premise, summed up in a declaration made over two
hundred years ago: “We hold these truths to be self-
evident, that all men are created equal, that they are
endowed by their Creator with certain inalienable
rights, that among these are life, liberty, and the pursuit
of happiness.”
That is the true genius of America, a faith in
simple dreams, an insistence on small
7
beacon --- a source of light or inspiration
11
abiding --- continuing
19
premise --- something assumed to be true
19
declaration --- a formal announcement
22
endow --- to provide with
22
inalienable --- incapable of being surrendered or transferred
Track 37
27
tuck in --- to make comfortable in bed
31
retribution --- punishment
34
union --- a workers’ association
38
health benefits --- money paid by employers for health care
30
35
40
miracles; that we can tuck in our children at night and know that they are fed
and clothed and safe from harm; that we can say what we think, write what we
think, without hearing a sudden knock on the door; that we can have an idea
and start our own business without paying a bribe; that we can participate in the
political process without fear of retribution; and that our votes will be counted.
And fellow Americans, I say to you, tonight, we have more work to do
---
more work to do for the workers I met in Galesburg, Illinois, who are losing their
union jobs at the Maytag plant that’s moving to Mexico, and now they’re having
to compete with their own children for jobs that pay seven bucks an hour; more
to do for the father I met who was losing his job and choking back the tears,
wondering how he would pay $4,500 a month for the drugs his son needs
without the health benefits that he counted on; more to do for the young
woman in East St. Louis and thousands more like her who have the grades, have
the drive, have the will, but don’t have the money to go to college.
People don’t expect the government to solve all their problems. But they
sense, deep in their bones, that with just a slight change in priorities, we can
make sure that every child in America has a decent shot at life, and that the
doors of opportunity remain open to all.
Reading Time
_______ minutes _______ seconds
562 words
115
R
eading Comprehension
116
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