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What Does America Democracy Means to Me Graded - Mary Bathune

Total questions: 27

Worksheet time: 22mins

Name
Class
Date
1.

In "What Does American Democracy Mean to Me?" by Mary McLeod Bethune, what is the author's main purpose?

a)

To entertain the audience with personal stories and humor

b)

To inform the audience about the history of American democracy

c)

To explain how the U.S. government functions

d)

To persuade the audience to support racial equality and live up to democratic ideals

2.

Which rhetorical appeal does Bethune use when she says, “We have given our blood in its defense—from Crispus Attucks… to the battlefields of France”?

a)

Logos

b)

Ethos

c)

Pathos

d)

Hyperbole

3.

What is the effect of the figurative language “rising out of the darkness of slavery into the light of freedom”?

a)

It uses logic to explain economic growth.

b)

It shows a literal escape from slavery.

c)

It evokes an emotional journey from oppression to hope.

d)

It compares American democracy to war.

4.

How does Bethune establish ethos in her speech?

a)

By quoting famous historical documents

b)

By referencing her personal religious beliefs

c)

By sharing the struggles of African Americans

d)

By giving statistical data about education

5.

Why does Bethune list figures like Paul Laurence Dunbar and George Washington Carver?

a)

To appeal to emotion

b)

To use logical evidence

c)

To highlight African American contributions

d)

To criticize American leadership

6.

What rhetorical appeal is used when Bethune references educational and economic statistics?

a)

Logos

b)

Ethos

c)

Pathos

d)

Irony

7.

What does the phrase “a new birth of freedom” most likely refer to?

a)

The start of World War II

b)

A literal increase in population

c)

A renewed commitment to equality

d)

A political revolution

8.

How does Bethune appeal to shared American values in her speech?

a)

By criticizing other races

b)

By referencing the Declaration of Independence

c)

By calling for war

d)

By celebrating personal wealth

9.

What is the effect of the repetition of the word “equality” in the section discussing democratic principles?

a)

It creates confusion.

b)

It emphasizes a core democratic ideal across society.

c)

It challenges religious beliefs about democracy.

d)

It weakens her argument.

10.

How does Bethune use pathos in describing the living conditions of Black Americans?

a)

She blames political leaders.

b)

She gives exact census data.

c)

She appeals to the audience’s sense of empathy.

d)

She compares them to other countries.

11.

Which of the following is an example of logos in Bethune’s speech?

a)

“From a people 80 percent illiterate to a people 80 percent literate...”

b)

“This dream, this idea, this aspiration...”

c)

“We are rising out of the darkness of slavery into the light of freedom.”

d)

“We have given our blood in its defense—from Crispus Attucks... to the battlefields of France.”

12.

Why does Bethune say “we have always been loyal when the ideals of American democracy have been attacked”?

a)

To justify unequal treatment

b)

To prove patriotism and build credibility

c)

To dismiss civil rights issues

d)

To suggest African Americans caused conflict

13.

Which appeal is most present when Bethune discusses the literacy improvement of African Americans?

a)

Pathos

b)

Logos

c)

Ethos

d)

Irony

14.

What does the phrase “shoulder to shoulder with their fellow Americans” suggest?

a)

Isolation

b)

Disagreement

c)

Unity and equality

d)

Economic progress

15.

Why does Bethune repeat the phrase “we have fought”?

a)

To show anger

b)

To emphasize sacrifice and dedication

c)

To confuse the audience

d)

To discuss global politics

16.

What is the speaker’s main purpose in this speech?

a)

To entertain an audience

b)

To inform about U.S. history and black Americans

c)

To persuade Americans to fulfill the promise of democracy

d)

To analyze the Constitution

17.

How does Bethune's use of figurative language support her message?

a)

It makes the speech longer and more dramatic

b)

It confuses the audience intentionally

c)

It creates vivid imagery that reinforces the need for justice and equality

d)

It focuses on scientific data about democracy

18.

What type of figurative language is used in the phrase “rising out of the darkness of slavery into the light of freedom”?

a)

Simile

b)

Personification

c)

Hyperbole

d)

Metaphor

19.

How does Mary McLeod Bethune use logos to establish her purpose in "What Does American Democracy Mean to Me?"



a)

She uses emotional stories to connect with the audience’s sense of empathy.

b)

She cites facts and historical examples to highlight African Americans' contributions and the gap between democratic ideals and reality.

c)

She appeals to shared cultural heritage through poetic language and religious references.

d)

She focuses solely on her personal experiences to criticize the government.

20.

When Mary McLeod Bethune says, "Yes, we have fought for America with all her imperfections, not so much for what she is, but for what we know she can be," what does this symbolize?

a)

Acceptance of America's current state without criticism

b)

Pride in America's past without hope for the future

c)

A belief in America's potential and a call for continued progress toward its democratic ideals

d)

A rejection of American values and refusal to support the country

21.

Which detail from Paragraph 1 is the best example of logos?

a)

“We are rising out of the darkness of slavery into the light of freedom.”

b)

“It is a dream and an ideal in whose ultimate realization we have faith.”

c)

“From a people 80 percent illiterate to a people 80 percent literate.”

d)

“Under God’s guidance in this great democracy…”

22.

How does logos help the author achieve her purpose?

a)

It creates an emotional connection with the audience

b)

It provides clear evidence of progress to support her message

c)

It shows the author’s personal beliefs about religion

d)

It describes what democracy looks like in the future

23.

Which example best shows ethos (building credibility or trust)?

a)

Listing famous Black Americans

b)

Describing the fear of the lynch mob

c)

Using statistics about literacy rates

d)

Talking about dreams for the future

24.

How does the author use ethos to help achieve her purpose?

a)

It makes the audience feel sad about injustice

b)

It gives instructions on how to fix problems

c)

It proves that democracy has already been fully achieved

d)

It shows that African Americans have made important contributions

25.

What is the author’s main purpose for writing this speech?

a)

To entertain the audience with stories about history

b)

To inform the audience about famous African Americans and what they contributed to the society

c)

To persuade the audience that democracy should be more equal for Black Americans

d)

To explain how the government works in creating injustice

26.

Which rhetorical appeal is strongest in this speech, and why?

a)

Logos, because the speech only uses statistics to show the progress

b)

Pathos, because the author uses emotional examples of injustice and hope to move the audience

c)

Ethos, because the author talks only about her personal experiences so we trust her

d)

None, because the speech does not try to persuade the audience

27.

How does the author use rhetorical appeals (ethos, pathos, logos) to achieve her purpose?

a)

She only uses facts and statistics to explain her ideas about injustice

b)

She combines facts, emotional examples, and credibility to show injustice and argue for equality

c)

She focuses only on emotional stories to persuade the audience to believe her story about the injustice in America

d)

She avoids using any strong appeals to stay neutral