Obama Farewell Speech

What purpose do the first three paragraphs of the speech serve in developing Obama's central idea? (RI.2.6)

• They outline ways that democracy has changed over time and compare the early ideals of self-government with the ordinary reality of modern life.

• They describe a specific story about his youth in Chicago and contrast that with his experience during the eight years of his presidency.

• They outline the idea that Americans rarely or never agree with each other and how this disagreement is damaging for democracy.

• They describe how he learned the power of engagement and hard work and how those beliefs have been strengthened during his presidency.

Tags

CCSS.RL.2.6

CCSS.RL.8.3

Read the section "Democracy Does Require A Sense Of Unity."

How does the sentence, “But for all the real progress we’ve made, we know it’s not enough” affect the structure of the speech? (RI.2.5)

• It alters the tone from positivity felt in the past to negativity about the future.

• It indicates the shift from a reflection on the past to a call to action for the future.

• It continues the list of accomplishments that have been achieved.

• It develops the connection between voting and democracy.

Tags

CCSS.RL.2.6

CCSS.RL.8.3

According to the speech, what actions will influence the future of our democracy? (RI.1.3)

• Our active participation in democracy as involved citizens.

• Argue with strangers on the internet.

• The only thing we can do to make a difference is to vote.

• Running for president.

Tags

CCSS.RL.2.6

CCSS.RL.8.3

Part A: Select the way in which the author uses structure to develop ideas in the section “I Am Asking you to Believe” (RI.2.5)

• He is negative about what the future holds.

• He apologies if he has disappointed anyone.

• He explains all of the great things he has done for the country.

• He is speaking directly to the American people, calling us to action.

Tags

CCSS.RI.5.5

CCSS.RI.6.5

CCSS.RI.7.5

CCSS.RI.8.5

CCSS.RI.9-10.5

Part B: Select a sentence from the article that signals or exemplifies the text’s structure. (RI.2.5)

• And may God continue to bless the United States of America.

• My fellow Americans, it has been the honor of my life to serve you.

• I am asking you to believe. Not in my ability to bring about change - but in yours.

• I will be right there with you, as a citizen, for all my days that remain.

Tags

CCSS.RL.2.6

CCSS.RL.8.3

How do sections: “An America Without Racism or Intolerance” and “We Must Uphold Laws Against Discrimination” relate to each other? (RI.2.5)

• The first section introduces the difficulty in accepting others’ perspective; while the second section provides examples of compromise.

• The first section introduces the threat of inequalities between the rich and poor; while the second section provides example of how to battle inequalities between the rich and the poor.

• The first section introduces the threat of racism on democracy; while the second section provides examples of how we can be sensitive to fellow Americans.

• The first section introduces the threat of fear and change; while the second section emphasizes the military’s ability to protect us from outside threats.

Tags

CCSS.RI.5.5

CCSS.RI.6.5

CCSS.RI.7.5

CCSS.RI.8.5

CCSS.RI.9-10.5

Why would President Obama include the following statement at the end of the article?

“Yes we can. Yes we did. Yes we can.” (RI.1.3, RI.2.6)

• To end the speech with positivity and hope for the future.

• To explain what has been accomplished.

• To present ideas about the future of the country.

• To confuse the people in the audience.

Tags

CCSS.RL.2.6

CCSS.RL.8.3