Analyzing Rhetorical Strategies in Presidential Speeches — Quiz
Question 12 • English Language Arts 10
Read the passage from Ronald Reagan's "Tear Down This Wall" speech. Perhaps this gets to the root of the matter, to the most fundamental distinction of all between East and West. The totalitarian world produces backwardness because it does such violence to the spirit, thwarting the human impulse to create, to enjoy, to worship. The totalitarian world finds even symbols of love and of worship an affront. . . . As I looked out a moment ago from the Reichstag, that embodiment of German unity, I noticed words crudely spray-painted upon the wall, perhaps by a young Berliner, "This wall will fall. Beliefs become reality." Yes, across Europe, this wall will fall. For it cannot withstand faith; it cannot withstand truth. The wall cannot withstand freedom. What is Reagan’s main purpose in this passage?
Answer
A
to explain why he is visiting Berlin
B
to applaud small acts of resistance
C
to threaten the Soviet Union
D
to urge an end to communism
Explanation
Reagan contrasts the freedom and creativity of the West with the oppression of the totalitarian world, then declares that the wall cannot withstand freedom. This supports his broader purpose of urging an end to communist rule and division. He mentions the spray-painted message as an example of resistance, but applauding that act is not the passage’s main purpose.
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