemptuous: manifesting,
feeling, or expressing contempt
 contempt: lack of respect or
reverence for something
 conscience: sensitive regard for
fairness or justice
 inveterate: firmly established by
long persistence
 forfeit: to lose or lose the right to
by some error, offense, or crime
Annotating
 Identify unknown words
I could easily perceive that all the company
began to regard me with a jealous eye
before I had finished my answer, which
I had no sooner done, than the patriotic
gentleman observed, with a
contemptuous sneer, that he was greatly
surprised how some people could have
the conscience to live in a country
which they did not love, and to enjoy
the protection of a government, to
which in their hearts they were
inveterate enemies. Finding that by this
modest declaration of my sentiments I
had forfeited the good opinion of my
companions, and given them occasion
to call my political principles in
question, and well knowing that it was
in vain to argue with men who were so
very full of themselves, I threw down
my reckoning and retired to my own
lodgings, reflecting on the absurd and
ridiculous nature of national prejudice
and prepossession.
 contemptuous: manifesting,
feeling, or expressing contempt
 contempt: lack of respect or
reverence for something
 conscience: sensitive regard for
fairness or justice
 inveterate: firmly established by
long persistence
 forfeit: to lose or lose the right to
by some error, offense, or crime
 vain: marked by futility or
ineffectualness
Annotating
 Identify unknown words
I could easily perceive that all the company
began to regard me with a jealous eye
before I had finished my answer, which
I had no sooner done, than the patriotic
gentleman observed, with a
contemptuous sneer, that he was greatly
surprised how some people could have
the conscience to live in a country
which they did not love, and to enjoy
the protection of a government, to
which in their hearts they were
inveterate enemies. Finding that by this
modest declaration of my sentiments I
had forfeited the good opinion of my
companions, and given them occasion
to call my political principles in
question, and well knowing that it was
in vain to argue with men who were so
very full of themselves, I threw down
my reckoning and retired to my own
lodgings, reflecting on the absurd and
ridiculous nature of national prejudice
and prepossession.
 contemptuous: manifesting,
feeling, or expressing contempt
 contempt: lack of respect or
reverence for something
 conscience: sensitive regard for
fairness or justice
 inveterate: firmly established by
long persistence
 forfeit: to lose or lose the right to
by some error, offense, or crime
 vain: marked by futility or
ineffectualness
 reckoning: a summing up
Annotating
 Identify unknown words
I could easily perceive that all the company
began to regard me with a jealous eye
before I had finished my answer, which
I had no sooner done, than the patriotic
gentleman observed, with a
contemptuous sneer, that he was greatly
surprised how some people could have
the conscience to live in a country
which they did not love, and to enjoy
the protection of a government, to
which in their hearts they were
inveterate enemies. Finding that by this
modest declaration of my sentiments I
had forfeited the good opinion of my
companions, and given them occasion
to call my political principles in
question, and well knowing that it was
in vain to argue with men who were so
very full of themselves, I threw down
my reckoning and retired to my own
lodgings, reflecting on the absurd and
ridiculous nature of national prejudice
and prepossession.
 contemptuous: manifesting,
feeling, or expressing contempt
 contempt: lack of respect or
reverence for something
 conscience: sensitive regard for
fairness or justice
 inveterate: firmly established by
long persistence
 forfeit: to lose or lose the right to
by some error, offense, or crime
 vain: marked by futility or
ineffectualness
 reckoning: a summing up
 prejudice: preconceived judgment
or opinion (2) : an adverse opinion
or leaning formed without just
grounds or before sufficient
knowledge
Annotating
 Identify unknown words
I could easily perceive that all the company
began to regard me with a jealous eye
before I had finished my answer, which
I had no sooner done, than the patriotic
gentleman observed, with a
contemptuous sneer, that he was greatly
surprised how some people could have
the conscience to live in a country
which they did not love, and to enjoy
the protection of a government, to
which in their hearts they were
inveterate enemies. Finding that by this
modest declaration of my sentiments I
had forfeited the good opinion of my
companions, and given them occasion
to call my political principles in
question, and well knowing that it was
in vain to argue with men who were so
very full of themselves, I threw down
my reckoning and retired to my own
lodgings, reflecting on the absurd and
ridiculous nature of national prejudice
and prepossession.
 contemptuous: manifesting,
feeling, or expressing contempt
 contempt: lack of respect or
reverence for something
 conscience: sensitive regard for
fairness or justice
 inveterate: firmly established by
long persistence
 forfeit: to lose or lose the right to
by some error, offense, or crime
 vain: marked by futility or
ineffectualness
 reckoning: a summing up
 prejudice: preconceived judgment
or opinion: an adverse opinion or
leaning formed without just
grounds or before sufficient
knowledge
 prepossession: an attitude, belief,
or impression formed beforehand
Annotating
I could easily perceive that all the company
began to regard me with a jealous eye
before I had finished my answer, which
I had no sooner done, than the patriotic
gentleman observed, with a
contemptuous sneer, that he was greatly
surprised how some people could have
the conscience to live in a country
which they did not love, and to enjoy
the protection of a government, to
which in their hearts they were
inveterate enemies. Finding that by this
modest declaration of my sentiments I
had forfeited the good opinion of my
companions, and given them occasion
to call my political principles in
question, and well knowing that it was
in vain to argue with men who were so
very full of themselves, I threw down
my reckoning and retired to my own
lodgings, reflecting on the absurd and
ridiculous nature of national prejudice
and prepossession.
 Identify main ideas
Paraphrasing
I could easily perceive that all the company
began to regard me with a jealous eye
before I had finished my answer, which
I had no sooner done, than the patriotic
gentleman observed, with a
contemptuous sneer, that he was greatly
surprised how some people could have
the conscience to live in a country
which they did not love, and to enjoy
the protection of a government, to
which in their hearts they were
inveterate enemies. Finding that by this
modest declaration of my sentiments I
had forfeited the good opinion of my
companions, and given them occasion
to call my political principles in
question, and well knowing that it was
in vain to argue with men who were so
very full of themselves, I threw down
my reckoning and retired to my own
lodgings, reflecting on the absurd and
ridiculous nature of national prejudice
and prepossession.
 Restate the main ideas in your
own words
 Goldsmith could see that his
opinion was not appreciated by
the others
 The speaker finds it shameful
that Goldsmith can enjoy the
rights and privileges of living
in a country which he does not
love blindly
 Goldsmith gives up his
argument to ponder why
people must run down other
countries in order to love their
own
Quoting
I could easily perceive that all the company
began to regard me with a jealous eye
before I had finished my answer, which
I had no sooner done, than the patriotic
gentleman observed, with a
contemptuous sneer, that he was greatly
surprised how some people could have
the conscience to live in a country
which they did not love, and to enjoy
the protection of a government, to
which in their hearts they were
inveterate enemies. Finding that by this
modest declaration of my sentiments I
had forfeited the good opinion of my
companions, and given them occasion
to call my political principles in
question, and well knowing that it was
in vain to argue with men who were so
very full of themselves, I threw down
my reckoning and retired to my own
lodgings, reflecting on the absurd and
ridiculous nature of national prejudice
and prepossession.
 Identify any sentences that are
particularly effective or cannot
be easily paraphrased:
 This paragraph really has no
outstanding language suitable
for quoting. In fact, the
paraphrase actually clarifies
most of the language.
