Remarks on Beautification 1

In paragraph 2, the speaker begins by describing America as a "strong and stalwart and expanding Nation" that identifies with "the products of its own hands." Which persuasive technique is most evident in this description?

• Pathos, by appealing to the audience's sense of nostalgia.

• Ethos, by establishing his credibility as an industrial leader.

• Logos, by providing statistical evidence of economic growth.

• Ethos, by appealing to the audience's shared sense of national pride and identity.

In paragraphs 4 and 5, the speaker contrasts "raw industrial might" with the natural beauty "of the forests and the flowers, the open prairies and the slope of the hills." What is the primary purpose of this juxtaposition?

• To argue that industrialization is inherently evil.

• To suggest that nature is more valuable than technology.

• To create a sense of urgency by highlighting the immediate threat of pollution.

• To broaden the definition of national wealth and value beyond industrial output.

In paragraphs 8 and 9, the speaker asks, "how do you measure the excitement and the happiness that comes to a boy from the old swimming hole...?" and "How do you really put a value on the view of the night that is caught in a boy's eyes...?" These rhetorical questions primarily serve to:

• Challenge the audience to a debate.

• Emphasize that the intangible value of nature cannot be measured in monetary terms.

• Criticize the audience for not spending enough time outdoors.

• Express the speaker's personal confusion about economics.

In paragraph 10, the speaker uses the words "neglected," "relegated," and "banished" to describe America's treatment of its natural heritage. What is the primary emotional effect of this word choice (diction)?

• It creates a sense of anger and aggression towards industrialists.

• It evokes feelings of sadness, loss, and regret.

• It inspires a feeling of hope for the future.

• It conveys a tone of academic detachment.

In paragraph 12, the speaker declares, "Because as long as I am your President... I do not choose to preside over the destiny of this country and to hide from view what God has gladly given it." This statement is a powerful appeal to:

• Logos, by outlining a logical plan for conservation.

• Pathos, by creating a sense of fear about the future.

• Ethos, by asserting his authority and moral responsibility as a leader.

In paragraph 14, the speaker states that the Highway Beautification Act "does more than control advertising and junkyards... It does more than give us the tools just to landscape." The use of repetition (anaphora) in this sentence serves to:

• Minimize the importance of controlling junkyards.

• Create a rhythmic and memorable phrase to emphasize the bill's broad impact.

• Acknowledge the counterarguments of his opponents.

• Confuse the audience with complex legal terminology.

In paragraph 17, the speaker describes the "dogwoods that had turned red, and the maple trees that were scarlet and gold" and calls it "God's finery." This use of vivid imagery and religious allusion is intended to:

• Appeal to the audience's emotions and elevate the beauty of nature to a spiritual level.

• Provide a scientific description of autumn foliage.

• Criticize those who do not share his religious beliefs.

• Suggest that only religious people can appreciate nature.

In paragraph 18, the speaker admits, "This bill does not represent everything that we wanted... But it is a first step... For though we must crawl before we walk, we are going to walk." This statement is a persuasive technique known as:

• Ad hominem, attacking the opponent's character.

• Straw man, misrepresenting the opposing argument.

• Concession, acknowledging a limitation to build credibility and show reasonableness.

• False dilemma, presenting only two extreme options.

In paragraph 19, the speaker invokes the memory of "a great leader of a great people, Franklin D. Roosevelt," and his battle with "private interests." What is the primary purpose of this allusion?

• To suggest that the current situation is identical to the one in 1936.

• To align his own cause with a respected historical figure, thereby lending it authority and righteousness.

• To criticize Franklin D. Roosevelt's policies.

• To distract the audience from the main topic of the speech.

In paragraph 21, the speaker assures the audience that his administration "has no desire to punish or to penalize any private industry" but will not allow them to "intrude their own specialized private objective on the larger public trust." This is an example of:

• A hasty generalization.

• A red herring.

• A balanced argument that anticipates and addresses potential opposition.

• A circular argument.