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WorksheetsDay of Infamy Speech – Speaker, Purpose, Audience, & Craft
Total questions: 10
Worksheet time: 11mins
What is the speaker's role and how does that role impact the effectiveness of his message?
A military general; appeals to ethos due to battlefield experience
A private citizen; highlights public opinion
A news reporter; ensures the use of evidence and reasoning
The U.S. president and Commander-in-Chief; establishes his authority and credibility
The primary audience of the speech is:
The Japanese government
The American military
European allies
The U.S. Congress and the American people
Which of the following best identifies the primary purpose of FDR's “Day of Infamy” speech?
To negotiate peace with Japan
To persuade Congress to declare war against Japan
To criticize military leaders for being unprepared
To explain why Japanese forces attacked Pearl Harbor
How did the speech's purpose fit its historical audience?
The American public needed entertainment during wartime.
The U.S. military had to be informed about mission logistics.
The nation required reassurance and a clear plan for governmental action after a surprise attack.
Roosevelt wanted to promote military enlistment
Why did Roosevelt choose the word infamy to describe December 7, 1941?
To suggest the event will be remembered with pride
To lessen the seriousness of the attack
To emphasize the lasting shame and moral wrongdoing of the attack
To describe the attack as surprising but insignificant
Which rhetorical strategy most directly connects Roosevelt’s speech to the American public listening at home?
The inclusion of personal statements from families who lost their loved ones in the attack
Use of accessible language that expresses shared shock and resolve
Focus only on classified military details
References to entertainment events in Washington, D.C.
Which statement best explains how Roosevelt’s language and craft choices contribute to the development of the tone of the speech?
Formal, emotionally charged, and forceful diction creates a serious and resolute tone that justifies the need for the United States to respond to the attack
Specialized military terminology develops a knowledgeable tone and highlights Roosevelt’s expertise
Casual, informal language develops a relatable tone and puts the audience at ease
Neutral language develops a diplomatic tone and avoids taking sides
Which rhetorical appeal is most strongly developed when FDR states, “Very many American lives have been lost”?
Ethos
Pathos
Logos
Bozos
Roosevelt uses the phrase “deliberately planned” to describe the attack. Why would this choice of words be effective for his audience?
It suggests that the attack was unintentional
It emphasizes the calculated nature of Japan’s actions, increasing urgency for a response
It minimizes the seriousness of the situation
It implies there was a logical reason for the attack on Pearl Harbor
Which of the following best rewords FDR’s statement “we will gain the inevitable triumph” by changing the wording while preserving the original meaning?
The United States might win, but victory is uncertain and unlikely.
The United States could win at some point, but success may be delayed.
The United States will win, and victory cannot be avoided or prevented.
The United States will win only if future negotiations are successful.
