The New Frontier

The New Frontier – 20 points – Complete Sentences

By John F. Kennedy

(Speech at Rice University, Texas, 1962)

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1.      In order to show how far humanity has come, Kennedy condenses 50,000 years into what span of time? Why do 

      you think he does this?

2.       What things does he say space exploration offers?

3.       What does he say is “not surprising”?

Page 953

4.      John Kennedy tells the audience that William Bradford said that “all great and honorable actions are accompanied

      with great difficulties.” Do you agree with this? Can you think of something good that you did that was at the   

      same time difficult?

5.       What does he say he wants to see space full of? What does he not want to see space full of?

6.       What is the “sea” that Kennedy refers to when he says, “We set sail on this new sea because there is new

       knowledge to be gained”? What figure of speech is this?

7.       What does he say the world can avoid if the United States occupies a position of pre-eminence in space? What do

       you think the word “pre-eminence” means?

8.       Why does he say “we” choose to go to the moon?

Critical Thinking

9.       What chain of ideas connects the peaceful use of space with United States leadership?

10.   Kennedy assumes the United States will use space justly. Explain whether his argument works without this assumption.