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Identify the main idea of President Roosevelt's speech to Congress.

A. The attack by Japan caused serious damage to American and military forces.

B. The attack by Japan was deliberate and planned many weeks in advance.

C. The Japanese have extended war throughout the Pacific area.

D. The shameful and surprise attacks by Japan have placed the United States in a state of war with Japan.

Answer: Incorrect. This is a fact that supports the president's main idea in his speech. "The attacks yesterday on the Hawaiian Islands has caused severe damage to American naval and military forces." However, his speech continues with information about other Japanese attacks on the same day. Try again. Incorrect. This is an assertion made by the president to support his main idea. "…it is obvious that the attack was deliberately planned many days or even weeks ago." Try again. Incorrect. This is part of the president's justification for requesting Congress to declare war. It is not his main idea. Try again. Correct! The last sentence of the speech summarizes the main idea of the president's speech. Information preceding this sentence served as the evidence to support his request.

"I ask that the Congress declare that since the unprovoked and dastardly attack by Japan on Sunday, Dec. 7, a state of war has existed between the United States and the Japanese empire."