Before Reading
Determine the Author's Purpose
Read the Prereading page carefully. Note the purpose set forth in the About the Selection paragraphs. As you read, determine what goals Kennedy sets for his presidency and what image he tries to create for himself. Look for examples of parallelism, repetition, and cultural references that support the aim of his speech.
During Reading
Read with a Purpose in Mind
1. Listen as your teacher reads the first three paragraphs aloud. Summarize important ideas that Kennedy makes. Write your summary in your notebook and think about how these ideas relate to his purpose.
2. Continue reading on your own. Stop every few paragraphs to jot down points Kennedy makes and think about how they relate to his purpose.
Fix-Up Idea: Use Guided Reading Questions
If you have trouble following the selection or identifying main ideas, go back and answer the Guided Reading Questions. These questions will help you focus on main ideas and events in the selection.
After Reading
Share Your Reading Experience
With a few of your classmates, outline Kennedy's message. Then discuss whether he was successful in his aim.