Organizing
 Organize your paraphrased and
quoted material into your own
sentence:
I could easily perceive that all the company
began to regard me with a jealous eye
before I had finished my answer, which
I had no sooner done, than the patriotic
gentleman observed, with a
contemptuous sneer, that he was greatly
surprised how some people could have
the conscience to live in a country
which they did not love, and to enjoy
the protection of a government, to
which in their hearts they were
inveterate enemies. Finding that by this
modest declaration of my sentiments I
had forfeited the good opinion of my
companions, and given them occasion
to call my political principles in
question, and well knowing that it was
in vain to argue with men who were so
very full of themselves, I threw down
my reckoning and retired to my own
lodgings, reflecting on the absurd and
ridiculous nature of national prejudice
and prepossession.
 Goldsmith could see that his opinion
was not appreciated by the others
 The speaker finds it shameful that
Goldsmith can enjoy the rights and
privileges of living in a country which
he does not love blindly
 Goldsmith gives up his argument to
ponder why people must run down
other countries in order to love their
own
Goldsmith could immediately see that
his opinion was not appreciated by the
others, and, in fact, the speaker
chastised him for living in a country
and enjoying its protection and
privileges without loving the country
wholly and blindly. Goldsmith then
gives up his argument to ponder why
people must run down other countries
in order to love their own.
Organizing

Combine your summarized paragraphs
Goldsmith often watched people when he visited public places, and sometimes they invited
him to take part in their conversations. Once, as a man described the different people of
Europe, he argued that the Dutch were greedy, the French were self-serving flatterers, the
Germans were “beastly gluttons,” and the Spaniards were “surly tyrants” while in
“bravery, generosity, clemency, and in every other virtue, the English excelled all the rest
of the world.” Everyone in the group agreed with the man except Goldsmith who
pretended to be thinking about something else so he wouldn’t be forced to disagree with
the speaker. The speaker, however, wanted everyone to agree with his assessment of the
characters of these European countries, and asked Goldsmith if he was of the same mind.
Goldsmith reluctantly stated that he could not make such a broad statement unless he had
made a careful study of the citizens of each of these countries. In fact, Goldsmith
suggested that the Dutch might actually be “frugal and industrious,” the French
“temperate and polite,” the Germans hard workers, and the Spaniards dignified and
deliberate. And while Goldsmith agreed that the English have good qualities, they might
also be “rash, headstrong, and impetuous; too apt to be elated with prosperity, and to
despond in adversity.” Goldsmith could immediately see that his opinion was not
appreciated by the others, and, in fact, the speaker chastised him for living in a country
and enjoying its protection and privileges without loving the country wholly and blindly.
Goldsmith then gives up his argument to ponder why people must run down other
countries in order to love their own.
Annotating
Among all the famous sayings of
antiquity, there is none that does
greater honor to the author, or affords
greater pleasure to the reader (at least
if he be a person of a generous and
benevolent heart), than that of the
philosopher , who, being asked what
“countryman he was,” replied, that he
was, “a citizen of the world.”—How
few are there to be found in modern
times who can say the same, or whose
conduct is consistent with such a
profession!—We are now become so
much Englishmen, Dutchmen,
Spaniards or Germans, that we are no
longer citizens of the world; so the
much natives of one particular spot,
or members of one petty society, that
we no longer consider ourselves as
the general inhabitants of the globe,
or members of that grand society
which comprehends the whole human
kind.
 Identify unknown words
 antiquity: ancient times
Annotating
Among all the famous sayings of
antiquity, there is none that does
greater honor to the author, or affords
greater pleasure to the reader (at least
if he be a person of a generous and
benevolent heart), than that of the
philosopher , who, being asked what
“countryman he was,” replied, that he
was, “a citizen of the world.”—How
few are there to be found in modern
times who can say the same, or whose
conduct is consistent with such a
profession!—We are now become so
much Englishmen, Dutchmen,
Spaniards or Germans, that we are no
longer citizens of the world; so the
much natives of one particular spot,
or members of one petty society, that
we no longer consider ourselves as
the general inhabitants of the globe,
or members of that grand society
which comprehends the whole human
kind.
 Identify unknown words
 antiquity: ancient times
 benevolent: marked by or
disposed to doing good
Annotating
Among all the famous sayings of
antiquity, there is none that does
greater honor to the author, or affords
greater pleasure to the reader (at least
if he be a person of a generous and
benevolent heart), than that of the
philosopher , who, being asked what
“countryman he was,” replied, that he
was, “a citizen of the world.”—How
few are there to be found in modern
times who can say the same, or whose
conduct is consistent with such a
profession!—We are now become so
much Englishmen, Dutchmen,
Spaniards or Germans, that we are no
longer citizens of the world; so the
much natives of one particular spot,
or members of one petty society, that
we no longer consider ourselves as
the general inhabitants of the globe,
or members of that grand society
which comprehends the whole human
kind.
 Identify unknown words
 antiquity: ancient times
 benevolent: marked by or
disposed to doing good
 native: one born or reared in
a particular place
Annotating
Among all the famous sayings of
antiquity, there is none that does
greater honor to the author, or affords
greater pleasure to the reader (at least
if he be a person of a generous and
benevolent heart), than that of the
philosopher , who, being asked what
“countryman he was,” replied, that he
was, “a citizen of the world.”—How
few are there to be found in modern
times who can say the same, or whose
conduct is consistent with such a
profession!—We are now become so
much Englishmen, Dutchmen,
Spaniards or Germans, that we are no
longer citizens of the world; so the
much natives of one particular spot,
or members of one petty society, that
we no longer consider ourselves as
the general inhabitants of the globe,
or members of that grand society
which comprehends the whole human
kind.
 Identify unknown words
 antiquity: ancient times
 benevolent: marked by or
disposed to doing good
 native: one born or reared in
a particular place
 petty: marked by or
reflective of narrow interests
and sympathies
Annotating
Among all the famous sayings of
antiquity, there is none that does
greater honor to the author, or affords
greater pleasure to the reader (at least
if he be a person of a generous and
benevolent heart), than that of the
philosopher , who, being asked what
“countryman he was,” replied, that he
was, “a citizen of the world.”—How
few are there to be found in modern
times who can say the same, or whose
conduct is consistent with such a
profession!—We are now become so
much Englishmen, Dutchmen,
Spaniards or Germans, that we are no
longer citizens of the world; so the
much natives of one particular spot,
or members of one petty society, that
we no longer consider ourselves as
the general inhabitants of the globe,
or members of that grand society
which comprehends the whole human
kind.
 Identify main ideas
Paraphrasing
Among all the famous sayings of
antiquity, there is none that does
greater honor to the author, or affords
greater pleasure to the reader (at least
if he be a person of a generous and
benevolent heart), than that of the
philosopher , who, being asked what
“countryman he was,” replied, that he
was, “a citizen of the world.”—How
few are there to be found in modern
times who can say the same, or whose
conduct is consistent with such a
profession!—We are now become so
much Englishmen, Dutchmen,
Spaniards or Germans, that we are no
longer citizens of the world; so the
much natives of one particular spot,
or members of one petty society, that
we no longer consider ourselves as
the general inhabitants of the globe,
or members of that grand society
which comprehends the whole human
kind.
 Restate the main ideas in
your own words
 Unlike the wise and learned
philosopher of times long
ago who considered himself
a member of the global
community, people today
too much identify and
consider themselves a part
of a single nation or state.
Quoting
Among all the famous sayings of
antiquity, there is none that does
greater honor to the author, or affords
greater pleasure to the reader (at least
if he be a person of a generous and
benevolent heart), than that of the
philosopher , who, being asked what
“countryman he was,” replied, that he
was, “a citizen of the world.”—How
few are there to be found in modern
times who can say the same, or whose
conduct is consistent with such a
profession!—We are now become so
much Englishmen, Dutchmen,
Spaniards or Germans, that we are no
longer citizens of the world; so the
much natives of one particular spot,
or members of one petty society, that
we no longer consider ourselves as
the general inhabitants of the globe,
or members of that grand society
which comprehends the whole human
kind.
