1. Davenport – English 11
Declaration of Independence by Thomas Jefferson and The American Crisis by Thomas Paine

2. Essential Question: What makes American literature American?
Jefferson and Paine describe ideals that they were willing to fight to protect.
As you read, notice the values that both Jefferson and Paine defend. Your observations will help as you reflect on the essential question.

3. As you read: Evaluate persuasive strategies
Persuasion:
Writing that presents an argument or message meant to get readers to think or act in a certain way. Effective persuasion uses the following techniques to build arguments:
Claim – The writer’s argument
Big Names – Important people or experts
Logos – Facts, numbers or information
Pathos – emotional appeal
Ethos – strategy writer uses to appear ethical
Kairos – timeliness; reasons to act NOW
Research – studies, background articles, published works from reliable sources
As you read: Evaluate persuasive strategies

4. Audience:
Jefferson and Paine wrote for different audiences, or readers.
Some were friendly and agreed with their ideas while others were hostile and did not agree with the writers.
Strong persuasive writers, like Jefferson and Paine, attempt to address both audiences by anticipating reader concerns and build on counterclaims to address them.
Audience:
As you read: Notice how the writers use counterclaims to reach different audiences.

5. Connotation and Denotation:
Connotation - commonly understood cultural or emotional association that some word or phrase carries
Denotation – basic or actual meaning of a word or phrase
For example: The denotation of “evils” and “wrongs” is similar; however, the connotation of “evils” is stronger, making it a charged or loaded word.
As you read: Note connotations for the emotions they evoke.

6. Mini - quiz
This type of writing presents an argument or message meant to get readers to think or act in a certain way.
Persuasion
Strong persuasive writers anticipate readers’ concerns and build arguments by building on these to address those concerns.
Counterclaims
While denotation is the actual meaning, persuasive writers rely on this to evoke an emotional response.
Connotation

7. Mini-quiz continued This is the writer’s argument. Claim
This is important people or experts.
Big Names
This is facts, numbers or information.
Logos
This is emotional appeal.
Pathos
This is a strategy writers use to sound ethical.
Ethos
This is a strategy used to promote a timely response.
Kairos
This is studies and or background articles from reliable sources.
Research

8. A Reading of the Declaration of Independence

9. A Reading of Thomas Paines’ The Crisis