esson ActivityPrintSamuel JohnsonThis activity will help you meet these educational goals: You will cite textual evidence to support analysis of what a text says, explicitly and implicitly. Directions

Read the instructions for this self-checked activity. Type in your response to each question, and check your answers. At the end of the activity, write a brief evaluation of your work.

Activity

Read this excerpt from the preface of Samuel Johnson'sA Dictionary of the English Language.

Part A

Who do you think is Johnson's intended audience in the excerpt that you read?

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Answers will vary, but you might say that Johnson's intended audience was his fellow countrymen. Johnson writes, "In hope of giving longevity to that which its own nature forbids to be immortal, I have devoted this book, the labour of years, to the honour of my country."

You might instead argue that Johnson's intended audience was his fellow lexicographers. Throughout the text, he responds to the efforts of authors and academics who are also trying to standardize the language, particularly Johnathan Swift.

Part B

What do you think Johnson's perspective is on change in the English language? Does he think it is good or bad? Does he think it should be stopped? Cite evidence from the excerpt to support your answer.

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According to Johnson, what are the causes of changes in language? Cite evidence from the excerpt to support your answer.

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How did you do? Rate your work on a scale of 1 to 5, with 5 as the highest score. Then write a brief evaluation of your work below. Note what you learned and what challenged you.