Rhetoric and Structure in Roosevelt’s Four Freedoms Speech — Quiz
Question 8 • Literature and Composition I
Read the excerpt from Roosevelt’s "Four Freedoms" speech. A part of the sacrifice means the payment of more money in taxes. In my Budget Message I shall recommend that a greater portion of this great defense program be paid for from taxation than we are paying today. No person should try, or be allowed, to get rich out of this program ; and the principle of tax payments in accordance with ability to pay should be constantly before our eyes to guide our legislation. What purpose does the underlined portion of this excerpt serve in the argument that Americans should agree to pay more taxes to raise money for entering the war?
Answer
A
It provides the reason why extra taxes must be collected should America decide to join the war.
B
It counters the claim that extra taxes may not be collected fairly or put to good and honest use.
C
It introduces the claim that patriotic Americans should be willing to sacrifice and pay extra taxes.
D
It offers evidence that Americans can trust their president should extra taxes be collected.
Explanation
The excerpt says that no one should profit unfairly from the defense program and that taxes should be based on each person’s ability to pay. These assurances address concerns that extra taxes might be unfair or misused, supporting Roosevelt’s argument that Americans should agree to pay more.
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