Question

Select the correct answer.
Read this excerpt from President John F. Kennedy’s inaugural address on January 20, 1961:

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.

My fellow citizens of the world: ask not what America will do for you, but what together we can do for the freedom of man.

Based on the excerpt, what is the central idea of this speech?

A.
to cultivate a sense of well-being among the American people
B.
to motivate people everywhere to uphold the freedom of humankind
C.
to motivate Americans to strive for the development of their nation
D.
to foster a feeling of happiness and unity across people and nations

Answer 1

A&D.

The central idea of this JFK's speech is

to cultivate a sense of well-being among the American people and

to foster a feeling of happiness and unity across people and nations.

The tone of his speech emphasises on compassion, strength, belief and hope.

The key focus here is to inculcate the idea of peace and unity in the minds of fellow Americans and all nations around the globe.

This speech is an excerpt from 1961.

Explanation:

He concludes the speech by addressing as follows:

To Americans: ask what you can do for the country rather that questioning what the country is doing for you?

To all citizens: seek what we can all achieve together for the freedom of man than asking what America will do for you?