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When John F Kennedy was sworn in as President in 1961, the USA was engaged in a Cold War against the Communist USSR, and his speech is reflects the importance of this issue, which would – among other things – lead the United States into the Cuban Missle Crisis and the Vietnam War, two of the most important events of the second half of the Twentieth Century.
This exercise is divided into two parts. The first video shows his Presidential Oath and the first part of his speech. You will have to answer comprehension questions to test your general understanding. The second video- and closing part of the speech- is a gap-fill.
First, play the video and press ‘Start’ below to answer the questions:
Part 1: Questions
1. Why is the world so very different now?
2. What is the commitment of a ‘new generation of Americans’?
3. What does he promise USA’s allies?
4. (5:23) What does JFK mean when he talks about those countries that ‘by riding the back of the tiger ended up inside.’
5. (6:45)Talking about South America: “But this peaceful revolution of hope cannot become the _________ of ________ __________.
Now listen to the final part of the speech.
In the long history of the world, only a few generations have been granted the (1)__________ of defending freedom in its hour of maximum danger. I do not (2)________ from this responsibility—I welcome it. I do not believe that any of us would exchange places with any other people or any other generation. The energy, the (3)________, the devotion which we bring to this endeavor will light our country and all who serve it—and the (4)_________ from that fire can truly light the world.
And so, my fellow Americans: ask not what your country can do for you—ask what you can do for your country. My fellow citizens of the world: ask not what America will do for you, but what together we can do for the (5)_________ of man.
Answers Below!
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