题目内容：

    At the Virginia Convention in 1775, Patrick Henry gives a superb speech to inspire a revolution against Great Britain in which he uses various rhetorical (修辞的) devices to urge the President to take up arms against the oppressive British.

Henry uses rhetorical questions (反问句) to make everyone at the convention start to think about a war against Britain. For example, Henry says “And what have we to oppose to them?” to make people think that there is no other option except war if the colonists want freedom and justice from Britain. He is not looking for an actual answer back, but by making the people come up with the answer themselves, they can see the true necessity of a revolution. Then Henry asks his audience “But when shall we be stronger? Will it be the next week, or the next year? Will it be when we are totally disarmed, and when a British guard shall be stationed in every house?” Henry is explaining that waiting and debating on the topic of war does not do any good. Instead, the colonies must move immediately.

Additionally, Patrick Henry uses the technique of restatement. Throughout his speech, Henry constantly restates that there is no time left, nor another option apart from war to separate from the British: “There is no longer any room for hope.” Restating the important conclusion stresses the importance of whatever the speaker is arguing, in this case, the colonists’ last resort of a revolution.

In the speech, Henry also uses pathos (悲情) to persuade the audience. He asks “Is life so dear, or peace so sweet, as to be purchased at the price of chains and slavery?” Henry indicates that slavery will be the outcome if the colonists do not take up arms and fight for freedom. By saying this, Henry uses pathos to strike at the hearts of the colonists to show that their freedom 13 worth the sacrifice and risk of death.

1.What does the passage mainly deal with?

A.Language techniques. B.Social revolution.

C.A Historical figure. D.America history.

2.What does Patrick Henry warn to underline by asking “But when shall we be stronger”?

A.The necessity of war. B.The value of freedom.

C.The urgency of action. D.The power of speech.

3.Patrick Henry’s speech at the Virginia Convention is      .

A.humorous B.persuasive

C.controversial D.confusing

4.We can conclude that Patrick Henry      .

A.was elected President of the U. S. A B.was killed in the battle against Britain

C.managed to start the American Civil war D.contributed to American independence