"We can have the most dedicated teachers, the most 1 (support) parents and the best schools in the world. And none of it will make a difference; none of it will matter, 2 all of you fulfill(履行) your responsibilities," Mr. Obama said.
It was a presidential talk 3 (deliver) at a time of economic uncertainty for many American families. Mr. Obama said he understood the tensions 4 many students faced. But that was no excuse 5 neglecting their homework or cutting class or dropping out of school.
Critics of the president strongly criticized the speech as an effort by the White House to promote the president's domestic agenda. Some parents 6 (tell) their children to resist the address.
A Colorado student stayed away, 7 (think) their parents should be 8 to push them more in their education rather than the president.
But 9 mother in North Carolina said she thought the 10 (speak) could have a positive impact. "When kids get to hear something about motivation from someone like that, it's fantastic," she said.