Summarize the suggestions the author makes to fight the pessimistic view the US youth have of their country.

Analyze how the author conveys his message. Focus on structure and use of language.

Choose one of the following tasks.

3.1

“By almost any measure, today’s young Americans are pessimists.” (l. 1)

You are on an exchange program in the US and you and your American classmates have read the article. In your farewell speech you want to counterbalance the pessimistic view of young Americans expressed in the article.

Using the quotation as a starting point, write a speech in which you assess reasons for being optimistic about the USA.

or

3.2

“The land flourished because it was fed from so many sources – because it was nourished by so many cultures and traditions and peoples.”
President Lyndon B. Johnson (US president 1963 – 69)

Discuss whether this quotation reflects the current situation in the USA.

In his article “America Is Failing in the Present While Conservatives Try to Rewrite the Past,” published in TIME magazine on July 12, 2023, C. Williams discusses why many young Americans have a pessimistic view of their country and what could be done to restore their confidence in democracy.

Conservatives argue that young people’s disillusionment comes from being taught an overly negative version of U.S. history. They claim that too much focus on slavery or injustices against Native Americans makes students lose faith in the nation’s ideals. However, Williams rejects this idea. He believes that young people’s pessimism results mainly from their experiences of current crises, such as gun violence, climate change, racial injustice, and the government’s inability to solve these problems. To rebuild faith in democracy, the author suggests several steps. Schools should continue to highlight the real achievements of American democracy, but they must also teach a full and honest version of history that includes both successes and failures. Williams stresses that students need to understand the country’s past in connection with the present and the future. Finally, he argues that real hope for the younger generation depends on addressing today’s pressing issues. Only if democratic institutions deliver concrete solutions will young Americans regain trust in their country and its ideals.

C. Williams’ article “America Is Failing in the Present While Conservatives Try to Rewrite the Past” aims to convince readers that the pessimism of young Americans cannot be solved by changing how history is taught but only by tackling current political and social problems. To make his message clear, the author structures his text contrastively and uses strong, emotionally charged language.

The article begins by describing the pessimistic mood among young Americans, using polls and observations (“By almost any measure, today’s young Americans are pessimists” (l. 1)) to establish the problem. Williams then presents the conservative argument that schools cause this pessimism by teaching a “too-critical version” (l. 5) of American history. This serves as a starting point for his counterargument. The structure of the text follows a clear contrast between past and present as well as “us”, the author and progressives, and “them”, the conservatives. After presenting and rejecting the conservative view, he provides his own explanation and suggests ways to rebuild trust in democracy through honest education and practical reform. Williams supports his ideas with personal experience, which makes the issue relatable: “As my kids age, I’ve found it relatively straightforward to talk them through things like the gap between Thomas Jefferson’s professed ideals and his enslavement of humans” (ll. 16-18). By including himself as a father, he connects with readers emotionally and shows that the topic affects real families. The use of statistical and factual elements, such as the reference to the pandemic, mass shootings, and racial injustice, strengthens the urgency and credibility of his argument. By combining personal observation with factual data, Williams creates both emotional and rational appeal. His language contains many words with negative connotations to underline the severity of the situation: “pessimists” (l. 1), “cynicism” (l. 25), “catastrophic” (l. 26), “violent” (l. 26), and “failure” (l. 30). The repetition of terms like “problem” and “crisis” reinforces the impression of deep national trouble. Enumeration is also used effectively to emphasize the many challenges facing young people — “a catastrophic global pandemic, a violent and tawdry transition of power… escalating environmental crises, and a metronomic march of school shootings” (ll. 26-28). Williams frequently employs metaphors and comparisons to make his criticism vivid, such as “cascading national crises” (. 24) and “metronomic march” (l. 28), which give the problems a sense of movement and inevitability. The rhetorical question “How much propaganda about the American past would it take to overwhelm children’s honest experiences of the American present?” (ll. 20-21) challenges the reader to think critically and exposes the weakness of the conservative argument. Inclusive language plays an important role in his communication. By repeatedly using “we” and “our” — “the country we all inhabit” (ll. 42-43), “our politics today” (. 60), “our kids” (l. 66) — Williams creates solidarity with his audience and appeals to shared responsibility. Parallel structures such as “The real problem is not… The real problem is that…” (ll. 22-23) give rhythm and emphasis to his key ideas. Overall, Williams conveys his message through a balanced mix of logical argument, personal involvement, and powerful language. His contrastive structure and vivid imagery make his appeal for honest education and real political reform both persuasive and urgent.

