TASKS:

It’s Your Turn

Take a Chance Barack Obama

1. Comprehension

a) In a few words, say what Obama’s speech is about. Identify at

least two topics.

b) In his presidential election campaign Obama’s theme was

‚change’. List the changes mentioned in his speech that have taken
place in America so far (ll. 15-23).

c) Explain why Obama says that the last century was ’the
American century’ (l. 32).

d) One phrase that Obama regularly used in his campaign

speeches was ’Yes, we can’. Find passages from the speech that
illustrate this attitude.
TASKS:
It’s Your Turn
Take a Chance Barack Obama

1. Looking at stylistic devices

a) Look at these common stylistic devices which Obama uses

in his speech:
- speaking to the audience directly (using ’you’ or imperatives)
- inversion (putting the auxiliary before the subject in a statement)
- repetition (using a word or phrase several times for effect)
Find passages in the speech to illustrate them.

b) What effect do the devices have on you? Which are most

effective in the speech and why?

Language help
-(The stylistic device)... makes you think/gives you the impression that...
-The effect/purpose of......is to......
-By using ..... the speaker captures the audience’s attention.
-In my opinion, the most effective device is .... because ...