English 12A - Unit Four: An American Dream

Which suffixes could you add to the verb commemorate to create related words that are different parts of speech? Select all that apply.

-ive -ion

Which is the most accurate definition of syntax as a rhetorical feature?

strategically arranging words and phrases within a sentence to emphasize a point

Which suffix would you add to the noun critic to create a related adjective?

-al

Read the excerpt from "Remarks by the President on Osama bin Laden." The cause of securing our country is not complete. But tonight, we are once again reminded that America can do whatever we set our mind to. That is the story of our history,... Let us remember that we can do these things not just because of wealth or power, but because of who we are: one nation, under God, indivisible, with liberty and justice for all. Which option best explains how Obama uses allusion to influence his audience?

Obama quotes the "Pledge of Allegiance" by stating, "one nation, under God, indivisible, with liberty and justice for all," which connects his message to shared American values.

Checkpoint Eighteen

Score: 100%

Read the excerpt from "Lincoln's Second Inaugural Address." Neither party expected for the war the magnitude or the duration which it has already attained. Neither anticipated that the cause of the conflict might cease with or even before the conflict itself should cease. Each looked for an easier triumph, and a result less fundamental and astounding.... President Lincoln's purpose in the excerpt is to emphasize how both sides had underestimated the length and effects of the war. How does Lincoln achieve his purpose by using irony as a rhetorical feature in the excerpt?

Although Lincoln's overall point is that both sides in the war follow the same religion, he is able to include an ironic jab at the rebels by noting, "It may seem strange that any men should dare to ask a just God's assistance in wringing their bread from the sweat of other men's faces ..."

Which excerpt from President George W. Bush's "Address to Joint Session of Congress Following 9/11 Attacks" most clearly demonstrates antithesis?

And in our grief and anger we have found our mission and our moment. Freedom and fear are at war.

Your teacher requires that you write an argumentative essay on the subject of privacy. You have narrowed the topic and created your claim: Personal lives of celebrities and politicians should be kept private. Which evidence would provide the most relevant support for your claim?

Anecdotes from victims explaining how public attention has negatively impacted their mental health.

You are writing an argumentative essay based on your claim that the use of cell phones while driving should be banned because it seriously endangers other drivers and their passengers on the road. Which options present a viable counterclaim? Select all that apply.

Arguing with a friend or spouse in the car is extremely distracting, but it is not against the law. Eating in the car is not outlawed even though it takes the driver's attention away from the road.

Lesson Nineteen

Compelling a Nation

Which excerpts from "Lincoln's Second Inaugural Address" provide examples of parallelism as a rhetorical feature? Select all that apply.

Fondly do we hope, fervently do we pray, that this mighty scourge of war may speedily pass away. With malice toward none, with charity for all, with firmness in the right as God gives us to see the right, let us strive on to finish the work we are in, to bind up the nation's wounds,... Yet, if God wills that it continue until all the wealth piled by the bondsman's two hundred and fifty years of unrequited toil shall be sunk,...

Read the excerpt from the Declaration of Independence. We, therefore, the Representatives of the united States of America, in General Congress, Assembled, appealing to the Supreme Judge of the world for the rectitude of our intentions, do, in the Name, and by Authority of the good People of these Colonies,... Which response best explains how the excerpt expresses a theme of the document that declaring independence from Britain is morally right?

It asserts the colonists' belief that a higher power approves of their claims to liberty and control of their lands and laws.

In his "Address to Joint Session of Congress Following 9/11 Attacks," President George W. Bush claims that declaring war on terrorism will inevitably help ensure the safety and protection of the American nation. Which excerpt from the text provides the most relevant evidence to support this claim?

We will come together to give law enforcement the additional tools it needs to track down terror here at home. We will come together to strengthen our intelligence capabilities to know the plans of terrorists before they act, and to find them before they strike.

Read the sentences. Once my mother made up her mind, she never wavered for a second. Predictably, she was _[blank]_ about her decision to convert our house to solar energy. Which word best strengthens the description?

resolute

Read the excerpt from "Remarks by the President on Osama bin Laden." And on nights like this one, we can say to those families who have lost loved ones to al Qaeda's terror: Justice has been done. Which option identifies a rhetorical feature used in the excerpt?

syntax

In which sentences is the word encroach used incorrectly? Select all that apply.

"Doug seems to encroach into new shoes every few months," Mrs. Jones commented. "I hope you will encroach into a smart young lady," Mrs. Jones commented.

