JFK's Inaugural Speech

Read this excerpt from the passage.

And so, my fellow Americans...ask not what your country can do for you...ask what you can do for your country.

What tone did President Kennedy create by using short sentences and simple phrases in this excerpt?

• serious and direct

• elegant and complex

• somber and mysterious

• simple and playful

President Kennedy refers to "the graves of young Americans" in his address. How does this phrase support his purpose?

• It appeals to others to make sacrifices.

• It angers Americans who are against the war.

• It makes people realize they are not safe.

• It appeals to others to give money to the war effort.

Read this excerpt from the passage.

The energy, the faith, 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.

Based on the context clues, what can you determine is the definition of the word endeavor?

• a determined effort

• an honest mistake

• an unfortunate event

• a successful attempt

Which of the following claims made by President Kennedy can be supported by facts?

• "In your hands, my fellow citizens...more than mine...will rest the success or failure of our course."

• "The graves of young Americans who answered the call to service surround the globe."

• "Now the trumpet summons us again."

• "I do not believe that any of us would exchange places with any other people or any other generation."

What is the main idea presented in President Kennedy's inaugural address?

• the importance of winning a war

• an appeal to Americans to fulfill their civic duty

• the importance of religion in America

• the state of world affairs

What is President Kennedy's purpose in this speech?

• to win the approval of American citizens

• to scold American citizens for their choices

• to create an international army

• to unite the country during a difficult time

Read this excerpt from the passage.

In the long history of the world, only a few generations have been granted the role of defending freedom in its hour of maximum danger; I do not shrink from this responsibility...I welcome it. I do not believe that any of us would exchange places with any other people or any other generation.

What traits do President Kennedy reveal through this statement?

• fear and denial

• bravery and honor

• gratitude and fear

• respect and anger

How does President Kennedy think citizens of the world should treat Americans?

• He believes they owe Americans for their freedom.

• He thinks they should respect Americans more than they do.

• He thinks they are too forgiving of Americans.

• He believes they should share the same standards and sacrifices.

Which of the following words or phrases completes the main idea chart?

• "fellow citizens"

• "rejoicing in hope"

• "fruitful life"

• "a few generations"

Read this excerpt from the passage.

Can we forge against these enemies a grand and global alliance...North and South...East and West...that can assure a more fruitful life for all mankind? Will you join that historic effort?

This excerpt from President Kennedy's speech is meant to ___________ Americans.

• divide

• reassure

• unite

• pressure