LangArts10 0473/02QUIZ2.04 -Inaugural Speech - JFK

What is the purpose of JFK’s use of the phrase “torch has been passed to a new generation of Americans”?

• To highlight the power of youth in shaping the future

• To show a rejection of older traditions

• To emphasize the responsibilities of the new generation

• To criticize the previous generation’s actions

• To warn about the challenges ahead

Answer explanation

JFK's phrase "torch has been passed to a new generation of Americans" emphasizes the responsibilities of the new generation, highlighting their role in shaping the future and addressing the challenges that lie ahead.

How does JFK’s repetition of “let us” inspire action in his audience?

• By creating a sense of unity and purpose

• By pressuring the audience to comply

• By encouraging passive reflection

• By highlighting the urgency of global issues

• By implying criticism of inaction

Answer explanation

JFK’s repetition of "let us" fosters a collective spirit, urging the audience to join together in a common cause. This language creates a sense of unity and purpose, motivating individuals to take action collaboratively.

Why does JFK use the metaphor of a “beachhead of cooperation”?

• To emphasize the fragility of peace

• To symbolize a small but critical start

• To suggest alliances are temporary

• To highlight the dangers of diplomacy

• To critique existing alliances

Answer explanation

JFK uses the metaphor of a "beachhead of cooperation" to symbolize a small but critical start in building peace. It suggests that initial efforts in diplomacy can lead to greater stability and collaboration.

What cultural attitude does JFK reflect when he calls Americans “heirs of the first revolution”?

• A pride in the nation’s revolutionary past

• A rejection of modern challenges

• A focus on the future over the past

• A critique of outdated traditions

• A belief in the need for change

Answer explanation

JFK's reference to Americans as 'heirs of the first revolution' reflects a pride in the nation’s revolutionary past, emphasizing the legacy and values inherited from the founding generation.

How does JFK’s reference to “adversaries” promote peace rather than conflict?

• By acknowledging their strength

• By encouraging mutual understanding

• By focusing on shared humanity

• By contrasting their values with America’s

• By avoiding direct confrontation

Answer explanation

JFK’s reference to "adversaries" promotes peace by focusing on shared humanity, emphasizing common values and experiences that can unite rather than divide, fostering understanding and cooperation instead of conflict.

In calling for unity, what effect does JFK’s use of alliteration in “pay any price, bear any burden” create?

• It creates a memorable rhythm and impact

• It simplifies the complexity of the ideas

• It criticizes past failures to act

• It highlights the challenges of cooperation

• It diminishes the difficulty of sacrifice

Answer explanation

JFK’s use of alliteration in "pay any price, bear any burden" creates a memorable rhythm and impact, enhancing the emotional resonance of his call for unity and making the message more compelling and easier to remember.

How does JFK’s invocation of God reinforce his message?

• It appeals to the audience’s shared faith

• It avoids political divisions

• It challenges the moral authority of opponents

• It suggests divine approval for his policies

• It emphasizes the role of spirituality

Answer explanation

JFK’s invocation of God appeals to the audience’s shared faith, creating a sense of unity and common purpose. This connection strengthens his message by resonating with the values and beliefs of his listeners.

Why does JFK contrast “ask not what your country can do for you” with “ask what you can do for your country”?

• To shift the focus to civic responsibility

• To critique government assistance

• To inspire self-reliance among Americans

• To call for the reform of public services

• To emphasize government’s limits

Answer explanation

JFK contrasts these phrases to shift the focus to civic responsibility, encouraging citizens to contribute actively to their country rather than solely relying on it for support.

How does JFK’s address reflect the historical context of the Cold War?

• By emphasizing alliances against tyranny

• By focusing on domestic unity

• By critiquing rival nations directly

• By promoting isolationist policies

• By warning against economic instability

Answer explanation

JFK’s address emphasizes alliances against tyranny, reflecting the Cold War context where the U.S. sought to unite democratic nations against the threat of communism, highlighting the importance of collective security.

What rhetorical device is most evident in the phrase “a struggle against the common enemies of man: tyranny, poverty, disease, and war itself”?

• Repetition

• Metaphor

• Parallelism

• Alliteration

• Personification

Answer explanation

The phrase uses parallelism by listing the common enemies of man in a balanced structure: 'tyranny, poverty, disease, and war.' This repetition of grammatical form emphasizes the struggle against these issues.