ELA 11. Declaration of Independence Persuasion AudiencesCharged WordsVocab 2.2 (1).pptx
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Oct 31, 2025
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About This Presentation
Declaration of Independence and from the Crisis Number 1
Size: 6.15 MB
Language: en
Added: Oct 31, 2025
Slides: 35 pages
Slide Content
Authored by Thomas Jefferson – July 4, 1776 Declaration of Independence
Explain the historical context that led to the writing of the Declaration of Independence. Identify Thomas Jefferson’s role in drafting the document and understand why he was chosen. Describe the main sections of the Declaration Analyze the impact of the Declaration on American history and its influence on democratic movements worldwide. Reflect on the values expressed in the Declaration and how they relate to modern ideas of freedom and justice. Objectives
Today, we witness armed struggles for freedom through reports in the news media. The best way to experience what our own revolution was like, however, is to read documents, like these by Jefferson and Paine. Connecting to Literature
Thomas Jefferson Thomas Paine
Persuasion Persuasion is writing meant to convince readers to think or act in a certain way. A persuasive writer appeals to emotions or reason, offers opinions and urges action. The writer must also back up his or her points with evidence. For example, to support his argument for independence, Jefferson presents a list of offenses committed by the British King. Literary Analysis
Persuasion example: He has dissolved representative houses repeatedly, for opposing with manly firmness his invasions of the rights of the people.
Jefferson and Paine’s writings argue in support of independence. They were, however, written for different audiences . Jefferson wrote to the British king, while Paine wrote for a broad colonial readership. Comparing Literary Works
Charged words are likely to produce a strong emotional response. For example, a word like tyranny , which means “ oppressive power ”, may evoke feelings of outrage. To avoid being swayed by charged words, look for support to back up the words. Recognizing Charged Words
Some examples of charged language: A politician who supports reform might be described as "enthusiastic about reform" by people who support them, or as "a fanatic about reform" by people who don't support them ("fanatic" has a more negative connotation, and therefore describing the politician this way puts them in a negative light). A young woman being described as "slender" or as "thin" ("thin" implies more of a sense of unhealthiness than "slender"). Recognizing Charged Words
Charged words are also words that have a certain shock value that can be used to strike an emotional chord with a person (charged words are in italics): The freedom fighters are no more than terrorists . This policy is a plague/cancer on our city. Maybe it was an accident, but he's still a murderer . She's an angel of a teacher. Note: charged words are usually more negative, but if a word has a strong enough positive connotation (like "angel" or "patriot") it can also be considered charged. Recognizing Charged Words
unalienable (adj)- not to be taken away usurpations (n)- unlawful seizures of rights or privileges perfidy (n)- betrayal of trust redress (n)- compensation for a wrong done magnanimity (n)- ability to r i se above pettiness or meanness acquiesce (v)- agree without protest consanguinity (n)- kinship impious (adj)- lacking reverence for God infidel (n)- person who holds no religious belief Vocabulary Development 2.2
Perhaps the most influential document in American history , The Declaration of Independence details the philosophy of the colonial revolutionaries and outlines their experiences with what they call a tyrannical king. In this famous battlecry of freedom, Jefferson identifies what he calls “self-evident” truths, pointing out the equality of men and the tenuous contract of government. Then, in a list of the objectionable acts of King George III, arranged from least offensive to most, Jefferson outlines dissatisfied with their government. Jefferson reaches with the reasoned conclusion that every rational means of reaching detente with Britain has failed, and therefore, the United States of America must become independent of Britain. Declaration of Independence
“ We hold these truths to be self-evident, that all men are created equal, that they are endowed by their Creator with certain unalienable Rights, that among these are Life, Liberty and the pursuit of Happiness. ” Thomas Jefferson in 1776 .
Structure of the Declaration Preamble Introduces the idea that all men are created equal and have unalienable rights: “Life, Liberty, and the pursuit of Happiness.” Statement of Human Rights Governments exist to protect these rights. If a government fails, the people have the right to change or abolish it.
3. Grievances Against King George III Lists abuses and injustices by the British crown. Examples: taxation without representation, dissolving colonial legislatures, maintaining standing armies. 4. Declaration of Independence Officially declares the colonies free and independent states.
The Declaration of Independence pp. 156-159
What is the purpose of the Declaration of Independence? a) To declare war on England b) To declare independence from England c) To establish a new government d) To outline the rights of the American people
What are the three main rights mentioned in the Declaration of Independence? a) Life, liberty, and the pursuit of happiness b) Freedom of speech, religion, and assembly c) Equality, justice, and democracy d) Property, privacy, and education
What does the phrase "unalienable rights" mean? a) Rights that cannot be taken away or denied b) Rights that can be transferred to another person c) Rights that are granted by the government d) Rights that are only applicable to certain individuals
What is the significance of the phrase "all men are created equal" in the Declaration of Independence? a) It guarantees equal rights for all citizens b) It promotes the idea of social equality c) It establishes a classless society d) It challenges the existing social hierarchy
What is the purpose of listing the specific grievances against the King of England in the Declaration of Independence? a) To provide evidence for the need for independence b) To shame the King in front of the international community c) To justify the American Revolution d) To gain sympathy from other nations
What is the main idea of the Declaration of Independence? a) The importance of individual freedom b) The need for a strong central government c) The benefits of economic prosperity d) The history of the American Revolution
What does the word "tyranny" mean in the context of the Declaration of Independence? a) A form of government with a king or queen b) Unfair and cruel treatment by a ruler or government c) A system of government with elected officials d) A period of peace and harmony
What role did Thomas Jefferson play in the writing of the Declaration of Independence? a) He was the primary author of the document b) He signed the document on behalf of the United States c) He served as the president when the Declaration was adopted d) He wrote a letter supporting the ideas in the Declaration
What is the opening phrase of the Declaration of Independence? a) "We the people" b) "Once upon a time" c) "When in the course of human events" d) “Long time ago”
Who did the American colonies declare independence from? a) France b) Spain c) Great Britain d) China
Discussion Questions Why was declaring independence important? How do Jefferson’s ideas still influence us today? What rights do you value most?
The Declaration of Independence Review and Assess p. 159
The Crisis Number 1
The Crisis Number 1 Historical Context & Background Published: December 23, 1776, during the American Revolutionary War. Washington's army was demoralized, retreating across the Delaware River after defeats at Fort Washington and Fort Lee. Author’s Role: Paine served as a civilian aide to Washington and witnessed firsthand the troops’ hardship.
Thomas Paine was a political philosopher, writer, and revolutionary who played a crucial role in shaping public opinion during the American Revolution. Born in England in 1737, he emigrated to the American colonies in 1774 and quickly became a vocal advocate for independence from Britain. presents the fight against British tyranny as a moral obligation, not just a political struggle. urges Americans to stand firm, sacrifice for future generations, and resist oppression.