 Identify any sentences that
are particularly effective or
cannot be easily paraphrased:
 “citizen of the world”
 “natives of one particular
spot, or members of one
petty society”
Organizing
Among all the famous sayings of
antiquity, there is none that does
greater honor to the author, or affords
greater pleasure to the reader (at least
if he be a person of a generous and
benevolent heart), than that of the
philosopher , who, being asked what
“countryman he was,” replied, that he
was, “a citizen of the world.”—How
few are there to be found in modern
times who can say the same, or whose
conduct is consistent with such a
profession!—We are now become so
much Englishmen, Dutchmen,
Spaniards or Germans, that we are no
longer citizens of the world; so the
much natives of one particular spot,
or members of one petty society, that
we no longer consider ourselves as
the general inhabitants of the globe,
or members of that grand society
which comprehends the whole human
kind.
 Incorporate the quotes into your
paraphrases:
 “citizen of the world”
 “natives of one particular spot,
or members of one petty
society”
 Unlike the wise and learned
philosopher of times long ago
who considered himself a
member of the global
community, people today too
much identify and consider
themselves a part of a single
nation or state.
Unlike the wise and learned
philosopher of times long ago
who considered himself “a
citizen of the world,” people
today identify themselves too
much as being “natives of one
particular spot, or members of
one petty society.
Organizing

Combine your summarized paragraphs
Goldsmith often watched people when he visited public places, and sometimes they
invited him to take part in their conversations. Once, as a man described the different people
of Europe, he argued that the Dutch were greedy, the French were self-serving flatterers, the
Germans were “beastly gluttons,” and the Spaniards were “surly tyrants” while in “bravery,
generosity, clemency, and in every other virtue, the English excelled all the rest of the world.”
Everyone in the group agreed with the man except Goldsmith who pretended to be thinking
about something else so he wouldn’t be forced to disagree with the speaker. The speaker,
however, wanted everyone to agree with his assessment of the characters of these European
countries, and asked Goldsmith if he was of the same mind. Goldsmith reluctantly stated that
he could not make such a broad statement unless he had made a careful study of the citizens
of each of these countries. In fact, Goldsmith suggested that the Dutch might actually be
“frugal and industrious,” the French “temperate and polite,” the Germans hard workers, and
the Spaniards dignified and deliberate. And while Goldsmith agreed that the English have
good qualities, they might also be “rash, headstrong, and impetuous; too apt to be elated with
prosperity, and to despond in adversity.” Goldsmith could immediately see that his opinion
was not appreciated by the others, and, in fact, the speaker chastised him for living in a
country and enjoying its protection and privileges without loving the country wholly and
blindly. Goldsmith then gives up his argument to ponder why people must run down other
countries in order to love their own.
Goldsmith then observes that, unlike the wise and learned philosopher of times long
ago who considered himself “a citizen of the world,” people today identify themselves too
much as being “natives of one particular spot, or members of one petty society.”
Annotating
Did these prejudices prevail only among the
meanest and lowest of the people, perhaps
they might be excused, as they have few, if
any, opportunities of correcting them by
reading, traveling, or conversing with
foreigners; but the misfortune is, that they
infect the minds, and influence the
conduct, even of our gentlemen; of those, I
mean, who have every title to this
appellation but an exemption from
prejudice, which however, in my opinion,
ought to be regarded as the characteristical
mark of a gentleman; for let a man’s birth
be ever so high, his station ever so exalted,
or his fortune ever so large, yet if he is not
free from national and other prejudices, I
should make bold to tell him, that he had a
low and vulgar mind, and had no just
claim to the character of a gentleman. And
in fact, you will always find that those are
most apt to boast of national merit, who
have little or no merit of their own to
depend on; than which, to be sure, nothing
is more natural: the slender vine twists
around the sturdy oak, for no other reason
in the world but because it has not the
strength sufficient to support itself.
 Identify unknown words
 meanest: lacking in mental
discrimination
Annotating
Did these prejudices prevail only among the
meanest and lowest of the people, perhaps
they might be excused, as they have few, if
any, opportunities of correcting them by
reading, traveling, or conversing with
foreigners; but the misfortune is, that they
infect the minds, and influence the
conduct, even of our gentlemen; of those, I
mean, who have every title to this
appellation but an exemption from
prejudice, which however, in my opinion,
ought to be regarded as the characteristical
mark of a gentleman; for let a man’s birth
be ever so high, his station ever so exalted,
or his fortune ever so large, yet if he is not
free from national and other prejudices, I
should make bold to tell him, that he had a
low and vulgar mind, and had no just
claim to the character of a gentleman. And
in fact, you will always find that those are
most apt to boast of national merit, who
have little or no merit of their own to
depend on; than which, to be sure, nothing
is more natural: the slender vine twists
around the sturdy oak, for no other reason
in the world but because it has not the
strength sufficient to support itself.
 Identify unknown words
 meanest: lacking in mental
discrimination
 appellation: name, title, or
designation
Annotating
Did these prejudices prevail only among the
meanest and lowest of the people, perhaps
they might be excused, as they have few, if
any, opportunities of correcting them by
reading, traveling, or conversing with
foreigners; but the misfortune is, that they
infect the minds, and influence the
conduct, even of our gentlemen; of those, I
mean, who have every title to this
appellation but an exemption from
prejudice, which however, in my opinion,
ought to be regarded as the characteristical
mark of a gentleman; for let a man’s birth
be ever so high, his station ever so exalted,
or his fortune ever so large, yet if he is not
free from national and other prejudices, I
should make bold to tell him, that he had a
low and vulgar mind, and had no just
claim to the character of a gentleman. And
in fact, you will always find that those are
most apt to boast of national merit, who
have little or no merit of their own to
depend on; than which, to be sure, nothing
is more natural: the slender vine twists
around the sturdy oak, for no other reason
in the world but because it has not the
strength sufficient to support itself.
 Identify unknown words
 meanest: lacking in mental
discrimination
 appellation: name, title, or
designation
 exemption: immunity from
an obligation or duty
Annotating
Did these prejudices prevail only among the
meanest and lowest of the people, perhaps
they might be excused, as they have few, if
any, opportunities of correcting them by
reading, traveling, or conversing with
foreigners; but the misfortune is, that they
infect the minds, and influence the
conduct, even of our gentlemen; of those, I
mean, who have every title to this
appellation but an exemption from
prejudice, which however, in my opinion,
ought to be regarded as the characteristical
mark of a gentleman; for let a man’s birth
be ever so high, his station ever so exalted,
or his fortune ever so large, yet if he is not
free from national and other prejudices, I
should make bold to tell him, that he had a
low and vulgar mind, and had no just
claim to the character of a gentleman. And
in fact, you will always find that those are
most apt to boast of national merit, who
have little or no merit of their own to
depend on; than which, to be sure, nothing
is more natural: the slender vine twists
around the sturdy oak, for no other reason
in the world but because it has not the
strength sufficient to support itself.
