Question

but you and i know this is a false choice. we have to fix our economy. we need to close our deficits. but for pennies on the dollar, the space program has fueled jobs and entire industries. for pennies on the dollar, the space program has improved our lives, advanced our society, strengthened our economy, and inspired generations of americans. and i have no doubt that nasa can continue to fulfill this role. (paragraph 8)

how does the speaker use idiom as a rhetorical device to develop his purpose?
○ he uses the phrase \i have no doubt\ to highlight his commitment to space exploration.
○ he uses the phrase \false choice\ to indicate how others fail to appreciate nasa’s importance.
○ he uses the phrase \generations of americans\ to appeal to the audience’s patriotism.
○ he uses the phrase \pennies on the dollar\ to emphasize why nasa is a worthwhile investment.

Explanation:

To solve this, we analyze each option:

• Option 1: "I have no doubt" is not an idiom. An idiom is a phrase with non - literal meaning, and this is a simple expression of certainty.
• Option 2: "false choice" is a term, not an idiom. It is used to describe a situation, not a rhetorical device with idiomatic properties.
• Option 3: "generations of Americans" is a descriptive phrase, not an idiom. It is used to appeal to patriotism but does not function as an idiom.
• Option 4: "pennies on the dollar" is an idiom meaning a very small amount relative to the value. The speaker uses it to show that NASA's cost (pennies on the dollar) is small compared to its benefits (fueling jobs, improving lives, etc.), thus emphasizing it is a worthwhile investment.

Answer:

D. He uses the phrase "pennies on the dollar" to emphasize why NASA is a worthwhile investment.