Famous Speeches

Lesson 6
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ELA

Unit 4

12th Grade

Lesson 6 of 16

Objective


Analyze the rhetorical choices Henry makes to develop his argument. 

Draft an analysis that demonstrates effective and comprehensive reasoning.

Readings and Materials


  • Speech: “Give Me Liberty or Give Me Death” by Patrick Henry 

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Target Task


Writing Prompt

Draft one or two body paragraphs in which you analyze a rhetorical choice Henry makes to develop his argument. Be sure to use evidence from the text to support your answer.

Key Questions


Rhetorical Analysis:

  • Device: What is the device? Explain how the evidence is an example of the device. 
  • Appeal: What is the effect?
  • Purpose: How will this persuade the audience?

Notes


Instructional Notes

  • Students should read and analyze the speech independently for homework the previous night. Today’s class focuses on showing their analysis of the speech in writing, not on comprehending and analyzing the text.
  • A recommended mini lesson is one in which the teacher uses both a “basic” example and a “strong” example of writing and students identify what makes the writing stronger. For example:
    • Basic: “Henry uses allusions to god because it is an appeal to pathos or shared beliefs. Since his audience is primarily Christian and believes in God, they will listen to Henry’s words.” 
    • Strong: “As Patrick Henry is living in America, a colony of Britain, he is committing treason at this period in time by advocating war against Britain and its king. Therefore, he must remind his audience that the “majesty of Heaven” or king of heaven is “above all earthly kings.” His speaking out or helping to get to the “truth” is what God would desire.”

Next

Analyze the rhetorical choices Churchill makes to develop his argument.

Lesson 7
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