Read President George W. Bush's "Address to Joint Session of Congress Following 9/11 Attacks." Which response most accurately analyzes how Bush uses diction to motivate his audience?

"Tonight we are a country awakened to danger and called to defend freedom. Our grief has turned to anger, and anger to resolution. Whether we bring our enemies to justice, or bring justice to our enemies, justice will be done." Bush uses words related to justice and action to persuade his audience to feel a sense of mission.

In which sentence is the word usurp used correctly?

After the mayor ordered a tax increase, the council members accused him of trying to usurp their powers.

End of Unit Four, Next up is Unit Four Exam

Good Luck! :)

Read the excerpt from the Declaration of Independence. In every stage of these Oppressions We have Petitioned for Redress in the most humble terms: Our repeated Petitions have been answered only by repeated injury. A Prince whose character is thus marked by every act which may define a Tyrant, is unfit to be the ruler of a free people... Which option accurately describes how the excerpt reveals an overall purpose of the Declaration of Independence?

It establishes that the colonists have tried to resolve the conflict with Britain in other ways and that they are not escalating the conflict prematurely.

Lesson Eighteen

Persuasion of the People

Read the claim. Year-round schooling should be instituted nationwide. Which option provides an irrelevant counterclaim?

Quality teachers are important to student success in school.

Checkpoint Nineteen

Score: 100%

Checkpoint Seventeen

Score: 100%

Checkpoint Sixteen

Score: 100%

Read the sentence. Masako was vigilant in ensuring that her guitar was always properly tuned and cleaned. Based on the meaning of vigilant, what statement would most likely be accurate regarding Masako?

She believes that a guitar can only sound its finest after it has been cared for carefully.

Lesson Sixteen

The Rhetoric of Independence

Which option best states a theme of the Declaration of Independence?

The colonies' claim for independence is legitimate.

Read the paragraph. Laws requiring motorcyclists to wear helmets should be instituted in all 50 states. First, it has been proven that helmets save lives. Second, they decrease chances of traumatic brain injury. Third, wearing a helmet provides a greater sense of confidence and security. Which options outline the potential limitations of the stated reasons supporting this claim? Select all that apply.

The third reason describes a subjective emotion and thus is not provable. The first and second reasons are similar, which would lead to redundancy when supporting information is presented.

Read the excerpt from "Lincoln's Second Inaugural Address." Yet, if God wills that it continue until all the wealth piled by the bondsman's two hundred and fifty years of unrequited toil shall be sunk, and until every drop of blood drawn with the lash shall be paid by another drawn with the sword, as was said three thousand years ago, so still it must be said "the judgments of the Lord are true and righteous altogether." Which rhetorical feature does Lincoln use in the excerpt?

allusion

Read the excerpt from Elizabeth Cady Stanton's speech "Address on Woman's Rights." As to their costume, the gentlemen need feel no fear of our imitating that, for we think it in violation of every principle of taste, beauty, and dignity; notwithstanding all the contempt cast upon our loose, flowing garments, we still admire the graceful folds, and consider our costume far more artistic than theirs. ... The author makes references to stocks, knee pants, and Russian belts to show that men are suffering for their fashion. Which option best identifies the rhetorical feature used in the excerpt?

irony

Read the excerpt from "Remarks by the President on Osama bin Laden." And yet we know that the worst images are those that were unseen to the world. The empty seat at the dinner table. Children who were forced to grow up without their mother or their father. Parents who would never know the feeling of their child's embrace. Nearly 3,000 citizens taken from us, leaving a gaping hole in our hearts. Obama uses a series of sentence fragments in the excerpt. What does this syntax enable Obama to do?

mention a series of scenes that illustrate the broad impact of this event

Which option most accurately states a purpose of the article "What Does the 'Pursuit of Happiness' Mean in the Declaration of Independence?"

to trace the origins of Jefferson's phrase "pursuit of happiness" by examining how it was used in other texts at the time

In which option is the word exemplify used correctly?

"I don't think that yelling is a good way to exemplify effective communication," stated my mother.

Read the excerpt from President George W. Bush's "Address to Joint Session of Congress Following 9/11 Attacks." Americans are asking: What is expected of us? I ask you to live your lives, and hug your children. I know many citizens have fears tonight, and I ask you to be calm and resolute, even in the face of a continuing threat. Which answer identifies the diction in the excerpt that most clearly evokes ideas of solidarity and brotherhood?

