"JFK Inaugural Speech"
by John F. Kennedy
We observe today not a victory of party but a celebration of freedom--symbolizing an end as well as a beginning--signifying renewal as well as change. For I have sworn before you and Almighty God the same solemn oath our forbears prescribed nearly a century and three-quarters ago.
The world is very different now. For man holds in his mortal hands the power to abolish all forms of human poverty and all forms of human life. And yet the same revolutionary beliefs for which our forebears fought are still at issue around the globe--the belief that the rights of man come not from the generosity of the state but from the hand of God.
We dare not forget today that we are the heirs of that first revolution. Let the word go forth from this time and place, to friend and foe alike, that the torch has been passed to a new generation of Americans--born in this century, tempered by war, disciplined by a hard and bitter peace, proud of our ancient heritage--and unwilling to witness or permit the slow undoing of those human rights to which this nation has always been committed, and to which we are committed today at home and around the world.
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.
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Question
Use the passage to answer the question.
President Kennedy asks, “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? Will you join in that historic effort?”
What best describes President Kennedy’s rhetorical strategy for including these questions in his speech?
(1 point)
Responses
President Kennedy hopes to emphasize a point by asking a question with an obvious answer.
President Kennedy hopes to emphasize a point by asking a question with an obvious answer.
President Kennedy expects everyone in the audience to call out their answers to the questions.
President Kennedy expects everyone in the audience to call out their answers to the questions.
President Kennedy wants people to write him letters with their answers to the questions.
President Kennedy wants people to write him letters with their answers to the questions.
President Kennedy expresses frustration that no one has yet answered these questions.
President Kennedy expresses frustration that no one has yet answered these questions.
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1 answer
The best response that describes President Kennedy’s rhetorical strategy for including these questions in his speech is:
President Kennedy hopes to emphasize a point by asking a question with an obvious answer.
This strategy is typical in speeches to encourage reflection and motivate the audience to align with the speaker’s vision and ideals.
