Comprehension Questions
What was the parents of the speaker of this commencement's “mission”?
They wanted their children to go to college, which was something they had been unable to do.
Who gave this commencement speech in 2016 and what was their title?
Michelle Obama and she was First Lady to the President of the United States.
Vocab -- a person who organizes and operates a business or businesses.
Ex: “I am the great-granddaughter of Fraser Robinson, an illiterate houseboy who taught himself to read and became an ______________, selling newspapers and shoes.”
entrepreneur
Why does Obama believe she and the students at the school are connected?
They have similar values, including what her parents handed down to her.
Vocab - (verb) to put (a decision, plan, agreement, etc.) into effect.
Ex: “And so many of you have already stepped up to implement your projects in your communities, hosting a fun run to raise awareness about domestic violence and diabetes, leading a traditional foods cooking demonstration, supporting seniors and teen parents, and doing so much more.”
to implement
Vocab -- to fill; to pervade
Ex: “it was clear to me that our stories are connected, and that your values—the values that _________ this school— are the very same values that my parents handed down to me.”
infuse
What future does Obama see for the graduating students?
They are the next generation of leaders in their communities.
What is the purpose of this speech? To do what?
To inspire.
The quality of being honest and having strong moral principles; moral uprightness.
Ex: “I learned __________ from my parents—that living a good life is not about being wealthy or powerful, it’s about being honest and doing what you say you’re going to do.”
integrity
How did Obama feel when she first went to college?
She felt lonely and overwhelmed because she had never lived away from home.
What group of people solely went to this school?
Native Americans
Vocab -- Persistence in doing something despite difficulty or delay in achieving success.
Ex: Getting years of training to forge the body for expertise in martial arts requires hard work and __________________.
perseverance
What does Obama say fills her with hope?
People who are discriminated against can still succeed and help make the world better.
Which of Michelle Obama’s messages to the graduating class in this commencement address can Native Americans best relate to? Why?
Probably the fact that her grandparents and great grandparents had so many obstacles due to race, much like those of the grandparents and great grandparents of the students in the graduating class.
(Adjective) Done consciously and intentionally.
Ex: His movements were _____________ as he walked toward her - as if he were measuring every word he was about to say.
deliberate