What is the author’s purpose in writing "a modest proposal"?
a. to submit a plan to solve an important societal issue
b. to draw attention to an issue that is plaguing his country
c. to show that only an extreme solution can fix poverty
d. to defend those who have avoided falling into poverty

you answer is B to draw attention to an issue that is plaguing his country

The correct answer is B. to draw attention to an issue that is plaguing his country.

Explanation: Swift's book is widely one of the greatest examples of sustained irony in the history of the English language. Much of its shock value derives from the fact that the first portion of the essay describes the predicament of starving beggars in Ireland, so that the reader is unprepared for the surprise of Swift's solution when he states: "A young healthy child well nursed, is, at a year old, a most delicious nourishing and wholesome food, whether stewed, roasted, baked, or boiled; and I make no doubt that it will equally serve in a fricassee, or a ragout."

b. the colonies must seek protection from other nations.