Pearl Harbor Address Analysis Questions

PART A: Roosevelt begins paragraphs 8-11 with little variation of the words "Last night, Japanese forces..." Why is this structure effective in helping Roosevelt make his argument?

• It emphasizes the brazenness of Japan's multiple attacks against the U.S. and its allies.

• It allows the reader to determine which of Japan's offenses was most destructive.

• It contrasts Japan's behavior with that of the United States.

• It presents a clear plan of response to the Japanese attacks.

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CCSS.RI.9-10.3

CCSS.RI.9-10.6

PART B: Which aspect of the speech provides support for the answer to Part A?

• The descriptions of the damage done from the attacks (paragraph 6)

• The repetition of the word "deliberately" throughout the speech

• The reference to the "righteous might" of American people and military (paragraph 15)

• The religious appeal to "God" (paragraph 18)

PART A: What is Roosevelt's overall purpose in his speech?

• To inform Japan that the U.S. will take any means necessary to enact revenge

• To notify the American people of the losses suffered in the Japanese attacks

• To warn of impending danger in the form of more attacks from Japan and its allies

• To reassure the American people that actions are being taken to protect the country

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CCSS.RI.9-10.6

PART B: Which paragraph from the speech most directly supports the answer to Part A?

• Paragraph 3 "The United States was at peace..."

• Paragraph 6 "The attack yesterday..."

• Paragraph 16 "I believe I interpret the will of Congress..."

• Paragraph 17 "Hostilities exist..."

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CCSS.RI.9-10.1

CCSS.RL.9-10.1

Which statement from the speech suggests it has historical significance?

• And while this reply stated that it seemed useless to continue the existing diplomatic negotiations, it contained no threat or hint of war or of armed attack

• The people of the United States have already formed their opinions and well understand the implications to the very life and safety of our nation

• But always will our whole nation remember the character of the onslaught against us.

• I ask that the Congress declare that since the unprovoked and dastardly attack by Japan on Sunday, December 7, 1941, a state of war has existed between the United States and the Japanese empire.

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CCSS.RI.9-10.1

CCSS.RI.9-10.6

CCSS.RI.9-10.9

Read the following excerpt from the speech: "With confidence in our armed forces, with the unbounding determination of our people we will gain the inevitable triumph—so help us God." These lines seek to inspire people by...

• Describing how God will help

• Listing ways people can help

• Explaining how the armed forces will overcome

• Showing faith that victory will come

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CCSS.RI.9-10.6

CCSS.SL.9-10.3

"As Commander in Chief of the Army and Navy, I have directed that..."

• Ethos

• Pathos

• Logos

• Allusion

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CCSS.RI.9-10.6

CCSS.RI.9-10.8

CCSS.SL.9-10.3

"The American People in their righteous might will win through to absolute victory"

• Ethos

• Pathos

• Logos

• Parallel Structure

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CCSS.L.9-10.5

CCSS.RI.9-10.4

CCSS.RI.9-10.6

CCSS.RL.9-10.4

CCSS.SL.9-10.3

"I regret to tell you that many American lives have been lost"

• Ethos

• Pathos

• Logos

• Metaphor

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CCSS.RI.9-10.6

CCSS.SL.9-10.3

"It will be recorded that the distance of Hawaii from Japan makes it obvious that the attack was deliberately planned many days or even weeks ago."

• Ethos

• Pathos

• Logos

• Repetition

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CCSS.RI.9-10.3

CCSS.RI.9-10.5

CCSS.RI.9-10.6

CCSS.RI.9-10.8

CCSS.SL.9-10.3