"hug," "calm," and "resolute"

Which response most accurately states a theme of the article "What Does the 'Pursuit of Happiness' Mean in the Declaration of Independence?"

An American ideal of freedom to live as one prefers is central to our system of government.

Which response represents the best definition of irony as a rhetorical feature?

An author states the opposite of his or her actual argument.

Read the excerpt from President George W. Bush's "Address to Joint Session of Congress Following 9/11 Attacks." The course of this conflict is not known, yet its outcome is certain. Freedom and fear, justice and cruelty, have always been at war, and we know that God is not neutral between them. Which response most effectively analyzes how Bush uses antithesis to appeal to his audience's emotions?

Bush reassures the American people that the war is a true battle between good and evil, and that God is on the Americans' side.

Read the excerpt from President George W. Bush's "Address to Joint Session of Congress Following 9/11 Attacks." I will not yield; I will not rest; I will not relent in waging this struggle for freedom and security for the American people. Which options explain the effect of Bush's use of parallelism? Select all that apply.

Creating a poetic rhythm makes the words more memorable for the audience. Stating a sequence of related ideas echoes the need for Americans to remain patient and determined.

You are writing an essay about a novel and want to express that one of the major themes is unrequited love. The paragraph's first sentence is: The novel's theme concerns unrequited love. Which sentence could you add next to provide a context clue to the meaning of unrequited?

Despite his feelings for Laila, Noah knows he needs to respect her dreams of studying abroad in Taiwan.

Read the passage from "What Does the 'Pursuit of Happiness' Mean in the Declaration of Independence?" Because happiness was widely considered a natural state for humans in the Jeffersonian era, it was believed to be what God intended and therefore deserved protection. The word's proximity to two other natural rights—... Which response most accurately explains how the author helps the reader understand the full meaning of the phrase "pursuit of happiness" in the passage?

He provides historical context by explaining that happiness was regarded as one's birthright and should be protected from others who may impinge upon it.

Read the excerpt from "Remarks by the President on Osama bin Laden." We must—and we will—remain vigilant at home and abroad. As we do, we must also reaffirm that the United States is not—and never will be—at war with Islam. I've made clear, just as President Bush did shortly after 9/11,... In the excerpt, Obama refers to a statement President George Bush made following the 9/11 attacks. Which option most accurately explains Obama's purpose for using this allusion?

He uses it to convey his perspective that the fight to eradicate terrorism has been a long-standing priority of the US and other nations.

Which option best explains how Thomas Jefferson develops the theme that the people have the right to be ruled by a government that protects their interests?

He uses logic to argue that God gave all men rights, and men made governments to protect their rights, so men could replace governments that do not protect their rights.

Read the excerpt from President George W. Bush's "Address to Joint Session of Congress Following 9/11 Attacks." We are not deceived by their pretenses to piety. We have seen their kind before. They are the heirs of all the murderous ideologies of the 20th century. By sacrificing human life to serve their radical visions—by abandoning every value except the will to power—they follow in the path of fascism, Nazism, and totalitarianism. And they will follow that path all the way, to where it ends: in history's unmarked grave of discarded lies. Which response best explains the purpose of Bush's use of diction like "deceived," "murderous," "Nazism," and "lies" to communicate his purpose?

He wants to link terrorism to other immoral or evil concepts.

When you analyze an audience, what does "understanding an audience's biases" mean?

knowing their preconceived notions and addressing them objectively

Read the excerpt from the Declaration of Independence, which refers to the British king. He has plundered our seas, ravaged our Coasts, burnt our towns, and destroyed the lives of our people. Which option best analyzes the impact of Thomas Jefferson's diction as a rhetorical technique?

Jefferson's use of the words "plundered" and "ravaged" emphasizes the extreme cruelty and violence of the British.

Read the excerpt from "Remarks by the President on Osama bin Laden." And yet we know that the worst images are those that were unseen to the world. The empty seat at the dinner table. Children who were forced to grow up without their mother or their father. Parents who would never know the feeling of their child's embrace. Nearly 3,000 citizens taken from us, leaving a gaping hole in our hearts. Which option most clearly analyzes how Obama uses metaphor to acknowledge the sense of unity felt by the nation?

Obama describes "Nearly 3,000 citizens taken from us, leaving a gaping hole in our hearts." This allows him to figuratively depict the pain of loss, an emotion that is difficult to express in literal terms.

