Persuasion in the Declaration of Independence

August 6, 2015

E.Q: Analyze the Declaration of Independence and determine the persuasive techniques used.

How did the persuasive techniques used in this document function in America's freedom?

Obj: I can identify persuasive techniques.

Starter:

Please respond to the Ethos, Logos, Pathos Refresher form with the most accurate response you know.

 

Vocabulary:

Literary Term: Syntax

Part of Speech: noun

Dictionary Definition: the arrangement of words and phrases to create well-formed sentences in a language.

Your defintion:

Activity: Identify a sentence in the Declaration of Independence that uses great syntax.

Literary Term:Rhetoric 

Part of Speech: Noun

Dictionary Definition: the art of effective or persuasive speaking or writing, especially the use of figures of speech and other compositional techniques.

Your definition:

Activity: Identify an example of rhetoric in the D.O.I.

Activity:

1.  Persuasive Techniques
Before we begin reading the Declaration of Independence, it is important to identify persuasive techniques.
Review pages 7-13 of the PDF and take Cornell Notes on the information.

Techniques 

If you finish early, please help out by making flashcards of the terms.

2.  Quiz. Quiz. Trade.

a.  Pair Up

Use the stand up/hands up/pair up method for students to find a partner.  Partner A holds up the flash card to show Partner B the term or definition.  Partner B answers. Partner A praises if correct or coaches if incorrect.  They switch roles and Partner B asks Partner A the next term.

b. Hands Up

After thanking each other and switching cards, Partners A and B raise their hands to find a new partner and repeat the process for an allotted amount of time.

3.  Scrible 

Please go to the link posted above.

Once there, click on sign up.

Please provide the necessary information and download the scrible Toolbar .

4.  Declaration of Independence

Please listen to the video and follow along with the reading.

Electronic Copy

As you read, identify key phrases that demonstrate the persuasive techniques you read about previously.  Use the scrible tool to highlight the techniques.

You must identify an example of the following:
appeal to authority
appeal to emotion
appeal to ethics
appeal to logic/reason

and more!!

Discussion Questions
What language does he use to persuade his audience to his position?
Does he effectively or ineffectively persuade you? Explain.
What is the most convincing evidence to support his claims? Elaborate.
Evaluate how the text is structured.  What is significant about the ordering of ideas?



Closure:

What are at least three persuasive techniques you discovered in the Declaration of Independence?