 Identify unknown words
 meanest: lacking in mental
discrimination
 appellation: name, title, or
designation
 exemption: immunity from
an obligation or duty
 characteristical:
characteristic
Annotating
Did these prejudices prevail only among the
meanest and lowest of the people, perhaps
they might be excused, as they have few, if
any, opportunities of correcting them by
reading, traveling, or conversing with
foreigners; but the misfortune is, that they
infect the minds, and influence the
conduct, even of our gentlemen; of those, I
mean, who have every title to this
appellation but an exemption from
prejudice, which however, in my opinion,
ought to be regarded as the characteristical
mark of a gentleman; for let a man’s birth
be ever so high, his station ever so exalted,
or his fortune ever so large, yet if he is not
free from national and other prejudices, I
should make bold to tell him, that he had a
low and vulgar mind, and had no just
claim to the character of a gentleman. And
in fact, you will always find that those are
most apt to boast of national merit, who
have little or no merit of their own to
depend on; than which, to be sure, nothing
is more natural: the slender vine twists
around the sturdy oak, for no other reason
in the world but because it has not the
strength sufficient to support itself.
 Identify unknown words
 meanest: lacking in mental
discrimination
 appellation: name, title, or
designation
 exemption: immunity from
an obligation or duty
 characteristical:
characteristic
 exalted: elevated in rank,
character, or status
Annotating
Did these prejudices prevail only among the
meanest and lowest of the people, perhaps
they might be excused, as they have few, if
any, opportunities of correcting them by
reading, traveling, or conversing with
foreigners; but the misfortune is, that they
infect the minds, and influence the
conduct, even of our gentlemen; of those, I
mean, who have every title to this
appellation but an exemption from
prejudice, which however, in my opinion,
ought to be regarded as the characteristical
mark of a gentleman; for let a man’s birth
be ever so high, his station ever so exalted,
or his fortune ever so large, yet if he is not
free from national and other prejudices, I
should make bold to tell him, that he had a
low and vulgar mind, and had no just
claim to the character of a gentleman. And
in fact, you will always find that those are
most apt to boast of national merit, who
have little or no merit of their own to
depend on; than which, to be sure, nothing
is more natural: the slender vine twists
around the sturdy oak, for no other reason
in the world but because it has not the
strength sufficient to support itself.
 Identify unknown words
 meanest: lacking in mental
discrimination
 appellation: name, title, or
designation
 exemption: immunity from
an obligation or duty
 characteristical:
characteristic
 exalted: elevated in rank,
character, or status
 vulgar: lacking refinement
or cultivation or taste
Annotating
Did these prejudices prevail only among the
meanest and lowest of the people, perhaps
they might be excused, as they have few, if
any, opportunities of correcting them by
reading, traveling, or conversing with
foreigners; but the misfortune is, that they
infect the minds, and influence the
conduct, even of our gentlemen; of those, I
mean, who have every title to this
appellation but an exemption from
prejudice, which however, in my opinion,
ought to be regarded as the characteristical
mark of a gentleman; for let a man’s birth
be ever so high, his station ever so exalted,
or his fortune ever so large, yet if he is not
free from national and other prejudices, I
should make bold to tell him, that he had a
low and vulgar mind, and had no just
claim to the character of a gentleman. And
in fact, you will always find that those are
most apt to boast of national merit, who
have little or no merit of their own to
depend on; than which, to be sure, nothing
is more natural: the slender vine twists
around the sturdy oak, for no other reason
in the world but because it has not the
strength sufficient to support itself.
 Identify unknown words
 meanest: lacking in mental
discrimination
 appellation: name, title, or
designation
 exemption: immunity from
an obligation or duty
 characteristical:
characteristic
 exalted: elevated in rank,
character, or status
 vulgar: lacking refinement
or cultivation or taste
 apt: having a natural
tendency; inclined
Annotating
Did these prejudices prevail only among the
meanest and lowest of the people, perhaps
they might be excused, as they have few, if
any, opportunities of correcting them by
reading, traveling, or conversing with
foreigners; but the misfortune is, that they
infect the minds, and influence the
conduct, even of our gentlemen; of those, I
mean, who have every title to this
appellation but an exemption from
prejudice, which however, in my opinion,
ought to be regarded as the characteristical
mark of a gentleman; for let a man’s birth
be ever so high, his station ever so exalted,
or his fortune ever so large, yet if he is not
free from national and other prejudices, I
should make bold to tell him, that he had a
low and vulgar mind, and had no just
claim to the character of a gentleman. And
in fact, you will always find that those are
most apt to boast of national merit, who
have little or no merit of their own to
depend on; than which, to be sure, nothing
is more natural: the slender vine twists
around the sturdy oak, for no other reason
in the world but because it has not the
strength sufficient to support itself.
 Identify unknown words
 meanest: lacking in mental
discrimination
 appellation: name, title, or
designation
 exemption: immunity from
an obligation or duty
 characteristical:
characteristic
 exalted: elevated in rank,
character, or status
 vulgar: lacking refinement
or cultivation or taste
 apt: having a natural
tendency; inclined
 merit: demonstrated ability
or achievement
Annotating
Did these prejudices prevail only among the
meanest and lowest of the people, perhaps
they might be excused, as they have few, if
any, opportunities of correcting them by
reading, traveling, or conversing with
foreigners; but the misfortune is, that they
infect the minds, and influence the
conduct, even of our gentlemen; of those, I
mean, who have every title to this
appellation but an exemption from
prejudice, which however, in my opinion,
ought to be regarded as the characteristical
mark of a gentleman; for let a man’s birth
be ever so high, his station ever so exalted,
or his fortune ever so large, yet if he is not
free from national and other prejudices, I
should make bold to tell him, that he had a
low and vulgar mind, and had no just
claim to the character of a gentleman. And
in fact, you will always find that those are
most apt to boast of national merit, who
have little or no merit of their own to
depend on; than which, to be sure, nothing
is more natural: the slender vine twists
around the sturdy oak, for no other reason
in the world but because it has not the
strength sufficient to support itself.
 Identify main ideas
Paraphrasing
Did these prejudices prevail only among the
meanest and lowest of the people, perhaps
they might be excused, as they have few, if
any, opportunities of correcting them by
reading, traveling, or conversing with
foreigners; but the misfortune is, that they
infect the minds, and influence the
conduct, even of our gentlemen; of those, I
mean, who have every title to this
appellation but an exemption from
prejudice, which however, in my opinion,
ought to be regarded as the characteristical
mark of a gentleman; for let a man’s birth
be ever so high, his station ever so exalted,
or his fortune ever so large, yet if he is not
free from national and other prejudices, I
should make bold to tell him, that he had a
low and vulgar mind, and had no just
claim to the character of a gentleman. And
in fact, you will always find that those are
most apt to boast of national merit, who
have little or no merit of their own to
depend on; than which, to be sure, nothing
is more natural: the slender vine twists
around the sturdy oak, for no other reason
in the world but because it has not the
strength sufficient to support itself.
 Restate the main ideas in
your own words
 If only uneducated people
harbored these prejudices it
might be understandable
 When educated men of
high rank have these
prejudices, it shows that
they are common and of no
special worth
 Those who most often brag
about the great qualities of
their nation are those who
have the fewest good
personal qualities
Quoting
Did these prejudices prevail only among the
meanest and lowest of the people, perhaps
they might be excused, as they have few, if
any, opportunities of correcting them by
reading, traveling, or conversing with
foreigners; but the misfortune is, that they
infect the minds, and influence the
conduct, even of our gentlemen; of those, I
mean, who have every title to this
appellation but an exemption from
prejudice, which however, in my opinion,
ought to be regarded as the characteristical
mark of a gentleman; for let a man’s birth
be ever so high, his station ever so exalted,
or his fortune ever so large, yet if he is not
free from national and other prejudices, I
should make bold to tell him, that he had a
low and vulgar mind, and had no just
claim to the character of a gentleman. And
in fact, you will always find that those are
most apt to boast of national merit, who
have little or no merit of their own to
depend on; than which, to be sure, nothing
is more natural: the slender vine twists
around the sturdy oak, for no other reason
in the world but because it has not the
strength sufficient to support itself.
