Rhetoric in Historic Texts/Speeches

In the Gettysburg Address, what is Lincoln's primary purpose?

• To announce the end of the Civil War.

• To remind the nation of the principles it was founded upon.

• To blame the South for starting the war.

• To offer immediate amnesty to Confederate soldiers.

Answer explanation

In the Gettysburg Address, Lincoln's primary purpose is to remind the nation of its founding principles, emphasizing equality and democracy, rather than announcing the war's end or blaming the South.

Tags

CCSS.RL.2.6

CCSS.RL.8.3

In the Gettysburg Address, what does Lincoln allude to when he references "all men are created equal'?

• The Constitution and the Bill of Rights.

• The Declaration of Independence and the founding principles of the United States.

• Ancient Greek democracy.

• The Magna Carta.

Answer explanation

In the Gettysburg Address, Lincoln alludes to "all men are created equal" from the Declaration of Independence, emphasizing the founding principles of the United States that advocate for equality and human rights.

Tags

CCSS.RL.2.6

CCSS.RL.8.3

What is the effect of King's use of biblical allusions in his speech?

• It alienates audience members who are not familiar with the Bible.

• It provides a moral and spiritual framework for his argument, resonating with a religiously inclined audience

• It distracts from the central message of the speech.

• It demonstrates King's impressively wide knowledge of topics.

Answer explanation

King's use of biblical allusions provides a moral and spiritual framework, enhancing his argument and connecting deeply with a religiously inclined audience, making the message more impactful.

Tags

CCSS.RL.2.6

CCSS.RL.8.3

When King says, "Now is the time to rise from the dark and desolate valley of segregation to the sunlit path of racial justice," which rhetorical device is most evident?

• Personification

• Metaphor

• Irony

• Allusion

Answer explanation

King uses a metaphor by contrasting the 'dark and desolate valley of segregation' with the 'sunlit path of racial justice,' illustrating the transition from oppression to freedom.

Tags

CCSS.RI.11-12.5

CCSS.RI.9-10.5

Which of the following best describes King’s use of repetition in the speech?

• He uses repetition randomly to fill time and make the speech longer.

• He strategically repeats phrases to emphasize key ideas and create a powerful rhythm that resonates with the audience.

• He avoids repetition to maintain the audience's interest and prevent boredom.

• He repeats phrases only when he forgets what he wanted to say next.

Answer explanation

King's use of repetition is strategic, emphasizing key ideas and creating a rhythm that engages the audience, making the correct choice the one that highlights this intentional use.

Tags

CCSS.RL.2.6

CCSS.RL.8.3

King states, "I have a dream that my four little children will one day live in a nation where they will not be judged by the color of their skin but by the content of their character." This is an example of what rhetorical device?

• Alliteration

• Antithesis

• Paradox

• Understatement

Answer explanation

King's statement contrasts two ideas: being judged by skin color versus character. This juxtaposition exemplifies antithesis, highlighting the difference between superficial and substantive qualities.

Tags

CCSS.RI.11-12.5

CCSS.RI.9-10.5

In the speech, Dr. King says, '...the chains of discrimination.' This is an example of what rhetorical device?

• Simile

• Metaphor

• Personification

• Alliteration

Answer explanation

Dr. King's phrase 'the chains of discrimination' is a metaphor, as it compares discrimination to chains, illustrating its oppressive nature without using 'like' or 'as', which would indicate a simile.

Tags

CCSS.RL.2.6

CCSS.RL.8.3

What is the effect of the repetition in 'Let freedom ring from Stone Mountain of Georgia. Let freedom ring from Lookout Mountain of Tennessee. Let freedom ring from every hill and molehill of Mississippi'?

• It highlights the geographical diversity of the United States.

• It emphasizes the widespread desire and need for freedom across the nation.

• It provides a literal description of various landmarks.

• It creates a sense of confusion through the rapid listing of locations.

Answer explanation

The repetition of 'Let freedom ring' emphasizes the widespread desire and need for freedom across the nation, highlighting that this aspiration resonates in various locations, uniting people in their quest for liberty.

Tags

CCSS.RL.2.6

CCSS.RL.8.3

Identify the logical appeal (logos) used by Chief Joseph in his address.

• He relies solely on emotional appeals to gain sympathy.

• He argues that peace and fair treatment are beneficial for both Native Americans and the United States.

• He threatens economic sanctions if his demands are not met.

• He makes unsubstantiated claims about the number of Native American casualties.

Answer explanation

Chief Joseph logically argues that peace and fair treatment will benefit both Native Americans and the United States, highlighting a rational basis for his demands rather than relying on emotional appeals or threats.

Tags

CCSS.RI.11-12.5

CCSS.RI.9-10.5

How does Chief Joseph use pathos in his speech to persuade his audience?

• By boasting about the Nez Perce's military victories.

• By sharing the suffering and loss endured by his people.

• By making fun of the U.S. government officials.

• By avoiding any emotional appeals.

Answer explanation

Chief Joseph effectively uses pathos by sharing the suffering and loss endured by his people, evoking empathy and emotional connection with his audience, which strengthens his persuasive message.

Tags

CCSS.RI.11-12.5

CCSS.RI.9-10.5