AP Lang MC U2: Reading Comprehension Test -- Pgs. 154-159 Ideas in Argument

First Name

Last Name

Period

• 4
• 6

code word

In the first sentence of the passage, the author states that his inauguration as president is "not a victory of party but a celebration of freedom" primarily to

• assert his control over his party.
• acknowledge and embrace those in the audience who were not of his party or who may not have voted for him.
• characterize his audience as thoughtful people who value freedom over all else.
• argue that too much engagement with party politics is actually harmful to the cause of freedom.
• encourage his audience to reconsider their party alliances and political loyalties.

In the first and second paragraphs, the speaker mentions "our forebears" primarily to

• appeal to the authority of history in an attempt to assert his power.
• imply that his election was predicted by history and ultimately unavoidable.
• imply that he has already made history and will be remembered as one of the great forebears of this country.
• appeal to the audience members' combined sense of history and commitment to freedom and the rights of man.
• appeal to the emotional need that many people in his audience feel to reject the expectations of historical figures and pave their own path.

In the second paragraph, the speaker states that the "world is very different now" primarily to

• establish the need for his audience to accept change in a world that is always changing.
• distinguish between those who need to change and those who want to change.
• undermine efforts by other countries to resist working together.
• describe the fears that many in America feel toward the changing world and how that changing world sees them.
• create a tone of anxiety and fear in a changed world.

In paragraph 13, the author refers to "the steady spread of the deadly atom" as evidence to support his claim that

• the United States would rather destroy itself than be conquered by another country.
• humanity would rather slowly destroy itself than seek peace.
• all countries must seek peace or risk the destruction of mankind.
• some countries would rather destroy all of humanity than to lose a conflict to another country.
• some people must die for the cause of peace.

In paragraph 14, what audience(s) is/are the speaker addressing by saying "So let us begin anew"?

• The American people as a whole
• The people of his own political party
• The American people and members of the United Nations
• Adversarial countries and members of the United Nations
• The American people and countries around the world

Which of the following statements best represents the thesis of the passage?

• "For man holds in his mortal hands the power to abolish all forms of human poverty and all forms of human life" (paragraph 2).
• "Let every nation know, whether it wishes us well or ill, that we shall pay any price, bear any burden, meet any hardship, support any friend, oppose any foe to assure the survival and the success of liberty" (paragraph 4).
• "This much we pledge- and more" (paragraph 5).
• "If a free society cannot help the many who are poor, it cannot save the few who are rich (paragraph 8).
• "And let every other power know that this hemisphere intends to remain the master of its own house" (paragraph 9).