Summary of Yes we can
Barack Obama, whose Swahili name means ‘one who is blessed,’ started a big change with just three words: “YES WE CAN!” In 2007, in Springfield, Illinois, he announced he wanted to be President.
He wasn’t from Illinois originally. He came for a job at churches to help build a better America. Working in poor areas taught him a lot. He became a civil rights lawyer and a state Senator.
In his announcement, he said it was time for a new way in Washington. He talked about the importance of people working together despite disagreements. He wanted to follow Abraham Lincoln’s footsteps and unite the country.
Obama believed in the power of the people. He knew there were tough problems but thought they could be fixed if everyone worked together. He wanted to improve schools, jobs, and healthcare for everyone.
He asked everyone to join him in this journey to make a better future. He believed in hard work, honesty, and tolerance as keys to success. He also highlighted the diversity in the USA and how everyone, no matter their background, could contribute to the nation’s progress.
Theme of Yes we can!
The theme of the story is unity and hope. It’s about people coming together, even if they disagree, to make things better. Barack Obama’s message was all about believing in a brighter future and working as one to solve big problems. He talked about how everyone, no matter where they’re from, can contribute to a better America. The story shows that by working together and believing in ourselves, we can create positive change for the future.
Message from Yes we can!
The message is that change comes when people join forces. Barack Obama’s story teaches us to believe in our ability to make things better. He showed how unity, hope, and hard work can transform a nation. The key message is that when we stand together, even with our differences, we can overcome challenges and build a brighter future. It’s about believing in ourselves, in each other, and in the power of working together for a common goal.
A. Tick the most appropriate options.
1. Obama thinks the people came to listen to him because
a. they liked him. b. he had asked them to come.
c. they believe in their country. d. their country was at war.
2. In his time in Washington Obama had learnt that
a. it was stately. b. it had a lot of ways.
c. it was the place to be in. d. its ways had to change.
3. According to Obama a new generation normally rises up to
a. rebel. b. call one more.
c. do what needs to be done. d. show audacity.
4. The greatest achievement of Abraham Lincoln was that
a. he faced the challenge. b. continued marching.
c. he helped free people. d. he had a cause.
5. Obama asked the people to work together with him to
a. keep America safe. b. face the challenges.
c. learn about the challenges. d. talk about the challenges.
Answer
1. c. they believe in their country.
2. d. its ways had to change.
3. c. do what needs to be done.
4. c. he helped free people.
5. a. keep America safe.
B. Answer these questions from Yes we can!
1. Where, according to Obama, did he receive his best education?
2. Why did Obama decide to study law?
3. What according to Obama, are the reasons for unity among the people of America?
4. But through his will and his words, he moved a nation and helped free people.
a. Who is ‘he’?
b. What did he do?
5. “It must be about us – it must be about what we can do together.”
a. What does it refer to?
b. Who is us?
c. What does the speaker believe we can do?
6. What are the things that Abraham Lincoln conveyed to the people of America?
7. According to Obama where does ‘power’ lie?
Answer
1. Obama mentioned that he received his best education in Chicago’s poorest neighborhoods while working there.
2. Obama decided to study law because he wanted to understand how the law could work for those in need, particularly in supporting civil rights.
3. According to Obama, the reasons for unity among the people of America are their shared belief in the possibility of peace during war, hope during despair, and the idea of being one people striving for a better future.
4. a. ‘He’ refers to Abraham Lincoln.
b. Lincoln moved the nation through his determination and his words, ultimately aiding in the emancipation of people.
5. a. “It must be about us – it must be about what we can do together” refers to the focus of the campaign and the collective effort required for change.
b. “Us” refers to the citizens of America, symbolizing unity among the people.
c. The speaker believes that together, they can achieve significant change and work towards a better future.
6. Abraham Lincoln conveyed the power of words, conviction, hope, and the idea that despite differences in race, faith, and background, the American people are fundamentally one.
7. According to Obama, ‘power’ lies in words, conviction, hope, and in the unity of the people when they work together for a common cause.
C. Think and write answers from Yes we can!
1. In his speech Obama brought together old lessons and new challenges to show how the country could succeed. Do you agree?
2. A battle is referred to as a fight between armies, ships or planes, especially during a war. When Obama used this word in his speech, what kind of battle did he mean?
Answer
1. Yes Obama merged past lessons with current challenges to highlight how unity and hard work could lead the country to success.
2. Obama referred to a battle for justice, better opportunities, and the improvement of education, jobs, and healthcare for everyone. It symbolized a collective effort toward progress, not a physical war, but a struggle for societal betterment.