1. What was the main focus of President Obama's State of the Union Address?

2. List some of the things the president promised to do to improve the economy.

3. a) What statement did President Obama make about the economy? (see para. 12)
b) What is your reaction to this encouraging statement?
c) Ask a parent the same question.

4. Republicans won a record majority of seats in the House of Representatives in November. Do you think this fact influenced the President's decision to call for Democrats and Republicans to work together? Explain your answer.

5. Tone is the attitude a speaker takes towards a subject. What was the tone of the president's speech?

6. If you haven't done so already, watch/read the President's State of the Union Address at YouTube.
a) Do you think the President is focusing on the correct issues? Explain your answer.
b) Ask a parent the same question.

CHALLENGE QUESTION: Watch/read the Republican response to the President's State of the Union at YouTube. What do you think of Rep. Paul Ryan's response?