Proud to be an American

Inaugural Address - given January 20, 2009 Barack Obama Inaugural Address - given January 20, 2009

Getting Ready to Read Write down all the things you know about Barack Obama. What type of President do you expect him to be? Do you have faith in him as the leader of our country? Why or Why not? List some past Presidents and things for which they are famous.

Surveying the Text Look at the structure of the speech. What do you notice about how it is structured? Have you heard/read this speech before? What were your thoughts about it? If this is your first time, what are your expectations?

Introducing Key Concepts Imagine you have just been elected President of the United States. Take 7-10 minutes and jot down a rough speech you might give the American people. What might you say to make them feel confident in your abilities to lead this country?

Pair Share

Vocabulary Take a few minutes to complete the vocabulary handout independently. For the words that you marked “know it well,” write a definition. Copy the definitions for the words you don’t know off the overhead. Then use each of those words in a sentence that shows that you have learned what the word means.

Propaganda See handout – Literature of Protest.

Propaganda Homework Activity: You will be given a propaganda/persuasive technique. Make a poster explaining and illustrating examples of the technique.

First Reading Read President Obama’s Inaugural speech. As you read, highlight ideas/ concepts you agree with and underline those you disagree with.

Propaganda Get in groups based on the propaganda technique you were assigned. Share your examples of propaganda. Decide which poster is best and share it with the class.

Re-reading the Text: Copy the following chart in your notes: Problems suggested Examples given Promises made Conclusion

Analyzing Stylistic Choices: Words: Go through President Obama’s speech and circle all the “loaded words.” What words or ideas are repeated? Sentences: Is the sentence structure varied? Are the lengths of the paragraphs varied? What effect on the reader does this have?

Re-Reading the Text: Go back over the article and identify persuasive/propaganda techniques President Obama uses in his speech. Write the technique in the margin. Make a pie chart in your notes. Label the sections: Ethos, Logos, Pathos. Find two examples of each and write the examples in the appropriate section of the pie chart. Make sure to cite the paragraph #.

Summarizing and Responding: Write a summary of President Obama’s speech. Now, write a question that can be used as the basis for a class discussion. (Thinking question)

Final Reflection: In other words, list content, themes, and persuasive techniques that you felt were most enriching or enlightening. What were your most significant learning experiences? Now staple all papers together & be sure your name is noted.