In this lesson, students will apply knowledge about rhetorical devices to complete a close reading of The Gettysburg Address.

Time: 2 block periods + discussion period/review

Included Materials:

Student activity handout with directions

Teacher Key

Text of speech

Teaching note: The Rhetorical Appeals: Logos, Ethos, & Pathos presentation is helpful (available in my TPT store), but not absolutely necessary. Students may need additional scaffolding if they do not have any prior knowledge about the rhetorical appeals or the element of a rhetorical situation...all of which is covered in the presentation.

First Read: Annotations:

1. Number each paragraph.

2. While reading, circle any unfamiliar words or terms that need further clarification to enhance meaning.

3. Define the circled terms on the back of the page or in the margin.

Second Read:

1. In your own words, what is the purpose of the speech? Identify 1 piece of textual evidence to support your identified purpose.

Purpose:

Evidence:

2. Elements of Ethos:

a. What are the speaker’s qualifications?

b. Describe the diction used in the speech.

c. What is the tone? Is the tone suitable for the purpose and audience?

3. Elements of Logos

a. What is the main idea?

b. Identify 1 claim and the evidence used to support the claim.

Claim:

Evidence:

c. Next to each paragraph (in the margins), write a short (4-5 words) main idea/topic of the paragraph. (on speech handout)

d. Explain the author’s line of reasoning (i.e., How is the speech organized?)

4. Elements of Pathos

a. How does the speaker appeal to the emotions of the audience.

Third Read:

Table identifying the Rhetorical Devices with examples: Repetition, Restatement, Allusion, & Parallel Structure

Identify the elements of the Rhetorical Situation: Text, Speaker, Audience, Purpose, Context