Directions: The SAT Reading test consists of five passages on a variety of topics. Each passage is followed by a series of 10 or 11 questions. Carefully read the passage that is provided and answer the multiple choice questions based on what is stated or implied. The answers and explanations will be provided at the end of the test
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The central idea that Kennedy expresses in the speech is that Americans
are better off now than they have been in any other generation.
have lost their faith and should renew it.
are selfish and should do more for the benefit of mankind.
should defend freedom and fight tyranny.
Kennedy uses the metaphor of a “beachhead” and “jungle” in the first paragraph mainly to
paint a visual presentation to entertain his audience.
emphasize the difficulty of the battle he wants people to fight in a memorable way.
compare politics to ecology.
suggest that jungles are more prevalent than beaches.
The second paragraph serves mainly to
urge a call to arms.
set realistic expectations.
reveal criticism for the prior generation.
detail Kennedy’s own personal opinion.
While the entire passage conveys Kennedy’s personal opinion (D), the purpose of the passage is to persuade the audience, not just present an opinion. The fact that Kennedy never uses the pronoun “I” reinforces his assurance that this is more than just his opinion.
In paragraph 4, “common” most nearly means
The question marks that end the final sentences of paragraph 4 have primarily which effect?
They invite the readers to see themselves as active participants in the fight against tyranny.
They are placed there to soften the message that Americans cannot independently fight wars.
They allude to the idea that some questions, such as how Americans should behave, have no concrete answers.
They help to criticize previous generations for leaving the work of freedom unfinished.
According to Kennedy, which of the following is somewhat unique to this generation of Americans?
The opportunity to defend their freedom by fighting abroad.
Their ability to have a clean conscience.
The opportunity to defend freedom at a time when it is most severely threatened.
Their ability to fight tyranny.
Which choice provides the best evidence for the answer to the previous question?(Use the left arrow below to go back and review the previous question.)
“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?” (Paragraph 4, Sentence 2)
“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.” (Paragraph 5, Sentence 1)
“I do not believe that any of us would exchange places with any other people or any other generation” (Paragraph 5, Sentence 3)
“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.” (Paragraph 6, Sentence 2)
In paragraph 6, the use of the phrase “my fellow Americans” is likely intended to
unite the audience with Kennedy in a fight towards a common goal.
recruit the audience to vote for Kennedy for president.
to highlight the differences between Kennedy and the audience.
encourage the audience to join the military to fight for freedom.
What idea does Kennedy mention in the final paragraph that is not discussed elsewhere in the passage?
The world outside America
Overall, the tone of the passage can BEST be described as
logical and calculated.
emotional and esoteric.
desperate and intellectual.
moralistic and impassioned.