 Identify any sentences that
are particularly effective or
cannot be easily paraphrased:
 “the slender vine twists
around the sturdy oak,
for no other reason in
the world but because
it has not the strength
sufficient to support
itself.”
Organizing
Did these prejudices prevail only among the
meanest and lowest of the people, perhaps
they might be excused, as they have few, if
any, opportunities of correcting them by
reading, traveling, or conversing with
foreigners; but the misfortune is, that they
infect the minds, and influence the
conduct, even of our gentlemen; of those, I
mean, who have every title to this
appellation but an exemption from
prejudice, which however, in my opinion,
ought to be regarded as the characteristical
mark of a gentleman; for let a man’s birth
be ever so high, his station ever so exalted,
or his fortune ever so large, yet if he is not
free from national and other prejudices, I
should make bold to tell him, that he had a
low and vulgar mind, and had no just
claim to the character of a gentleman. And
in fact, you will always find that those are
most apt to boast of national merit, who
have little or no merit of their own to
depend on; than which, to be sure, nothing
is more natural: the slender vine twists
around the sturdy oak, for no other reason
in the world but because it has not the
strength sufficient to support itself.
 Incorporate the quotes into your
paraphrases:
 Those who most often brag about
the great qualities of their nation
are those who have the fewest
good personal qualities
 “the slender vine twists around the
sturdy oak, for no other reason in
the world but because it has not
the strength sufficient to support
itself.”
Those who most often brag about the
great qualities of their nation are
those who have the fewest good
personal qualities, or as Goldsmith
illustrates metaphorically, “the
slender vine twists around the
sturdy oak… because it has not the
strength sufficient to support
itself.”
Organizing
 Organize your paraphrased and
quoted material into your own
sentence:
 If only uneducated people
harbored these prejudices it
might be understandable
 When educated men of high
rank have these prejudices,
it shows that they are
common and of no special
worth
 Those who most often brag
about the great qualities of
their nation are those who
have the fewest good
personal qualities, or as
Goldsmith illustrates
metaphorically, “the slender
vine twists around the
sturdy oak… because it has
not the strength sufficient to
support itself.”
If only uneducated people harbored
these prejudices it might be
understandable, but, when
educated men of high rank also
indulge in these unreasonable
preconceptions, then it shows
that they are common and of no
special worth. In fact, those that
most often brag about the great
qualities of their nation are
those who have the fewest good
personal qualities, or as
Goldsmith illustrates
metaphorically, “the slender
vine twists around the sturdy
oak… because it has not the
strength sufficient to support
itself.”
Organizing

Combine your summarized paragraphs
Goldsmith often watched people when he visited public places, and sometimes they invited him to
take part in their conversations. Once, as a man described the different people of Europe, he argued that the
Dutch were greedy, the French were self-serving flatterers, the Germans were “beastly gluttons,” and the
Spaniards were “surly tyrants” while in “bravery, generosity, clemency, and in every other virtue, the
English excelled all the rest of the world.” Everyone in the group agreed with the man except Goldsmith
who pretended to be thinking about something else so he wouldn’t be forced to disagree with the speaker.
The speaker, however, wanted everyone to agree with his assessment of the characters of these European
countries, and asked Goldsmith if he was of the same mind. Goldsmith reluctantly stated that he could not
make such a broad statement unless he had made a careful study of the citizens of each of these countries.
In fact, Goldsmith suggested that the Dutch might actually be “frugal and industrious,” the French
“temperate and polite,” the Germans hard workers, and the Spaniards dignified and deliberate. And while
Goldsmith agreed that the English have good qualities, they might also be “rash, headstrong, and
impetuous; too apt to be elated with prosperity, and to despond in adversity.” Goldsmith could immediately
see that his opinion was not appreciated by the others, and, in fact, the speaker chastised him for living in a
country and enjoying its protection and privileges without loving the country wholly and blindly. Goldsmith
then gives up his argument to ponder why people must run down other countries in order to love their own.
Goldsmith then observes that, unlike the wise and learned philosopher of times long ago who
considered himself “a citizen of the world,” people today identify themselves too much as being “natives of
one particular spot, or members of one petty society.” If only uneducated people harbored these prejudices
it might be understandable, but, when educated men of high rank also indulge in these unreasonable
preconceptions, then it shows that they are common and of no special worth. In fact, those that most often
brag about the great qualities of their nation are those who have the fewest good personal qualities, or as
Goldsmith illustrates metaphorically, “the slender vine twists around the sturdy oak… because it has not the
strength sufficient to support itself.”
Annotating
Should it be alleged in defense of national
prejudice, that it is the natural and
necessary growth of love to our
country, and that therefore the former
cannot be destroyed without hurting
the latter, I answer, that this is a gross
fallacy and delusion. That it is the
growth of love to our country, I will
allow; but that it is the natural and
necessary growth of it, I absolutely
deny. Superstition and enthusiasm too
are the growth of religion; but who
ever took it in his head to affirm that
they are the necessary growth of this
noble principle? They are, if you will,
the bastard sprouts of this heavenly
plant, but not its natural and genuine
branches, and may safely enough be
lopped off, without doing any harm to
the parent stock; nay, perhaps, till
once they are lopped off, this goodly
tree can never flourish in perfect
health and vigor.
 Identify unknown words
 allege: assert to be true; affirm
Annotating
Should it be alleged in defense of national
prejudice, that it is the natural and
necessary growth of love to our
country, and that therefore the former
cannot be destroyed without hurting
the latter, I answer, that this is a gross
fallacy and delusion. That it is the
growth of love to our country, I will
allow; but that it is the natural and
necessary growth of it, I absolutely
deny. Superstition and enthusiasm too
are the growth of religion; but who
ever took it in his head to affirm that
they are the necessary growth of this
noble principle? They are, if you will,
the bastard sprouts of this heavenly
plant, but not its natural and genuine
branches, and may safely enough be
lopped off, without doing any harm to
the parent stock; nay, perhaps, till
once they are lopped off, this goodly
tree can never flourish in perfect
health and vigor.
 Identify unknown words
 allege: assert to be true; affirm
 gross: flagrant or extreme esp.
in badness or offensiveness
Annotating
Should it be alleged in defense of national
prejudice, that it is the natural and
necessary growth of love to our
country, and that therefore the former
cannot be destroyed without hurting
the latter, I answer, that this is a gross
fallacy and delusion. That it is the
growth of love to our country, I will
allow; but that it is the natural and
necessary growth of it, I absolutely
deny. Superstition and enthusiasm too
are the growth of religion; but who
ever took it in his head to affirm that
they are the necessary growth of this
noble principle? They are, if you will,
the bastard sprouts of this heavenly
plant, but not its natural and genuine
branches, and may safely enough be
lopped off, without doing any harm to
the parent stock; nay, perhaps, till
once they are lopped off, this goodly
tree can never flourish in perfect
health and vigor.
 Identify unknown words
 allege: assert to be true; affirm
 gross: flagrant or extreme esp.
in badness or offensiveness
 fallacy: a false notion
Annotating
Should it be alleged in defense of national
prejudice, that it is the natural and
necessary growth of love to our
country, and that therefore the former
cannot be destroyed without hurting
the latter, I answer, that this is a gross
fallacy and delusion. That it is the
growth of love to our country, I will
allow; but that it is the natural and
necessary growth of it, I absolutely
deny. Superstition and enthusiasm too
are the growth of religion; but who
ever took it in his head to affirm that
they are the necessary growth of this
noble principle? They are, if you will,
the bastard sprouts of this heavenly
plant, but not its natural and genuine
branches, and may safely enough be
lopped off, without doing any harm to
the parent stock; nay, perhaps, till
once they are lopped off, this goodly
tree can never flourish in perfect
health and vigor.
