Famous Speeches

Lesson 9
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ELA

Unit 4

12th Grade

Lesson 9 of 16

Objective


Compare and contrast rhetorical strategies in speeches by Churchill and Roosevelt.

Evaluate how both authors use specific devices to develop the central idea or purpose of the speech.

Readings and Materials


  • Speech: “Blood, Toil, Tears and Sweat” by Winston Churchill 

  • Speech: “Pearl Harbor Speech” by Franklin Delano Roosevelt 

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Target Task


Evaluate the strategies that political leaders seem most likely to employ when persuading a country of the need for war. Use evidence from both Roosevelt and Churchill to support your answer.

Key Questions


  • What are two similarities between the speeches of Roosevelt and Churchill as they prepare their governments to declare war?
  • What is one way that Patrick Henry motivates his audience that is similar to EITHER Roosevelt OR Churchill’s strategy?
  • What is one way that Theodora motivates her audience that is similar to EITHER Roosevelt OR Churchill’s strategy?

Notes


Instructional Notes

  • Students have now read multiple examples of political speeches where the politician is asking the audience for something. Prior to focusing solely on the Churchill and Roosevelt war declarations, it would be useful to have students look at all the speeches read thus far and consider:
    • How do politicians use rhetoric?
    • What strategies were effective?

Next

Analyze the rhetorical choices Churchill or Roosevelt makes to develop his argument.

Lesson 10
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