Read the excerpt from President Woodrow Wilson’s speech, “War Message to Congress.” I am not now thinking of the loss of property involved, immense and serious as that is, but only for the wanton and wholesale destruction of the lives of non-combatants, men, women, and children, engaged in pursuits which have always, even in the darkest periods of modern history, been deemed innocent and legitimate. Property can be paid for; the lives of peaceful and innocent people cannot be.Which statement best describes the main idea of the excerpt?
Answer
A
A lot of the nation’s property has been destroyed.
B
The nation has lost an immense amount of wealth.
C
Human lives are worth more than material items.
D
The nation will get back everything that was lost.
Explanation
Wilson says he is focusing not on the loss of property, which can be paid for, but on the deaths of peaceful people, whose lives cannot be replaced. This contrast shows that human lives are more valuable than material possessions. Choice C, “Human lives are worth more than material items,” best captures the main idea.
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