Question

Read the excerpt from President John F. Kennedy's 1961 inaugural address.

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.

This much we pledge—and more.

To those old allies whose cultural and spiritual origins we share, we pledge the loyalty of faithful friends. United, there is little we cannot do in a host of cooperative ventures. Divided, there is little we can do—for we dare not meet a powerful challenge at odds and split asunder.

Which statement best summarizes the central idea in this excerpt?

All other countries need to know that we will fight them at any cost to maintain our liberty.
We value our allies, but we will go our own way if they do not agree to work with us.
The only way to achieve success is to fight for the things you believe in, such as freedom.
We will do whatever it takes to preserve our freedom, but will get more done working together.

Answer 1

"We will do whatever it takes to preserve our freedom, but will get more done working together."

This best captures both the pledge to “pay any price, bear any burden” for liberty and the emphasis that being united with allies makes action more effective.