"Obama's Speech at Selma, 2015"

Question

by Barack Obama

There’s nothing America can’t handle if we actually look squarely at the problem. And this is work for all Americans, not just some. Not just whites. Not just blacks. If we want to honor the courage of those who marched that day, then all of us are called to possess their moral imagination. All of us will need to feel as they did the fierce urgency of now. All of us need to recognize as they did that change depends on our actions, on our attitudes, the things we teach our children. And if we make such an effort, no matter how hard it may sometimes seem, laws can be passed, and consciences can be stirred, and consensus can be built.

Remarks by President Barack Obama at the 50th Anniversary of the Selma to Montgomery Marches

Question
Use the passage to answer the question.

Which choice best explains how the anaphora in the speech excerpt advances the speaker’s purpose?

(1 point)
Responses

It presents the argument that people must look to the future instead of the past.
It presents the argument that people must look to the future instead of the past.

It shows that the speaker believes that people can affect positive change.
It shows that the speaker believes that people can affect positive change.

It shows that the speaker believes all people are created equal.
It shows that the speaker believes all people are created equal.

It serves as a call to action that appeals to diverse groups of people.

Answer 1

The choice that best explains how the anaphora in the speech excerpt advances the speaker’s purpose is:

It serves as a call to action that appeals to diverse groups of people.

In the passage, Obama's repeated emphasis on "all of us" highlights the collective responsibility of every individual, regardless of their background, to engage in the work of change. This use of anaphora emphasizes inclusivity and encourages a unified response to the issues at hand, aligning with his purpose of promoting social justice and equality.