Read The Gettysburg Address by Abraham Lincoln and answer the questions that follow.

Question

The Gettysburg Address
By Abraham Lincoln

"Four score and seven years ago our fathers brought forth on this continent, a new nation, conceived in Liberty, and dedicated to the proposition that all men are created equal.

Now we are engaged in a great civil war, testing whether that nation, or any nation so conceived and so dedicated, can long endure. We are met on a great battle-field of that war. We have come to dedicate a portion of that field, as a final resting place for those who here gave their lives that that nation might live. It is altogether fitting and proper that we should do this.

But, in a larger sense, we can not dedicate—we can not consecrate—we can not hallow—this ground. The brave men, living and dead, who struggled here, have consecrated it, far above our poor power to add or detract. The world will little note, nor long remember what we say here, but it can never forget what they did here.

It is for us the living, rather, to be dedicated here to the unfinished work which they who fought here have thus far so nobly advanced.

It is rather for us to be here dedicated to the great task remaining before us—that from these honored dead we take increased devotion to that cause for which they gave the last full measure of devotion—that we here highly resolve that these dead shall not have died in vain—that this nation, under God, shall have a new birth of freedom—and that government of the people, by the people, for the people, shall not perish from the earth."

STANDARD: RI2

Which of the following best describes the purpose of Abraham Lincoln’s "Gettysburg Address"?
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5 points
To call for the reconstruction of the South after the Civil War
To honor the soldiers who fought and died at Gettysburg
To encourage the Northern states to continue fighting in the Civil War
To commemorate the founding of the United States
STANDARD: RI6

Which of the following lines from the Gettysburg Address contains an allusion to the Declaration of Independence?
*
5 points
"We are engaged in a great civil war, testing whether that nation, or any nation so conceived and so dedicated, can long endure."
"Now we are met on a great battle-field of that war."
"We have come to dedicate a portion of that field."
"Conceived in Liberty, and dedicated to the proposition that all men are created equal."
STANDARD: RI8

How does Lincoln appeal to the audience’s emotions in this speech?
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5 points
By emphasizing the importance of remembering the Constitution
By urging them to continue the war at all costs
By honoring the sacrifices of soldiers and reinforcing the importance of their actions
By providing specific examples of the nation's problems
STANDARD: RI4

What is the effect of Lincoln’s use of the phrase “final resting place” in the line:
"We have come to dedicate a portion of that field as a final resting place for those who here gave their lives..."
*
5 points
It conveys a respectful and solemn tone, honoring the fallen soldiers.
It emphasizes the military strategy of the battlefield.
It suggests the war is nearly over and peace is at hand.
It gives a neutral, factual description of the site.
STANDARD: RI5

How does Lincoln structure the "Gettysburg Address" to build his argument?
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5 points
He begins with a call to action and ends with historical background.
He moves from honoring the past to inspiring action for the future.
He uses a problem-solution structure, first identifying a national crisis and then proposing a solution.
He lists all the battles of the Civil War leading up to Gettysburg.

Answer 1

Here are the answers to the questions based on Abraham Lincoln’s "Gettysburg Address":

STANDARD: RI2

Best description of the purpose of Abraham Lincoln’s "Gettysburg Address":
To honor the soldiers who fought and died at Gettysburg.
While the address does touch on other themes, its primary purpose is to honor and remember the sacrifices of those who fought at the battleground.

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STANDARD: RI6

Line from the Gettysburg Address containing an allusion to the Declaration of Independence:
"Conceived in Liberty, and dedicated to the proposition that all men are created equal."
This line directly references the ideas expressed in the Declaration of Independence regarding liberty and equality.

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STANDARD: RI8

How Lincoln appeals to the audience’s emotions in this speech:
By honoring the sacrifices of soldiers and reinforcing the importance of their actions.
Lincoln evokes deep emotions by recognizing the bravery of the soldiers who fought and died for the nation.

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STANDARD: RI4

Effect of Lincoln’s use of the phrase “final resting place”:
It conveys a respectful and solemn tone, honoring the fallen soldiers.
This phrase adds to the gravity of the moment and emphasizes the honor given to those who sacrificed their lives.

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STANDARD: RI5

How Lincoln structures the "Gettysburg Address" to build his argument:
He moves from honoring the past to inspiring action for the future.
Lincoln starts by reflecting on the sacrifices made in the past and transitions to a call for continued effort and dedication to the principles for which those soldiers fought.