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JFK's Inaugural Speech

Total questions: 16

Worksheet time: 48mins

Name
Class
Date
1.

What was JFK referring to when he said "...destruction unleashed by science..."

a)

Science

b)

WWII

c)

Nuclear War

d)

Russia

2.

How did JFK feel about the United Nations?

a)

He wanted to end the UN

b)

He wanted the UN to help America

c)

He didn't care about the UN

d)

He wanted to protect and strengthen the UN

3.

What is the main purpose of Kennedy's Inaugural Address?

a)

To soothe the fears of Americans in a time of great danger and financial deficits.

b)

To rally support from voters who did not vote for him.

c)

To emphasize that Americans should be grateful for the wealth and freedom they enjoy.

d)

To convince Americans to take some responsibility in preserving their freedom

4.

Kennedy expresses a willingness to go to war to protect-

a)

resources

b)

liberty

c)

renewal

d)

power

5.

The word choices in paragraph 4 create a tone that is best described as-

a)

thoughtful and gentle

b)

harsh and controlling

c)

stubborn and unrelenting

d)

shy and timid

6.

Which statement best describes the emotional appeal in paragraph 6 and 7?

a)

Kennedy contrasts travel imagery with ideas of patriotism to make the audience feel guilty for their loyalties to other nations.

b)

Kennedy contrasts imagery of passing time with the ideas that history repeats itself to create a sense of urgency in the audience.

c)

Kennedy compares freedom imagery to ideas of honor, duty, and glory to inspire people to support their country.

d)

Kennedy compares immigration imagery to ideas of progress to turn the audience's thoughts to the future.

7.

In paragraph 8, Kennedy uses figurative language to show-

a)

how important the defense of freedom is all over the world

b)

that current generations fall short of previous generations

c)

that previous generations have not had as many problems supporting freedom

d)

that we must inspire others to fight for freedom as hard as we have

8.

Why does Kennedy start by saying “in your hands”?

a)

because people need to listen to the speech

b)

to make it clear that people are responsible

c)

so they know what he means in the speech

d)

so they will join hands in the audience

9.

Why does Kennedy say “Ask not what your country can do for you”?

a)

because people need to work for progress

b)

because he is going to set more taxes

c)

because the President is the leader of the country

d)

because he wants people to vote for him

10.

What does “history the final judge mean”?

a)

History books report what happens.

b)

In later years people will think about what happens now.

c)

When people write histories they tell what people did.

d)

People should think about history when they do things.

11.

Why does he say “Let us go forth”?

a)

He wants them to work for progress.

b)

He wants them to leave.

c)

He wants to win the election.

d)

He wants people to save money.

12.

In his speech, how does Kennedy build his claim that the United States will defend "freedom in its hour of maximum emergency"?

a)

by arguing that the U.S. must enforce international law across the world since the United States is the lone superpower in the world

b)

by demonstrating that the poverty which many people suffer from is an obstacle to true freedom

c)

by stating that the U.S. will play an active role in fighting groups that are opposed to freedom, and by supporting groups that are fighting for freedom

d)

by demanding that the adversaries of the United States be more willing to negotiate, or else there will be war by demanding that the adversaries of the United States be more willing to negotiate, or else there will be war

13.

Which phrase from the text provides the best support to "freedom in its hour of maximum emergency"

a)

"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." (

b)

"To those people in the huts and villages of half the globe struggling to break the bonds of mass misery, we pledge our best efforts to help them help themselves."

c)

"A new world of law, where the strong are just and the weak secure and the peace preserved."

d)

"Not as a call to bear arms, though arms we need—not as a call to battle, though embattled we are"

14.

Which statement from the text best describes the relationship that Kennedy thinks the United States should have with its adversaries?

a)

“We pledge our best efforts to help them help themselves.”

b)

“Let us never negotiate out of fear. But let us never fear to negotiate.”

c)

“Can we forge against these enemies a grand and global alliance, North and South, East and West, that can assure a more fruitful life for all mankind?”

d)

“Ask not what your country can do for you--ask what you can do for your country.”

15.

What is the purpose of the two metaphors Kennedy uses in the phrase: “If a beachhead of cooperation may push back the jungle of suspicion…”

a)

Kennedy uses the metaphors to emphasize that just like in World War II, the United States must establish a beachhead in order to attack its enemies.

b)

Kennedy uses the metaphors to argue that the U.S. and its adversaries must quit being suspicious of the jungle if they are going to successfully cooperate.

c)

Kennedy uses the metaphors to explain that the new generation must be willing to face the global issues that will define the future.

d)

Kennedy uses the metaphors to conclude his argument that the U.S. and its adversaries must cooperate and reject their suspicions of each other.

16.

According to the text, what role does Kennedy think the new generation should play in addressing the problems facing the world?

a)

Kennedy believes that the numerous problems facing the world can only be solved through prayer.

b)

Kennedy believes that Americans should unite and prepare to defend their country

c)

Kennedy argues that even though there are numerous problems facing the world, the new generation should accept the challenge and try to solve them.

d)

Kennedy argues that most of the problems facing the world cannot be solved in his lifetime, so people should focus on living their lives to the fullest.