13
QuizMultiple Choice

The Language of Leaders — Test

Question 13 • English Language Arts 10

Read the excerpt from John F. Kennedy's inaugural address. Now the trumpet summons us again—not as a call to bear arms, though arms we need—not as a call to battle, though embattled we are—but a call to bear the burden of a long twilight struggle, year in and year out, "rejoicing in hope, patient in tribulation"—a struggle against the common enemies of man: tyranny, poverty, disease and war itself. 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 in that historic effort? 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. 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. Which statement best explains Kennedy’s message in this excerpt?

Answer
A
The United States is prepared to protect freedom.
B
American citizens must be prepared for war.
C
American citizens have a history of protecting democracy.
D
The United States is the greatest country in the world.

Explanation

Kennedy describes a “long twilight struggle” against tyranny, poverty, disease, and war, and says his generation has the responsibility of “defending freedom” when it is in great danger. His message is that the United States is prepared to take on that responsibility and protect freedom. The excerpt does not mainly argue that citizens must prepare for war or claim the United States is the greatest country.

AI-written and checked against the verified answer.

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