 Identify unknown words
 allege: assert to be true; affirm
 gross: flagrant or extreme esp.
in badness or offensiveness
 fallacy: a false notion
 delusion: a false belief or
opinion
Annotating
Should it be alleged in defense of national
prejudice, that it is the natural and
necessary growth of love to our
country, and that therefore the former
cannot be destroyed without hurting
the latter, I answer, that this is a gross
fallacy and delusion. That it is the
growth of love to our country, I will
allow; but that it is the natural and
necessary growth of it, I absolutely
deny. Superstition and enthusiasm too
are the growth of religion; but who
ever took it in his head to affirm that
they are the necessary growth of this
noble principle? They are, if you will,
the bastard sprouts of this heavenly
plant, but not its natural and genuine
branches, and may safely enough be
lopped off, without doing any harm to
the parent stock; nay, perhaps, till
once they are lopped off, this goodly
tree can never flourish in perfect
health and vigor.
 Identify unknown words
 allege: assert to be true; affirm
 gross: flagrant or extreme esp.
in badness or offensiveness
 fallacy: a false notion
 delusion: a false belief or
opinion
 superstition: a belief, practice,
or rite irrationally maintained
by ignorance of the laws of
nature or by faith in magic or
chance
Annotating
Should it be alleged in defense of national
prejudice, that it is the natural and
necessary growth of love to our
country, and that therefore the former
cannot be destroyed without hurting
the latter, I answer, that this is a gross
fallacy and delusion. That it is the
growth of love to our country, I will
allow; but that it is the natural and
necessary growth of it, I absolutely
deny. Superstition and enthusiasm too
are the growth of religion; but who
ever took it in his head to affirm that
they are the necessary growth of this
noble principle? They are, if you will,
the bastard sprouts of this heavenly
plant, but not its natural and genuine
branches, and may safely enough be
lopped off, without doing any harm to
the parent stock; nay, perhaps, till
once they are lopped off, this goodly
tree can never flourish in perfect
health and vigor.
 Identify unknown words
 allege: assert to be true; affirm
 gross: flagrant or extreme esp.
in badness or offensiveness
 fallacy: a false notion
 delusion: a false belief or
opinion
 superstition: a belief, practice,
or rite irrationally maintained
by ignorance of the laws of
nature or by faith in magic or
chance
 affirm: to declare positively or
firmly; maintain to be true
Annotating
Should it be alleged in defense of national
prejudice, that it is the natural and
necessary growth of love to our
country, and that therefore the former
cannot be destroyed without hurting
the latter, I answer, that this is a gross
fallacy and delusion. That it is the
growth of love to our country, I will
allow; but that it is the natural and
necessary growth of it, I absolutely
deny. Superstition and enthusiasm too
are the growth of religion; but who
ever took it in his head to affirm that
they are the necessary growth of this
noble principle? They are, if you will,
the bastard sprouts of this heavenly
plant, but not its natural and genuine
branches, and may safely enough be
lopped off, without doing any harm to
the parent stock; nay, perhaps, till
once they are lopped off, this goodly
tree can never flourish in perfect
health and vigor.
 Identify unknown words
 allege: assert to be true; affirm
 gross: flagrant or extreme esp.
in badness or offensiveness
 fallacy: a false notion
 delusion: a false belief or
opinion
 superstition: a belief, practice,
or rite irrationally maintained
by ignorance of the laws of
nature or by faith in magic or
chance
 affirm: to declare positively or
firmly; maintain to be true
 genuine: not fake or counterfeit
Annotating
Should it be alleged in defense of national
prejudice, that it is the natural and
necessary growth of love to our
country, and that therefore the former
cannot be destroyed without hurting
the latter, I answer, that this is a gross
fallacy and delusion. That it is the
growth of love to our country, I will
allow; but that it is the natural and
necessary growth of it, I absolutely
deny. Superstition and enthusiasm too
are the growth of religion; but who
ever took it in his head to affirm that
they are the necessary growth of this
noble principle? They are, if you will,
the bastard sprouts of this heavenly
plant, but not its natural and genuine
branches, and may safely enough be
lopped off, without doing any harm to
the parent stock; nay, perhaps, till
once they are lopped off, this goodly
tree can never flourish in perfect
health and vigor.
 Identify unknown words
 allege: assert to be true; affirm
 gross: flagrant or extreme esp.
in badness or offensiveness
 fallacy: a false notion
 delusion: a false belief or
opinion
 superstition: a belief, practice,
or rite irrationally maintained
by ignorance of the laws of
nature or by faith in magic or
chance
 affirm: to declare positively or
firmly; maintain to be true
 genuine: not fake or counterfeit
 lop: to cut off a part or parts
from; trim
Annotating
Should it be alleged in defense of national
prejudice, that it is the natural and
necessary growth of love to our
country, and that therefore the former
cannot be destroyed without hurting
the latter, I answer, that this is a gross
fallacy and delusion. That it is the
growth of love to our country, I will
allow; but that it is the natural and
necessary growth of it, I absolutely
deny. Superstition and enthusiasm too
are the growth of religion; but who
ever took it in his head to affirm that
they are the necessary growth of this
noble principle? They are, if you will,
the bastard sprouts of this heavenly
plant, but not its natural and genuine
branches, and may safely enough be
lopped off, without doing any harm to
the parent stock; nay, perhaps, till
once they are lopped off, this goodly
tree can never flourish in perfect
health and vigor.
 Identify unknown words
 allege: assert to be true; affirm
 gross: flagrant or extreme esp.
in badness or offensiveness
 fallacy: a false notion
 delusion: a false belief or
opinion
 superstition: a belief, practice,
or rite irrationally maintained
by ignorance of the laws of
nature or by faith in magic or
chance
 affirm: to declare positively or
firmly; maintain to be true
 genuine: not fake or counterfeit
 lop: to cut off a part or parts
from; trim
 stock: the trunk or main stem of
a tree or another plant.
Annotating
Should it be alleged in defense of national
prejudice, that it is the natural and
necessary growth of love to our
country, and that therefore the former
cannot be destroyed without hurting
the latter, I answer, that this is a gross
fallacy and delusion. That it is the
growth of love to our country, I will
allow; but that it is the natural and
necessary growth of it, I absolutely
deny. Superstition and enthusiasm too
are the growth of religion; but who
ever took it in his head to affirm that
they are the necessary growth of this
noble principle? They are, if you will,
the bastard sprouts of this heavenly
plant, but not its natural and genuine
branches, and may safely enough be
lopped off, without doing any harm to
the parent stock; nay, perhaps, till
once they are lopped off, this goodly
tree can never flourish in perfect
health and vigor.
 Identify unknown words
 allege: assert to be true; affirm
 gross: flagrant or extreme esp.
in badness or offensiveness
 fallacy: a false notion
 delusion: a false belief or
opinion
 superstition: a belief, practice,
or rite irrationally maintained
by ignorance of the laws of
nature or by faith in magic or
chance
 affirm: to declare positively or
firmly; maintain to be true
 genuine: not fake or counterfeit
 lop: to cut off a part or parts
from; trim
 stock: the trunk or main stem of
a tree or another plant.
 vigor: the capacity for natural
growth and survival
Annotating
Should it be alleged in defense of national
prejudice, that it is the natural and
necessary growth of love to our
country, and that therefore the former
cannot be destroyed without hurting
the latter, I answer, that this is a gross
fallacy and delusion. That it is the
growth of love to our country, I will
allow; but that it is the natural and
necessary growth of it, I absolutely
deny. Superstition and enthusiasm too
are the growth of religion; but who
ever took it in his head to affirm that
they are the necessary growth of this
noble principle? They are, if you will,
the bastard sprouts of this heavenly
plant, but not its natural and genuine
branches, and may safely enough be
lopped off, without doing any harm to
the parent stock; nay, perhaps, till
once they are lopped off, this goodly
tree can never flourish in perfect
health and vigor.
