QQuestionHistory
QuestionHistory
"What is the main idea of this excerpt from President John F. Kennedy's inaugural address?
""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. And so, my fellow Americans: ask not what your country can do for you—ask what you can do for your country.""
-President John F. Kennedy, Inaugural Address, 1961
A. All Americans should work to address the challenges facing the country.
B. The government should play a smaller role in the lives of U.S. citizens.
C. Foreign countries are a major threat to the United States and its people.
D. Americans should expect their government to solve their biggest problems."
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Answer
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Step 1: Identify the main theme of the excerpt.
The main theme of this excerpt from President John F. Kennedy's inaugural address is the role and responsibility of Americans, particularly in relation to their country and its challenges. Kennedy encourages active participation and sacrifice for the greater good.
Step 2: Analyze the text to determine the best answer choice.
A. All Americans should work to address the challenges facing the country. This is the most accurate answer choice. Kennedy's speech emphasizes the importance of every American's contribution to addressing the country's challenges. He encourages them to ask what they can do for their country, rather than expecting their country to do something for them. B. The government should play a smaller role in the lives of U. S. citizens. This answer choice is not supported by the text. Kennedy does not mention or imply that the government should play a smaller role in citizens' lives. C. Foreign countries are a major threat to the United States and its people. This answer choice is not supported by the text. Kennedy does not mention or imply that foreign countries are a major threat. D. Americans should expect their government to solve their biggest problems. This answer choice is contradicted by the text. Kennedy explicitly states that Americans should not expect their country to solve their problems, but rather should ask what they can do for their country.
Final Answer
All Americans should work to address the challenges facing the country.
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