In "a modest proposal" the underlined portions of the excerpt are examples of verbal irony because

in the thematic approach, an interpreter relies on a central theme (i.e., a major point or message) to guide development of a communication activity or device. in presenting the activity or device, the thematic interpreter develops the theme in such a way that it will be highly relevant to an audience.

explanation:

some attention getter quotes to support your thesis regarding brain work could be the following: :

a. storage capacity of your brain is virtually unlimited.

b. your brain produces sufficient electricity to light-up a small bulb.

c. different brain circuits are involved with reading aloud or silently.

d. your brain by itself does not feel pain.

e. reading allows your brain to download info directly.

f. brains of two musicians performing together can synchronize.