 Identify main ideas
Paraphrasing
Should it be alleged in defense of national
prejudice, that it is the natural and
necessary growth of love to our
country, and that therefore the former
cannot be destroyed without hurting
the latter, I answer, that this is a gross
fallacy and delusion. That it is the
growth of love to our country, I will
allow; but that it is the natural and
necessary growth of it, I absolutely
deny. Superstition and enthusiasm too
are the growth of religion; but who
ever took it in his head to affirm that
they are the necessary growth of this
noble principle? They are, if you will,
the bastard sprouts of this heavenly
plant, but not its natural and genuine
branches, and may safely enough be
lopped off, without doing any harm to
the parent stock; nay, perhaps, till
once they are lopped off, this goodly
tree can never flourish in perfect
health and vigor.
 Restate the main ideas in your
own words
 While it is natural for a
person to love his or her
country, it is not natural to
take this love to the extreme
of prejudice
 Just as superstition is an
unnatural outgrowth of
religion, prejudice is an
unnatural outgrowth of love
of one’s country.
Quoting
Should it be alleged in defense of national
prejudice, that it is the natural and
necessary growth of love to our
country, and that therefore the former
cannot be destroyed without hurting
the latter, I answer, that this is a gross
fallacy and delusion. That it is the
growth of love to our country, I will
allow; but that it is the natural and
necessary growth of it, I absolutely
deny. Superstition and enthusiasm too
are the growth of religion; but who
ever took it in his head to affirm that
they are the necessary growth of this
noble principle? They are, if you will,
the bastard sprouts of this heavenly
plant, but not its natural and genuine
branches, and may safely enough be
lopped off, without doing any harm to
the parent stock; nay, perhaps, till
once they are lopped off, this goodly
tree can never flourish in perfect
health and vigor.
 Identify any sentences that are
particularly effective or cannot be
easily paraphrased:
 “once they are lopped off,
this goodly tree can never
flourish in perfect health and
vigor”
Organizing
Should it be alleged in defense of national
prejudice, that it is the natural and
necessary growth of love to our
country, and that therefore the former
cannot be destroyed without hurting
the latter, I answer, that this is a gross
fallacy and delusion. That it is the
growth of love to our country, I will
allow; but that it is the natural and
necessary growth of it, I absolutely
deny. Superstition and enthusiasm too
are the growth of religion; but who
ever took it in his head to affirm that
they are the necessary growth of this
noble principle? They are, if you will,
the bastard sprouts of this heavenly
plant, but not its natural and genuine
branches, and may safely enough be
lopped off, without doing any harm to
the parent stock; nay, perhaps, till
once they are lopped off, this goodly
tree can never flourish in perfect
health and vigor.

Incorporate the quotes into your
paraphrases:
 While it is natural for a person to
love his or her country, it is not
natural to take this love to the
extreme of prejudice
 Just as superstition is an unnatural
outgrowth of religion, prejudice is an
unnatural outgrowth of love of one’s
country.
 “once they are lopped off, this
goodly tree can never flourish in
perfect health and vigor”
While it is natural for a person to love his or
her country, it is not natural to take this
love to the extreme of prejudice;
Goldsmith states that the unnatural
outgrowth of prejudice from love is
similar to the outgrowth of superstition
from religion and believes that these
outgrowths should be “lopped off, [or] this
goodly tree can never flourish in perfect
health and vigor.”
Organizing

Combine your summarized paragraphs
Goldsmith often watched people when he visited public places, and sometimes they invited him to
take part in their conversations. Once, as a man described the different people of Europe, he argued that the
Dutch were greedy, the French were self-serving flatterers, the Germans were “beastly gluttons,” and the
Spaniards were “surly tyrants” while in “bravery, generosity, clemency, and in every other virtue, the
English excelled all the rest of the world.” Everyone in the group agreed with the man except Goldsmith
who pretended to be thinking about something else so he wouldn’t be forced to disagree with the speaker.
The speaker, however, wanted everyone to agree with his assessment of the characters of these European
countries, and asked Goldsmith if he was of the same mind. Goldsmith reluctantly stated that he could not
make such a broad statement unless he had made a careful study of the citizens of each of these countries.
In fact, Goldsmith suggested that the Dutch might actually be “frugal and industrious,” the French
“temperate and polite,” the Germans hard workers, and the Spaniards dignified and deliberate. And while
Goldsmith agreed that the English have good qualities, they might also be “rash, headstrong, and
impetuous; too apt to be elated with prosperity, and to despond in adversity.” Goldsmith could immediately
see that his opinion was not appreciated by the others, and, in fact, the speaker chastised him for living in a
country and enjoying its protection and privileges without loving the country wholly and blindly. Goldsmith
then gives up his argument to ponder why people must run down other countries in order to love their own.
Goldsmith then observes that, unlike the wise and learned philosopher of times long ago who
considered himself “a citizen of the world,” people today identify themselves too much as being “natives of
one particular spot, or members of one petty society.” If only uneducated people harbored these prejudices
it might be understandable, but, when educated men of high rank also indulge in these unreasonable
preconceptions, then it shows that they are common and of no special worth. In fact, those that most often
brag about the great qualities of their nation are those who have the fewest good personal qualities, or as
Goldsmith illustrates metaphorically, “the slender vine twists around the sturdy oak… because it has not the
strength sufficient to support itself.” While it is natural for a person to love his or her country, it is not
natural to take this love to the extreme of prejudice; Goldsmith states that the unnatural outgrowth of
prejudice from love is similar to the outgrowth of superstition from religion and, continuing his plant
metaphor, believes that these outgrowths should be “lopped off, [or] this goodly tree can never flourish in
perfect health and vigor.”
Annotating
Is it not very possible that I may love
my own country, without hating
the natives of other countries?
That I may exert the most heroic
bravery, the most undaunted
resolution, in defending its laws
and liberty, without despising all
the rest of the world as cowards
and poltroons? Most certainly it
is; and if it were not—But why
need I suppose what is absolutely
impossible?—But if it were not, I
must own, I should prefer the title
of the ancient philosopher, viz. a
citizen of the world, to that of an
Englishman, a Frenchman, a
European, or to any other
appellation whatever.
 Identify unknown words
 undaunted: Not discouraged
or disheartened; resolutely
courageous
Annotating
Is it not very possible that I may love
my own country, without hating
the natives of other countries?
That I may exert the most heroic
bravery, the most undaunted
resolution, in defending its laws
and liberty, without despising all
the rest of the world as cowards
and poltroons? Most certainly it
is; and if it were not—But why
need I suppose what is absolutely
impossible?—But if it were not, I
must own, I should prefer the title
of the ancient philosopher, viz. a
citizen of the world, to that of an
Englishman, a Frenchman, a
European, or to any other
appellation whatever.
 Identify unknown words
 undaunted: Not discouraged
or disheartened; resolutely
courageous
 resolution: firm
determination
Annotating
Is it not very possible that I may love
my own country, without hating
the natives of other countries?
