Question

When I took the oath of office, I pledged loyalty to only one special interest group–"We the people." Those people–neighbors and friends, shopkeepers and laborers, farmers and craftsmen–do not have infinite patience. As a matter fact, some 80 years ago, Teddy Roosevelt wrote these instructive words in his first message to the Congress: "The American people are slow to wrath, but when their wrath is once kindled, it burns like a consuming flame." Well, perhaps that kind of wrath will be deserved if our answer to these serious problems is to repeat the mistakes of the past.

–President Ronald Reagan
April 28, 1981

Which phrase best describes the tone President Reagan uses in this passage?

serious and straightforward
passionate and commanding
funny and entertaining
academic and instructional

Answer 1

serious and straightforward

The passage is solemn and direct—Reagan warns of public anger and urges careful action without using humor or technical academic language.