The proverb “Spare the rod and spoil the child” conveys that:
2012
The proverb “Spare the rod and spoil the child” conveys that:
Answer: C. undesirable behaviour must be punished. — ConceptA proverb uses figurative language to express a general rule, so its conventional sense matters more than a word-for-word reading. In its historical…
- A.
punishment in the class should be banned.
- B.
corporal punishment is not acceptable.
- C.
undesirable behaviour must be punished.
- D.
children should be beaten with rods.
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Correct answer: C
Concept
A proverb uses figurative language to express a general rule, so its conventional sense matters more than a word-for-word reading.
In its historical usage, “rod” evokes strict discipline and can carry corporal-punishment associations; “spoil” means allowing behaviour to worsen because misconduct goes unchecked.
Application
In this exam item, the intended generalized message is that undesirable behaviour should receive corrective consequences. The wording tests the conventional meaning, not an endorsement of literally beating children.
Contrast
A classroom-wide ban on punishment is a policy position opposite to the saying’s traditional premise.
Rejecting corporal punishment is a modern child-protection stance, not what this old proverb conventionally asserts.
Literally beating children with rods mistakes a figurative saying for a direct physical instruction.
Cross-check
Replacing “rod” with “discipline” gives the intended test: without corrective discipline, undesirable behaviour may continue. Thus the conveyed message is that undesirable behaviour must be punished.