Read the excerpt from "Remarks by the President on Osama bin Laden." And yet we know that the worst images are those that were unseen to the world. The empty seat at the dinner table. Children who were forced to grow up without their mother or their father. Parents who would never know the feeling of their child's embrace. Nearly 3,000 citizens taken from us, leaving a gaping hole in our hearts. Which option most effectively explains how Obama uses imagery as a rhetorical feature to make his point that Americans were deeply affected by the 9/11 attacks?

Obama describes "The empty seat at the dinner table," creating a picture in the minds of the audience to generate sympathy for families that were directly affected.

Read the excerpt from "US Constitution: Preamble and The Bill of Rights." The Conventions of a number of the States, having at the time of their adopting the Constitution, expressed a desire, in order to prevent misconstruction or abuse of its powers, that further declaratory and restrictive clauses should be added: And as extending the ground of public confidence in the Government, will best ensure the beneficent ends of its institution... What impact does the use of syntax as a rhetorical feature have in the excerpt?

The authors preface their proposals with justifications including phrases like "in order to prevent misconstruction or abuse of its powers." This element strengthens their argument by framing the proposed amendments as inseparable from the public good.

Read the excerpt from "Address to Joint Session of Congress Following 9/11 Attacks," in which President George W. Bush names simple and directly opposite concepts. I also want to speak tonight directly to Muslims throughout the world. We respect your faith. It's practiced freely by many millions of Americans, and by millions more in countries that America counts as friends. Its teachings are good and peaceful,... Which answer most clearly explains how words like "friends," "enemy," "peaceful," and "evil" depict Bush's perspective?

The words paint a world in which terrorists represent distinct, pure evil, and are separate from the majority of humanity.

Read the sentence. To say that self-esteem can be either high or low is not accurate, the more accurate way to look at self-esteem is to see it as healthy or unhealthy. Which option corrects the error in the sentence?

To say that self-esteem can be either high or low is not accurate; the more accurate way to look at self-esteem is to see it as healthy or unhealthy.

Lesson Seventeen

Understanding Our Founding Fathers

Read the excerpt from "Remarks by the President on Osama bin Laden." We give thanks for the men who carried out this operation, for they exemplify the professionalism, patriotism, and unparalleled courage of those who serve our country. And they are part of a generation that has borne the heaviest share of the burden since that September day. Which answer most accurately identifies Obama's purpose for using the metaphor "has borne the heaviest share of the burden"?

to reference the complicated pressures and stresses felt by the military and young Americans

Which is the most accurate description of a country that follows principles of pluralism?

a country that promotes diversity and participation by many groups

Which word is a synonym of the word candor?

honesty

If Barbara fervently disagrees with Dan, how does she disagree with him?

in an intense manner

Read the excerpt from "Remarks by the President on Osama bin Laden." On September 11, 2001, in our time of grief, the American people came together. We offered our neighbors a hand, and we offered the wounded our blood. We reaffirmed our ties to each other, and our love of community and country. Which option identifies the rhetorical feature used in the words "We offered our neighbors a hand"?

metaphor

Read the excerpt from "Lincoln's Second Inaugural Address." At this second appearing to take the oath of the Presidential office there is less occasion for an extended address than there was at the first. Then a statement somewhat in detail of a course to be pursued seemed fitting and proper. Now,... Which words are synonyms of the word engrosses as it is used in the excerpt? Select all that apply.

occupies monopolizes

Read the excerpt from President George W. Bush's "Address to Joint Session of Congress Following 9/11 Attacks." As long as the United States of America is determined and strong, this will not be an age of terror; this will be an age of liberty, here and across the world. Which options identify the rhetorical features used in the excerpt? Select all that apply.

parallelism antithesis

Read the passage. The bank clerk was clearly frustrated by the customer's repeated questions. The clerk's [blank]_ at being polite didn't fool anyone. Which word form correctly completes the sentence?

pretense

If you look in the dictionary, what word will you not find as a synonym for the word retaliation?

reproof

Which response most clearly states a purpose of the Declaration of Independence?

to clearly outline a philosophy for the founding of the United States of America

Read the excerpt from the article "How Light Pollution Works." Insects can be fatally drawn to certain wavelengths of light in droves, and it doesn't help that bats often follow to forage. Some animals are prone to breed more, others to breed less. Bioluminescent species are suddenly faced with tireless competitors: artificial lights. Which words in the excerpt would you find mainly in scientific texts? Select all that apply.

wavelengths bioluminescent