Which best describes the main idea of President Kennedy’s “Address at Rice University on the Nation’s Space Effort?” A. It is important to make progress. B. It is important to tailor your talk or speech to the intended audience. C. It is important to go to the moon. D. It is important to support space exploration.
The Correct Answer and Explanation is:
The correct answer is D. It is important to support space exploration.
In his “Address at Rice University on the Nation’s Space Effort,” President John F. Kennedy emphasizes the importance of space exploration, urging the United States to commit to going to the moon and beyond. Delivered on September 12, 1962, Kennedy’s speech rallied the nation to support the Apollo program, which aimed to land a man on the moon by the end of the 1960s. He underscores the necessity of investing in space exploration, not only for scientific discovery but also for technological and national advancement.
Kennedy speaks of the space race as a challenge that the U.S. should embrace, framing it as a defining moment in history. He acknowledges the difficulty and cost of the endeavor, but insists that the country must undertake such projects for the betterment of humankind. He also appeals to the American spirit of exploration and innovation, stressing that space exploration is a path to new knowledge and new frontiers.
Kennedy’s speech also serves as a call to action, urging the public to support the mission, despite the challenges. He famously states, “We choose to go to the moon in this decade and do the other things, not because they are easy, but because they are hard.” This sentence encapsulates his vision: space exploration is difficult but necessary for progress, both for the nation and the world.
By framing the space program as a noble and essential endeavor, Kennedy makes a persuasive case for national investment in space exploration. His speech remains a powerful example of leadership in inspiring the American public to support ambitious, long-term goals.
