Inaugural Address - JFK

One definition of volume is book. Given your knowledge of the Latin root-vol-, which of the following is most likely how the word volume came to refer to books?

Ancient texts were stored as rolled-up scrolls.

Kennedy says that his generation has "been granted the role of defending freedom in its hour of maximum danger." Which of the following sentences best describes the source of the danger, according to Kennedy? Which quotation from Kennedy's "Inaugural Address" best supports the answer to Part A?

Growing stockpiles of armaments threaten to destroy the world. But neither can two great and powerful groups of nations take comfort from our present course—both sides overburdened by the cost of modern weapons, . . . yet both racing to alter that uncertain balance of terror that stays the hand of mankind's final war.

What request does Kennedy make of the enemies of the United States?

He asks that they work with the United States toward peaceful progress.

Read the following paragraph from Kennedy's "Inaugural Address." Now the trumpet summons us again—not as a call to bear arms, though arms we need—not as a call to battle, though embattled we are—but a call to bear the burden of a long twilight struggle, year in and year out, "rejoicing in hope, patient in tribulation"—a struggle against the common enemies of man: tyranny, poverty, disease, and war itself. Which of the following best describes the effect Kennedy achieves with use of charged language?

He thrills the audience by making sacrifice sound like something fine and noble.

Kennedy notes in his speech that humans have "the power to abolish... all forms of human life." To what is he referring?

Humans have nuclear weapons.

Read this sentence from the "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. Which of the following best state the effect of the parallelism in this sentence? Choose three options.

It emphasizes Kennedy's key ideas. It achieves a pleasing, balanced rhythm. It helps the audience remember his words.

Early in his "Inaugural Address," Kennedy says, "This much we pledge—and more." In the next few paragraphs, he repeats the structure: "we pledge," "we pledge," "we offer a special pledge," "we renew our pledge," and "we offer not a pledge but a request." Which best describes the effect of the repetition of this structure?

It emphasizes the seriousness of his intent to keep his promises.

Which of the following can best be described as invective?

Negative, aggressive language

Which of the following best describes the difference between the attitude of Roosevelt and Kennedy toward a national stockpile of defensive weapons, as outlined in the excerpt from Roosevelt's "Four Freedoms" speech and Kennedy's "Inaugural Address"?

Roosevelt urges an immediate buildup of weapons. Kennedy recommends bringing the buildup of weapons under control.

Which of the following best describes the difference in the primary foreign-policy goals outlined in the excerpt from Roosevelt's "Four Freedoms" speech and Kennedy's "Inaugural Address"?

Roosevelt's primary goal is to help allies achieve military victory in a world war. Kennedy's primary goal is disarmament and world peace.

Which of the following sentences contains an example of antithesis?

The Berlin Wall was made of concrete and rock, but the youth of Germany tore it apart like soggy paper in 1989 when the travel bans were finally overturned

What key ideas does Kennedy express about the United Nations in his speech?

The United Nations has little real power and the United States has the full support of the United States.

A message to "our sister republics south of our border" appears midway through the his speech. The message is a promise "to convert our good words into deeds. What is the most likely meaning of that promise?

The United States will establish programs to give practical aid to the poor of South America.

Which of the following statements from the speech contains an example of charged language?

The devotion which we bring to this endeavor will light our country and all who serve it-and the glow from that fire can truly light the world.

Which sentence can the relationship between nations be described as asunder?

The nations are former allies that have split apart in disagreement.

If two people are belaboring a problem that faces them, which of the following must be true?

The people focus more attention on the problem than they should.

Kennedy describes people "who foolishly sought power by riding the back of the tiger," saying that they "ended up inside" the tiger. What does he mean?

Those who seek power through violence are usually over thrown by violence.

John F. Kennedy describes how human beings still fight for the same goals as their ancestors did. Which goal does he present as most important?

freedom

Kennedy expresses the belief that the rights of human beings come from which of the following?

from God

One of the key points expressed in Kennedy's speech is that the United States will go to any length to defend an important value. What is the value?

protecting liberty around the world

The Latin prefix re- means "again, repeatedly." Use this information and your knowledge of the Latin root -vol- to choose the correct definition of revolve.

to turn around repeatedly