"Obama's Speech at Selma, 2015" 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.

Question

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

A. It shows that the speaker believes all people are created equal.
B. It presents the argument that people must look to the future instead of the past.
C. It shows that the speaker believes that people can affect positive change.
D. It serves as a call to action that appeals to diverse groups of people.

Answer 1

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

The use of anaphora in the passage emphasizes the shared responsibility of all Americans in addressing social issues and honors the collective action of those who marched for civil rights. This repetition strengthens the message that everyone is needed in the fight for equality and change, making it a broader call to action for a diverse audience.