President Obama, in his 2013 State of the Union address, describes how issues related to education, job creation, new technologies and environmentalism are crucial for the growth and development of our economy. Its purpose is to urge members of Congress and Americans to help reform our government to ensure that those who work hard are able to succeed. Speaking in an authoritative voice, he convinces his audience that although things are better than before, changes are still needed to continue improving the American way of life. Obama begins by acknowledging that progress has been made. There are “six million new jobs…we buy more American cars than we will in five years, and less foreign oil than we will in 20” (Obama). His assurances suggest that the US economy is recovering and making great strides towards recovery from the recession. This starts things in a positive direction and inspires pride that our nation is on the path to economic recovery. He later explains that “the hard work and dedication of many Americans has not yet been rewarded” (Obama), because many Americans are unable to obtain full-time employment. It highlights the fact that those in the top 1% income bracket are enjoying the highest profits while the lowest incomes have not increased much in over a decade. This appeals to the working class who feel it is unfair that their hard work is not rewarded. Obama appeals to the character of the audience by asking a list of questions. “Every day we should ask ourselves three questions as a nation: How can we attract more jobs to our shores? How do we equip our employees with the skills they need to get those jobs? And how can we ensure that hard work leads to a dignified life?” (Look...middle of the paper...our younger children, like Georgia or Oklahoma, studies show that students grow up more likely to read and do math at the elementary level, graduate from high school, maintain a job, raise families of their own” (Obama). And he goes on to encourage high schools to include programs that ensure graduates receive a “high school diploma and a degree in computer science or engineering” (Obama). fresh out of high school, which is a temptation for those who cannot afford a higher education Using a combination of ethics and pathos, Obama successfully instills in his audience the importance that education, technology, the creation of. jobs and being environmentally conscious must contribute to our economic future. Works Cited Obama, Barack H. "The 2013 State of the Union Address," The White House NP, February 13, 2013. Web November 12. 2013.