That I may exert the most heroic
bravery, the most undaunted
resolution, in defending its laws
and liberty, without despising all
the rest of the world as cowards
and poltroons? Most certainly it
is; and if it were not—But why
need I suppose what is absolutely
impossible?—But if it were not, I
must own, I should prefer the title
of the ancient philosopher, viz. a
citizen of the world, to that of an
Englishman, a Frenchman, a
European, or to any other
appellation whatever.
 Identify unknown words
 undaunted: Not discouraged
or disheartened; resolutely
courageous
 resolution: firm
determination
 poltroon: a base coward
Annotating
Is it not very possible that I may love
my own country, without hating
the natives of other countries?
That I may exert the most heroic
bravery, the most undaunted
resolution, in defending its laws
and liberty, without despising all
the rest of the world as cowards
and poltroons? Most certainly it
is; and if it were not—But why
need I suppose what is absolutely
impossible?—But if it were not, I
must own, I should prefer the title
of the ancient philosopher, viz. a
citizen of the world, to that of an
Englishman, a Frenchman, a
European, or to any other
appellation whatever.
 Identify unknown words
 undaunted: Not discouraged
or disheartened; resolutely
courageous
 resolution: firm
determination
 poltroon: a base coward
 viz: that is; namely
Annotating
Is it not very possible that I may love
my own country, without hating
the natives of other countries?
That I may exert the most heroic
bravery, the most undaunted
resolution, in defending its laws
and liberty, without despising all
the rest of the world as cowards
and poltroons? Most certainly it
is; and if it were not—But why
need I suppose what is absolutely
impossible?—But if it were not, I
must own, I should prefer the title
of the ancient philosopher, viz. a
citizen of the world, to that of an
Englishman, a Frenchman, a
European, or to any other
appellation whatever.
 Identify unknown words
 undaunted: Not discouraged
or disheartened; resolutely
courageous
 resolution: firm
determination
 poltroon: a base coward
 viz: that is; namely
 appellation: a name, title, or
designation
Annotating
Is it not very possible that I may love
my own country, without hating
the natives of other countries?
That I may exert the most heroic
bravery, the most undaunted
resolution, in defending its laws
and liberty, without despising all
the rest of the world as cowards
and poltroons? Most certainly it
is; and if it were not—But why
need I suppose what is absolutely
impossible?—But if it were not, I
must own, I should prefer the title
of the ancient philosopher, viz. a
citizen of the world, to that of an
Englishman, a Frenchman, a
European, or to any other
appellation whatever.
 Identify main ideas
Paraphrasing
Is it not very possible that I may love
my own country, without hating
the natives of other countries?
That I may exert the most heroic
bravery, the most undaunted
resolution, in defending its laws
and liberty, without despising all
the rest of the world as cowards
and poltroons? Most certainly it
is; and if it were not—But why
need I suppose what is absolutely
impossible?—But if it were not, I
must own, I should prefer the title
of the ancient philosopher, viz. a
citizen of the world, to that of an
Englishman, a Frenchman, a
European, or to any other
appellation whatever.
 Restate the main ideas in
your own words
It is certainly
possible for a person
to love his or her
own country and to
wholeheartedly
support it without
thinking that the
citizens of other
countries are inferior.
Quoting
Is it not very possible that I may love
my own country, without hating
the natives of other countries?
That I may exert the most heroic
bravery, the most undaunted
resolution, in defending its laws
and liberty, without despising all
the rest of the world as cowards
and poltroons? Most certainly it
is; and if it were not—But why
need I suppose what is absolutely
impossible?—But if it were not, I
must own, I should prefer the title
of the ancient philosopher, viz. a
citizen of the world, to that of an
Englishman, a Frenchman, a
European, or to any other
appellation whatever.
 Identify any sentences that are
particularly effective or cannot
be easily paraphrased:
 “Is it not very possible
that I may love my own
country, without hating
the natives of other
countries?”
 “citizen of the world”
Organizing
Is it not very possible that I may love my
own country, without hating the
natives of other countries? That I may
exert the most heroic bravery, the
most undaunted resolution, in
defending its laws and liberty, without
despising all the rest of the world as
cowards and poltroons? Most
certainly it is; and if it were not—But
why need I suppose what is
absolutely impossible?—But if it
were not, I must own, I should prefer
the title of the ancient philosopher,
viz. a citizen of the world, to that of
an Englishman, a Frenchman, a
European, or to any other appellation
whatever.

Incorporate the quotes into your
paraphrases:
 It is certainly possible for a person to
love his or her own country and to
wholeheartedly support it without
thinking that the citizens of other
countries are inferior.
 “Is it not very possible that I may
love my own country, without hating
the natives of other countries?”
 “citizen of the world”
It is certainly possible for a person to
love his or her own country and to
wholeheartedly support it without
thinking that the citizens of other
countries are inferior. When
Goldsmith asks the rhetorical
question, “Is it not very possible that
I may love my own country, without
hating the natives of other
countries?” the answer is a
resounding “yes.” In fact, to answer
in this way is to become a “citizen of
the world.”
Organizing

Combine your summarized paragraphs
Oliver Goldsmith, an Anglo-Irish essayist, often watched people when he visited public places, and sometimes they
invited him to take part in their conversations. Once, as a man described the different people of Europe, he argued that the
Dutch were greedy, the French were self-serving flatterers, the Germans were “beastly gluttons,” and the Spaniards were
“surly tyrants” while in “bravery, generosity, clemency, and in every other virtue, the English excelled all the rest of the
world.” Everyone in the group agreed with the man except Goldsmith who pretended to be thinking about something else so
he wouldn’t be forced to disagree with the speaker. The speaker, however, wanted everyone to agree with his assessment of
the characters of these European countries, and asked Goldsmith if he was of the same mind. Goldsmith reluctantly stated
that he could not make such a broad statement unless he had made a careful study of the citizens of each of these countries. In
fact, Goldsmith suggested that the Dutch might actually be “frugal and industrious,” the French “temperate and polite,” the
Germans hard workers, and the Spaniards dignified and deliberate. And while Goldsmith agreed that the English have good
qualities, they might also be “rash, headstrong, and impetuous; too apt to be elated with prosperity, and to despond in
adversity.” Goldsmith could immediately see that his opinion was not appreciated by the others, and, in fact, the speaker
chastised him for living in a country and enjoying its protection and privileges without loving the country wholly and blindly.
Goldsmith then gives up his argument to ponder why people must run down other countries in order to love their own.
Goldsmith then observes that, unlike the wise and learned philosopher of times long ago who considered himself “a
citizen of the world,” people today identify themselves too much as being “natives of one particular spot, or members of one
petty society.” If only uneducated people harbored these prejudices it might be understandable, but, when educated men of
high rank also indulge in these unreasonable preconceptions, then it shows that they are common and of no special worth. In
fact, those that most often brag about the great qualities of their nation are those who have the fewest good personal qualities,
or as Goldsmith illustrates metaphorically, “the slender vine twists around the sturdy oak… because it has not the strength
sufficient to support itself.” While it is natural for a person to love his or her country, it is not natural to take this love to the
extreme of prejudice; Goldsmith states that the unnatural outgrowth of prejudice from love is similar to the outgrowth of
superstition from religion and, continuing his plant metaphor, believes that these outgrowths should be “lopped off, [or] this
goodly tree can never flourish in perfect health and vigor.”
It is certainly possible for a person to love his or her own country and to wholeheartedly support it without thinking
that the citizens of other countries are inferior. When Goldsmith asks the rhetorical question, “Is it not very possible that I
may love my own country, without hating the natives of other countries?” the answer is a resounding “yes.” In fact, to answer
in this way is to become a “citizen of the world.”