Midterm Review: FDR's Inaugural Address

(3) More important, a host of unemployed citizens face the grim problem of existence, and an equally great number toil with little return. Only a foolish optimist can deny the dark realities of the moment.

Q: What can be inferred by Roosevelt’s comment in paragraph (3) “only a foolish optimist can deny the dark realities of the moment” on the meaning of his message?

• It emphasizes that American businesses no longer exist.

• It emphasizes his point about the difficulties the nation is facing.

• It shows readers more clearly the problems that farmers are enduring.

• It makes more plain the contrast between progress and problems in America.

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CCSS.RI.7.1

CCSS.RI.8.1

CCSS.RI.8.8

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CCSS.RL.9-10.1

(2) In such a spirit on my part and on yours we face our common difficulties. They concern, thank God, only material things. Values have shrunken to fantastic levels; taxes have risen; our ability to pay has fallen; government of all kinds is faced by serious curtailment of income; the means of exchange are frozen in the currents of trade; the withered leaves of industrial enterprise lie on every side; farmers find no markets for their produce; the savings of many years in thousands of families are gone.

Q: Which of the following phrases reminds consumers that lies have led to the economic ruin described in paragraph (2)?

• “Primarily this is because the rulers of the exchange of mankind’s goods have failed...”

• “...the savings of many years in thousands of families are gone...”

• “In such a spirit on my part and on yours we face our common difficulties”

• “the means of exchange are frozen in the currents of trade; the withered leaves of industrial enterprise lie on every side”

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CCSS.RI.8.1

CCSS.RI.8.8

CCSS.RL.11-12.1

CCSS.RL.8.1

CCSS.RL.9-10.1

(1) I am certain that my fellow Americans expect that on my induction into the Presidency I will address them with a candor1 and a decision which the present situation of our Nation impels. This is preeminently the time to speak the truth, the whole truth, frankly and boldly. Nor need we shrink from honestly facing conditions in our country today. This great Nation will endure as it has endured, will revive and will prosper. So, first of all, let me assert my firm belief that the only thing we have to fear is fear itself—nameless, unreasoning, unjustified terror which paralyzes needed efforts to convert retreat into advance. In every dark hour of our national life a leadership of frankness and vigor has met with that understanding and support of the people themselves which is essential to victory. I am convinced that you will again give that support to leadership in these critical days.

Q: How does Roosevelt’s use of the terms truth, frankly, and honestly in paragraph (1) affect the

tone?

• .It promotes reassurance by proposing a solution for the nation.

• It promotes a positive tone by persuading listeners to be honest.

• It promotes a positive tone by convincing listeners to stop worrying.

• It promotes reassurance by establishing Roosevelt as a trustworthy person.

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CCSS.RL.11-12.4

CCSS.RL.6.4

CCSS.RL.7.4

CCSS.RL.8.4

CCSS.RL.9-10.4

Which from the selection represents the meaning of the phrases “dark hour,” “dark realities,” and “dark days”?

• “the truth, the whole truth”

• “our common difficulties”

• “serious curtailment of income'”

• “action, and action now”

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CCSS.RI.11-12.4

CCSS.RI.9-10.4

CCSS.RL.11-12.4

CCSS.RL.8.4

CCSS.RL.9-10.4