Read the excerpt from "What to the Slave is the Fourth of July?".

Question

But I fancy I hear some one of my audience say, “It is just in this circumstance that you and your brother abolitionists fail to make a favorable impression on the public mind. Would you argue more, and denounce less; would you persuade more, and rebuke less; your cause would be much more likely to succeed.” But, I submit, where all is plain there is nothing to be argued. What point in the anti-slavery creed would you have me argue? On what branch of the subject do the people of this country need light? Must I undertake to prove that the slave is a man? That point is conceded already. Nobody doubts it.

Which statement best explains why this is an example of a counterclaim by Douglass?
Douglass addresses a potential argument of the other side and makes a case against it.
Douglass addresses a potential argument of the other side and admits the point is solid.
Douglass makes a claim and offers facts to support it.
Douglass makes a claim and admits the flaws within it.

Answer 1

The statement that best explains why this is an example of a counterclaim by Douglass is:

Douglass addresses a potential argument of the other side and makes a case against it.

In this excerpt, Douglass anticipates the argument of someone who criticizes abolitionists for being too denouncing rather than persuasive. He counters this by asserting that the issue of slavery is so clear that there is no need for further argument about the humanity of the slaves, indicating that his position is strong and well-founded.

Answer 2

Which best describes the effect of the repetition of the word “I” throughout "What to the Slave is the Fourth of July?”
It makes Douglass seem self-involved and convinced of his own importance.
It reinforces the sense of personal importance the issue has for Douglass.
It reminds readers that Douglass has a strong sense of individuality.
It establishes Douglass’s personality clearly in readers’ minds.

Answer 3

The statement that best describes the effect of the repetition of the word “I” throughout "What to the Slave is the Fourth of July?" is:

It reinforces the sense of personal importance the issue has for Douglass.

The use of "I" emphasizes Douglass's personal connection to the topic and highlights the deep emotional and moral significance that the issue of slavery has for him. This repetition serves to convey his passionate commitment to the cause and illustrates how it is intertwined with his own identity and experiences.

Answer 4

Read the excerpt from "What to the Slave is the Fourth of July?”

The feeling of the nation must be quickened; the conscience of the nation must be roused; the propriety of the nation must be startled; the hypocrisy of the nation must be exposed; and its crimes against God and man must be proclaimed and denounced.

How does the repetition of the word “must” affect the tone of the piece?
The repetition shows that the speaker is concerned about something.
The repetition draws attention to the speaker’s anger.
The repetition suggests that the speaker is intimidating and demanding.
The repetition intensifies the speaker’s sense of urgency.

Answer 5

The statement that best describes how the repetition of the word “must” affects the tone of the piece is:

The repetition intensifies the speaker’s sense of urgency.

The use of "must" conveys a strong imperative, emphasizing the necessity for action and change regarding the issues presented. This creates an urgent and passionate tone, underlining the importance of addressing the injustices of slavery and the moral failures of the nation.

Answer 6

Read the excerpt from "What to the Slave is the Fourth of July?”

Fellow-citizens, above your national, tumultuous joy, I hear the mournful wail of millions! whose chains, heavy and grievous yesterday, are, to-day, rendered more intolerable by the jubilee shouts that reach them. If I do forget, if I do not faithfully remember those bleeding children of sorrow this day, “may my right hand forget her cunning, and may my tongue cleave to the roof of my mouth!” To forget them, to pass lightly over their wrongs, and to chime in with the popular theme, would be treason most scandalous and shocking, and would make me a reproach before God and the world. My subject, then, fellow-citizens, is American slavery. I shall see this day and its popular characteristics from the slave’s point of view.

Which best describes why this is an example of inductive reasoning?
It starts with details and uses them to support a more sweeping statement.
It makes an assertion, then counters arguments against that assertion.
It defends an argument with carefully researched facts and excerpts.
It uses an anecdote to support a broad claim about the injustices of slavery.

Answer 7

The statement that best describes why this is an example of inductive reasoning is:

It starts with details and uses them to support a more sweeping statement.

In this excerpt, Douglass begins with specific emotional details about the experience of enslaved individuals (the "mournful wail of millions," their "heavy and grievous" chains, and the impact of Independence Day celebrations on their suffering) and then leads to a broader assertion about the significance of American slavery and the moral obligation to remember those who suffer. This process of moving from specific observations to a broader conclusion reflects inductive reasoning.

Answer 8

Read the excerpt from "What to the Slave is the Fourth of July?”

When the dogs in your streets, when the fowls of the air, when the cattle on your hills, when the fish of the sea, and the reptiles that crawl, shall be unable to distinguish the slave from a brute, then will I argue with you that the slave is a man!

What effect does the repetition of the word “when” have?
The repetition gives the excerpt a philosophical quality.
The repetition distracts readers from Douglass’s original point.
The repetition clarifies the time in which the speech was delivered.
The repetition reinforces Douglass’s incredulity at the opposition’s attitudes.

Answer 9

The statement that best describes the effect of the repetition of the word “when” is:

The repetition reinforces Douglass’s incredulity at the opposition’s attitudes.

By using "when" repetitively, Douglass emphasizes the absurdity of the notion that one must wait for animals to recognize the humanity of enslaved people before acknowledging their status as human beings. This choice of repetition highlights his disbelief and frustration with the attitudes of those who deny the humanity of slaves.

Answer 10

In "What to the Slave is the Fourth of July?”, Douglass refers to the Declaration of Independence. Which of the following best describes the historical significance of this reference?
It is significant because a prominent leader was suggesting that the unequal treatment of Black people was supported by the principles of the Declaration of Independence.
It is significant because a prominent leader was suggesting that the unequal treatment of Black people was in direct opposition to the principles of the Declaration of Independence.
It is significant because a prominent leader was suggesting that, although the Declaration of Independence was written by worthy and admirable people, its principles were greatly misguided.
It is significant because a prominent leader was suggesting that, although the Declaration of Independence was a worthy document, it desperately needed some improvements and additions.

Answer 11

The statement that best describes the historical significance of Douglass's reference to the Declaration of Independence in "What to the Slave is the Fourth of July?" is:

It is significant because a prominent leader was suggesting that the unequal treatment of Black people was in direct opposition to the principles of the Declaration of Independence.

Douglass uses the Declaration of Independence to highlight the hypocrisy of American society, which professed ideals of freedom and equality while simultaneously allowing slavery and the oppression of Black people. His reference underscores the contradiction between the nation's founding principles and the reality of slavery, making a powerful argument for the recognition of Black people's rights and humanity.