Reasons to Be Hopeful About America

Dear teachers, classmates, and friends, When I first arrived here on my exchange year, I heard a sentence that really stuck with me: “By almost any measure, today’s young Americans are pessimists.” After reading the article, I began to understand why — there are many challenges, from gun violence to climate change. But after spending a year in this amazing country, I can honestly say that I’ve also seen many reasons to stay optimistic about America’s future. First of all, the strength of American democracy is remarkable. The system of checks and balances still works, and the courts have often shown that justice can prevail, even when politics seem divided. From ending segregation to defending equal rights, the judiciary has repeatedly proven that progress is possible. Secondly, the United States is full of people who care. Nationwide movements such as Black Lives Matter or organizations advocating for gun reform show that citizens are active, compassionate, and willing to fight for what is right. That’s something every democracy should be proud of. Another reason for optimism is the incredible creativity and innovation in this country. American universities and tech companies produce ideas that change the world — from medical research to clean energy. This shows that there’s no lack of talent or vision. Even in the fight against climate change, there are bright spots. Many states, like California, are taking strong action to reduce emissions and protect the environment. Local initiatives often lead the way, proving that change can start from the bottom up. So yes, America faces serious problems, but it also has the tools and people to overcome them. What I’ve learned this year is that hope isn’t about ignoring difficulties — it’s about believing in your ability to solve them. As I prepare to return home, I want to thank my host family, my teachers, and all of you for making this year unforgettable. I wish you courage, confidence, and a bright future. I believe that, together, you can turn challenges into opportunities — because that’s what America has always done best. Thank you.

Does Lyndon B. Johnson’s Quote Still Reflect the USA Today?

In his statement, former president Lyndon B. Johnson claims that America flourished because it was “nourished by so many cultures and traditions and peoples.” He saw immigration as a source of national strength and progress. The question is whether this view still fits the current situation in the United States. In the 19th and early 20th centuries, immigrants were welcomed as a vital workforce during the period of industrial expansion. They came mainly from Europe, helping to build the nation’s economy and making the U.S. the “land of opportunity.” Over time, however, attitudes toward immigration have changed, and the issue has become increasingly controversial. Opponents of immigration argue that it creates competition in the job market and drives down wages. Some people also fear losing their cultural identity or being “overrun” by newcomers who bring different customs and languages. Others claim that immigration puts pressure on public services, education, and healthcare. However, there are also strong arguments in favor of immigration. Immigrants fill important jobs that many locals are unwilling to do and often start small businesses that contribute to the economy. They pay taxes, buy goods, and help drive innovation. Culturally, they enrich society by introducing new perspectives, cuisines, and ideas, continuing the American tradition of diversity and creativity. In today’s political debate, the U.S. is deeply divided. While Republican leaders often focus on border control and security, Democrats tend to support more inclusive and humanitarian policies. The result is political stalemate and growing tension between those who see immigration as a threat and those who see it as an opportunity. Despite these conflicts, Johnson’s statement still contains a timeless truth: America’s greatest strength lies in its diversity. The country has always grown by welcoming new people and ideas. To maintain that strength, the U.S. needs a fair, modern immigration policy that balances border security with openness and respect for human dignity. Only then can it continue to “flourish” as Johnson envisioned.