ETS Major Field Test English Literature (British) Practice Test 2026 - Free English Literature Practice Questions and Study Guide

The correct answer is "A Tale of Two Cities" by Charles Dickens, which famously begins with the line "It was the best of times, it was the worst of times." This opening line sets the tone for the novel, which explores themes of duality and contrasts, particularly in the context of the societal upheavals during the French Revolution. The phrase contrasts the extremes of human experience, suggesting a world of both abundance and suffering that is central to the narrative.

The other works listed do not begin with this iconic line. "Great Expectations" begins with Pip's reflections on his early life, "David Copperfield" opens with a statement about David's birth, and "The Pickwick Papers" starts with a focus on Mr. Pickwick and the inn where he resides. Each of these novels has its own significant opening but none capture the dramatic dichotomy presented in the opening of "A Tale of Two Cities." This line is not only memorable but also encapsulates the novel's exploration of the conflict between love and hate, sacrifice and redemption amidst a tumultuous historical backdrop.