Question

What does President Obama use to create emotional appeal and build credibility as a fellow American? Check the three boxes that apply.

images of American sacrifices

connections to suffering ancestors

visions of the unsettled West

mentions of his own sacrifice

repetition of the word “us”
Answer
That we are in the midst of crisis is now well understood. Our nation is at war, against a far-reaching network of violence and hatred. Our economy is badly weakened, a consequence of greed and irresponsibility on the part of some, but also our collective failure to make hard choices and prepare the nation for a new age. Homes have been lost; jobs shed; businesses shuttered. Our health care is too costly; our schools fail too many; and each day brings further evidence that the ways we use energy strengthen our adversaries and threaten our planet.

—Inaugural address, Barack Obama

Identify the two appeals in this excerpt.

logos

ethos

pathos
Answer
For everywhere we look, there is work to be done. The state of the economy calls for action, bold and swift, and we will act — not only to create new jobs, but to lay a new foundation for growth. We will build the roads and bridges, the electric grids and digital lines that feed our commerce and bind us together. We will restore science to its rightful place, and wield technology’s wonders to raise health care’s quality and lower its cost. We will harness the sun and the winds and the soil to fuel our cars and run our factories. And we will transform our schools and colleges and universities to meet the demands of a new age. All this we can do. And all this we will do.

—Inaugural address, Barack Obama

What is President Obama’s purpose in this part of the speech?


to inform
to persuade
Answer
How does President Obama try to inspire his audience? Check the three boxes that apply.

by repeating “we will”

by including impressive, technical language

by using engaging, specific language

by creating brief, powerful images
Answered by GPT-4o mini
To create emotional appeal and build credibility as a fellow American, President Obama likely uses the following:

- **images of American sacrifices**
- **connections to suffering ancestors**
- **repetition of the word “us”**

These elements help establish a shared identity and resonate with the audience's values and experiences. Mentions of his own sacrifice may also be present, but the three selected options are typically strong tools for building emotional connection and credibility.
Answered by GPT-4o mini
In the excerpt from Barack Obama's inaugural address, the two appeals present are:

1. **Logos** - This is evident in the logical argument regarding the state of the nation, including references to the economy, health care costs, school failures, and energy usage. Obama presents factual information about the challenges facing the country, which appeals to the audience's reason and intellect.

2. **Pathos** - This appeal is visible through the emotional language used to convey the seriousness of the situation. Phrases like "homes have been lost" and "jobs shed" evoke feelings of empathy and concern, which engage the audience's emotions and create a sense of urgency.

Ethos, which refers to credibility and character, is not explicitly highlighted in this excerpt, although Obama's position as President contributes to his overall ethos.
Answered by GPT-4o mini
In this part of the speech, President Obama’s purpose is primarily **to persuade**. He is calling for bold action to address the state of the economy and outlining specific initiatives that will lead to job creation and long-term growth. His language is motivational and seeks to inspire confidence and collective effort among the audience, indicating a strong desire to rally support for his vision and initiatives.
Answered by GPT-4o mini
President Obama tries to inspire his audience in the following ways:

- **by repeating “we will”** - This repetition creates a sense of determination and collective action, reinforcing a shared commitment to the future.

- **by using engaging, specific language** - His choice of words is meant to resonate with the audience and paint a clear picture of the goals and actions being described.

- **by creating brief, powerful images** - Although implicitly suggested, the language used in phrases like "build the roads and bridges" and "harness the sun and the winds" helps to create vivid images that inspire hope and vision for the future.

The option related to "impressive, technical language" does not apply here, as Obama's speech typically focuses on accessible language that connects with a broad audience rather than complex jargon.