English 9 Test Prep Oppenheimer

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

• 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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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. 

Which details support the answer to Part A? 

•  Speech: ". . . when you come right down to it the reason that we did this job is because it was an organic necessity." Petition: " ... with the defeat of Germany, this danger is averted. 

• Speech: “that some sort of protection will be found." Petition: . . attacks by atomic bombs may very well be an effective method of warfare."

• Speech: ". . . realize that these atomic weapons which we have started to  make are very terrible.. Petition: " the cities of the United States as well as the cities of other nations will be in continuous danger of sudden annihilation." 

• Speech: " will make it possible to integrate these developments into human life." Petition: “added material strength which this lead gives to the United States.”

Answer explanation

Consequences are negative, which choices use words that highlight the speakers know this is negative?

Which statement presents the most accurate comparison of the details emphasized in "Robert Oppenheimer Speech" and "A Petition to the President of the United States"? 

• "Robert Oppenheimer Speech" cites anecdotal experience; "A Petition to the President of the United States" cites scientific evidence. 

• "Robert Oppenheimer Speech" presents the concerns of political leaders; "A Petition to the President of the United States" presents the concerns of scientists.

•  "Robert Oppenheimer Speech" presents multiple viewpoints; "A Petition to the President of the United States" presents a clearly defined viewpoint. 

•  "Robert Oppenheimer Speech" outlines a singular approach to problem resolution; "A Petition to the President of the United States" outlines theoretical processes for problem resolution. 

Answer explanation

Think back to our lesson from last week. When the question asks for a comparison it really means explain. Explain what went on in each article, pick the answer that is closest to what you read.

Which sentences from "Robert Oppenheimer Speech" and "A Petition to the President of the United States" provide support for the answer to Part A? Choose one sentence from each passage.

• "As you know, some of us have been asked to be technical advisors to the Secretary of War, and through him to the President." ("Robert Oppenheimer Speech," paragraph 1)

• "Many people said different things, and most of them, I think, had some validity." ("Robert Oppenheimer Speech," paragraph 5) 

• "Discoveries which the people of the United States are not aware may affect the welfare of this nation in the near future." ("A Petition to the President of the United States," paragraph 2) 

• "We feel, however, that such attacks on Japan could not be justified, and at least not unless the terms which will be imposed after the war on Japan were made public in detail and Japan were given an opportunity to surrender." ("A Petition to the President of the United States," paragraph 4) 

Answer explanation

"Robert Oppenheimer Speech" presents multiple viewpoints; "A Petition to the President of the United States" presents a clearly defined viewpoint. 

"Many people said different things" vs "We feel, however"

If we look at the wording here, what can we deduce?

"Many, different" vs "We"