In paragraph 1 of Robert Oppenheimer's speech, what does the phrase “recipient of confidences” mean?
English 9 Test Prep Oppenheimer

Quiz
•
English
•
9th Grade
•
Hard
IRENE SAIF
Used 6+ times
FREE Resource
13 questions
Show all answers
1.
MULTIPLE CHOICE QUESTION
1 min • 3 pts
The speaker has won numerous awards.
The speaker feels sure of his own abilities.
People have told the speaker their secrets.
People have given the speaker their support.
Answer explanation
Think of the word receive, sounds like recipient right? If receive means "get" then we're halfway there. Now you just need to remember that sometimes the word confidence means secret.
2.
MULTIPLE CHOICE QUESTION
3 mins • 5 pts
Besides the sentence that contains the phrase recipient of confidences mentioned in Part A, select the other sentence in paragraph 1 that helps the reader understand the meaning of the phrase.
"Recipient of confidences."
"I do not have anything very radical to say, or anything that will strike most of you with a great flash of enlightenment."
"In some ways, I would have liked to talk to you at an earlier date—but I couldn't talk to you as a Director."
"As you know, some of us have been asked to be technical advisors to the Secretary of War, and through him to the President."
"I want anyone who feels like it to ask me a question and if I can't answer it, as will often be the case, I will just have to say so."
Answer explanation
If we just talked about secrets in the last question, use world experience. If someone asks you to tell them a secret, most of the time you would say what?
You'd say nothing! You can't tell a secret.
3.
MULTIPLE CHOICE QUESTION
2 mins • 4 pts
In paragraph 1, how does Oppenheimer structure the opening of his speech to advance his argument?
He praises the accomplishments of the members of the audience in order to deflect their potential dismissal of the subject of the speech.
He positions himself as a colleague of the members of the audience in order to increase a feeling of fellowship and community.
He criticizes some unpopular authority figures in order to gain the sympathy of the members of the audience.
He sets forth his credentials as an expert on the subject of his speech in order to gain the respect of the members of the audience.
Answer explanation
You can most relate to someone you like, with similar experiences. Oppenheimer is trying to make you like him so you can trust what he's saying in a time of fear.
4.
MULTIPLE CHOICE QUESTION
1 min • 3 pts
Which statement from paragraph 1 emphasizes the answer to Part A?
"I am grateful to the Executive committee. . . ."
“· · it is not possible to speak in detail about what Mr. A thinks and Mr. B doesn't think. "
"... which involve us as a group of scientists..."
" . I will just have to say so. . . ."
Answer explanation
Look at the word "us." "Us" implies community, and people are close with their communities.
5.
MULTIPLE CHOICE QUESTION
1 min • 3 pts
What is the meaning of the phrase "material strength" as it is used in paragraph 8?
superior weaponry
ethical character
overall wealth
powerful influence
Answer explanation
Take this one literally. Material is what? Something physical. An object.
6.
MULTIPLE CHOICE QUESTION
1 min • 4 pts
Which phrase from paragraph 7 clarifies the meaning of material strength?
“. . . a situation is allowed to develop in the world. . . ."
“. . . continuous danger of sudden annihilation."
"... solemn responsibility of the United States. . ."
“...lead in the field of atomic power."
Answer explanation
If we just talked about a material strength being something physical, in this case, an object, now we look at our choices. Leading means number 1, we were number 1 in weapons at this time. This is the best choice.
7.
MULTIPLE CHOICE QUESTION
1 min • 5 pts
Which statement describes a similarity between how Robert Oppenheimer and the writer in "A Petition to the President of the United States" discuss the atomic bomb?
Both emphasize feelings of regret that the atomic bomb was developed.
Both emphasize an appreciation for the residual benefits of atomic power.
Both emphasize benefits of political power that come from possessing atomic capabilities.
Both emphasize the urgency of considering carefully the consequences of using the atomic bomb.
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