Question

Select the correct answer.

Read the opening statement from Reagan's speech.

(1) Ladies and gentlemen, I'd planned to speak to you tonight to report on the state of the Union, but the events of earlier today have led me to change those plans. Today is a day for mourning and remembering.

What inference can be made from this statement?

A.
Reagan believes that the State of the Union speech is unimportant.
B.
Reagan has just become aware of the events of the day.
C.
Reagan believes that the Challenger disaster is an urgent matter.
D.
Reagan is emotionally overwhelmed by the Challenger disaster.

Answer 1

Reagan considered the Challenger disaster significant enough to alter his State of the Union address to focus on mourning and remembrance. The correct answer is option C.

Step-by-step explanation:

From the opening statement of Reagan's speech, we can infer that he considers a recent event, which has resulted in mourning and remembrance, serious enough to change his planned speech on the state of the Union. Option C, that Reagan believes the Challenger disaster is an urgent matter, most closely aligns with the inference that can be made based upon the gravity of his words and his decision to shift the focus from a standard policy report to addressing this tragic event.