Question

Using the excerpt from the speech, identify the central idea. In 2–3 sentences, explain how the author could have made his speech more effective.

Obedient to that precept of the Constitution which commands the President to give from time to time to the Congress information of the state of the Union and to recommend to their consideration such measures as he shall judge necessary and expedient, it becomes my duty now to address your body with regard to the grave crisis that has arisen in the relations of the United States to Spain by reason of the warfare that for more than three years has raged in the neighboring island of Cuba.

I do so because of the intimate connection of the Cuban question with the state of our own Union and the grave relation the course which it is now incumbent upon the nation to adopt must needs bear to the traditional policy of our government if it is to accord with the precepts laid down by the founders of the republic and religiously observed by succeeding administrations to the present day.

The present revolution is but the successor of other similar insurrections which have occurred in Cuba against the dominion of Spain, extending over a period of nearly half a century, each of which, during its progress, has subjected the United States to great effort and expense in enforcing its neutrality laws, caused enormous losses to American trade and commerce, caused irritation, annoyance, and disturbance among our citizens, and, by the exercise of cruel, barbarous, and uncivilized practices of warfare, shocked the sensibilities and offended the humane sympathies of our people.

Answer 1

The central idea of the text is about an ongoing revolution about which the speaker is addressing the congress. Note the following textual evidence:

"The present revolution is but the successor of other similar insurrections which have occurred in Cuba against the dominion of Spain, extending over a period of nearly half a century, each of which, during its progress, has subjected the United States to great effort and expense in enforcing its neutrality"

The speaker should have make their speech clearer by stating the intentions of their speech early in the presentation.

What is a central Idea?

The central idea of a text is the key thought around which other elements int he text or literature revolve.

How do you identify a central idea?

A central idea can be easily identified by looking at the thoughts expressed in a text starting from the introduction.

The central idea also contains or portrays the purpose or reason for which the author has penned down the text.

Learn more about Central Ideas:
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