Question

Read the excerpt from Obama's Second Inaugural Address.

We know that America thrives when every person can find independence and pride in their work; when the wages of honest labor liberate families from the brink of hardship. We are true to our creed when a little girl born into the bleakest poverty knows that she has the same chance to succeed as anybody else, because she is an American; she is free, and she is equal.

Read the excerpt from President Franklin Delano Roosevelt’s "New Deal” speech from 1932.

What do the people of America want more than anything else? To my mind, they want two things: work, with all the moral and spiritual values that go with it; and with work, a reasonable measure of security--security for themselves and for their wives and children. Work and security--these are more than words. They are more than facts. They are the spiritual values.

Which idea is emphasized in both speeches?

the idea that hard work breeds both satisfaction and dignity
the idea that those who work hard deserve to be treated fairly
the idea that only those who work hard deserve respect
the idea that hard work and sacrifice lead to success

Answer 1

I think that the idea emphasized in both speeches is that hard work breeds both satisfaction and dignity. From Pres. Obama's speech, he implied that Americans tend to feel successful when they are satisfied with their jobs. On the other hand, Pres. Roosevelt, it is from work that Americans derive security.  

Answer 2

The correct answer is A.

Both speeches emphazise the idea that work is the main value in America.

In President Obama's speech, he explains how, even those born in the bleakest poverty, can rise and grow through work, because their country provides them equal opportunities as those born into better circumstances.

In President Roosevelt's speech, he talks about how people want to work; they want to get the social security and the moral and spiritual values that come with it. The want to feel worthy and dignified through their work.