Question

excerpt from inaugural address by john f. kennedy
john f. kennedy delivered this speech in 1961 at the start of his term as us president. in this excerpt, he is speaking about tensions between the united states and its main rival, the soviet union.
but neither can two great and powerful groups of nations take comfort from our present course—both sides overburdened by the cost of modern weapons, both rightly alarmed by the steady spread of the deadly atom, yet both racing to alter that uncertain balance of terror that stays the hand of mankinds final war.
so let us begin a new—remembering on both sides that civility is not a sign of weakness, and sincerity is always subject to proof. let us never negotiate out of fear. but let us never fear to negotiate.
let both sides explore what problems unite us instead of belaboring those problems which divide us.
let both sides, for the first time, formulate serious and precise proposals for the inspection and control of arms—and bring the absolute power to destroy other nations under the absolute control of all nations.
let both sides seek to invoke the wonders of science instead of its terrors. together let us explore the stars, conquer the deserts, eradicate disease, tap the ocean depths, and encourage the arts and commerce.
select the correct answer.
what effect does the repetition of the word both have on the meaning of this text?
a. it describes the differences between groups.
b. it encourages unity between nations.
c. it explains the causes of the conflict between groups.
d. it argues for the superiority of the united states.
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Explanation:

The repetition of "both" emphasizes that the US and the Soviet - Union share common concerns like the cost of weapons and the threat of atomic weapons. It also calls for joint action in areas like arms - control and exploration of science. This encourages unity between the two nations.

Answer:

B. It encourages unity between nations.