Question

Read the following passage from Franklin Delano Roosevelt's "Pearl Harbor Address to the Nation":

The attack yesterday on the Hawaiian islands has caused severe damage to American naval and military forces. I regret to tell you that very many American lives have been lost. In addition, American ships have been reported torpedoed on the high seas between San Francisco and Honolulu.

Yesterday, the Japanese government also launched an attack against Malaya.

Last night, Japanese forces attacked Hong Kong.

Last night, Japanese forces attacked Guam.

Last night, Japanese forces attacked the Philippine Islands.

Last night, the Japanese attacked Wake Island.

And this morning, the Japanese attacked Midway Island.

Japan has, therefore, undertaken a surprise offensive extending throughout the Pacific area. The facts of yesterday and today speak for themselves.
Is the passage structured effectively?

Answer that question by writing a short argument. In your argument, examine what Roosevelt's central idea is and whether the structure of the passage helps convey that idea clearly, persuasively, and memorably. Be sure to include a clear claim and to respond to at least one counterclaim. In addition, use specific details from the passage to develop your claim and counterclaim.

Answer 1

Step-by-step explanation:

The passage from Franklin Delano Roosevelt's "Pearl Harbor Address to the Nation" is structured effectively.

Claim: The structure of the passage effectively conveys Roosevelt's central idea.

The central idea of the passage is to inform the nation about the series of attacks by Japan throughout the Pacific area. The structure of the passage, which is a list of the various attacks, helps to clearly and effectively convey this idea to the audience. Each attack is listed in a concise and straightforward manner, leaving no room for confusion or ambiguity. This structure effectively emphasizes the severity and breadth of the attacks and the threat that Japan poses to the Pacific area.

Counterclaim: The structure of the passage is not effective because it lacks emotional appeal.

While it is true that the structure of the passage is straightforward and to the point, it lacks emotional appeal. Roosevelt could have used more vivid language or a more engaging tone to capture the attention of the audience and evoke an emotional response. However, given the gravity of the situation and the need for quick and clear communication, a straightforward and factual approach was likely the most appropriate and effective choice.

In conclusion, the structure of the passage from Franklin Delano Roosevelt's "Pearl Harbor Address to the Nation" effectively conveys his central idea and is appropriate for the situation. The simple and straightforward list of attacks effectively emphasizes the severity and breadth of the threat posed by Japan.