Read the excerpt from President Ronald Reagan’s speech on the night before the 1980 presidential election.

Question

I know that tonight the fate of America’s 52 hostages is very much on the minds of all of us. Like you, there is nothing I want more than their safe return—that they be reunited with their families after this long year of imprisonment.

When they have returned, all of us will be turning to the concerns that will determine the course of America in the next four years.

A child born this year will begin his or her adult life in what will be the 21st century. What kind of country, what kind of legacy will we leave to these young men and women who will live out America’s third century as a nation?

Which techniques does President Reagan use in this excerpt? Select four options.

pathos
ethos
shift
understatement
overstatement

Answer 1

In the excerpt from President Ronald Reagan’s speech, the following techniques are used:

1. Pathos - Reagan appeals to the emotions of the audience by expressing concern for the hostages and their families, evoking feelings of empathy and compassion.

2. Ethos - He establishes credibility and moral authority by highlighting his concern for the hostages and the future of the country, positioning himself as a caring leader.

3. Shift - There is a shift in focus from the immediate crisis of the hostages to the broader concerns about the future of America, indicating a change in the topic of discussion.

4. Overstatement - The phrase "What kind of legacy will we leave" suggests a significant and arguably exaggerated concern for the future, implying that the decisions made now will have monumental consequences.

These techniques work together to convey Reagan's message and engage his audience.