Question

(4) . . . We face, therefore, a moral crisis as a country and a people. It cannot be met by repressive police action. It cannot be left to increased demonstrations in the streets. It cannot be quieted by token moves or talk. It is a time to act in the Congress, in your State and local legislative body and, above all, in all of our daily lives. It is not enough to pin the blame on others, to say this is a problem of one section of the country or another, or deplore the facts that we face. A great change is at hand, and our task, our obligation, is to make that revolution, that change, peaceful and constructive for all. Those who do nothing are inviting shame, as well as violence. Those who act boldly are recognizing right, as well as reality.

Write a brief paragraph explaining the central idea of paragraph 4. Identify the central idea, explain whether it is stated or implied, and list two details that support it.

Answer 1

The central idea of paragraph 4 is that the moral crisis facing the country requires active engagement and constructive action from individuals and legislative bodies rather than repressive measures or passive responses. This central idea is explicitly stated, particularly in the phrases urging for action in Congress and in daily lives. Two supporting details for this idea include the assertion that "it cannot be met by repressive police action" and the claim that "those who do nothing are inviting shame, as well as violence." These details emphasize the need for proactive and peaceful solutions to societal issues, reinforcing the call for collective responsibility in addressing the crisis.