Analyzing Paine's Rhetoric

Sandy·

English

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At a Glance

Grade Level8th Grade

SubjectEnglish

Original Prompt

Create a close reading activity for high school students analyzing Thomas Paine's "Common Sense," focusing on how Paine constructs persuasive arguments for American independence. Include text excerpts that showcase his use of rhetorical devices, metaphors, and appeals to reason, with guiding questions that help students identify his key arguments against monarchy and for self-governance. Design the activity to develop critical analysis skills through annotation exercises where students identify

This learning resource focuses on Thomas Paine's pamphlet, 'Common Sense,' published in 1776, which made a compelling case for American independence through effective rhetorical devices. Students will explore and analyze Paine's use of ethos, pathos, and logos to persuade his audience by examining excerpts of the text. The resource includes vocabulary building to enhance understanding of rhetorical strategies, guided annotation tasks to identify persuasive techniques, and reflective questions to foster deeper comprehension of Paine's arguments and their relevance to modern democratic principles. Overall, the resource aims to enable students to critically assess the effectiveness of persuasive writing.