The Gettysburg Address
Four score and seven years ago our fathers brought forth on this continent, a new nation, conceived in Liberty, and dedicated to the proposition that all men are created equal.
Now we are engaged in a great civil war, testing whether that nation, or any nation so conceived and so dedicated, can long endure. We are met on a great battle-field of that war. We have come to dedicate a portion of that field, as a final resting place for those who here gave their lives that that nation might live. It is altogether fitting and proper that we should do this.
But, in a larger sense, we can not dedicate—we can not consecrate—we can not hallow—this ground. The brave men, living and dead, who struggled here, have consecrated it, far above our poor power to add or detract. The world will little note, nor long remember what we say here, but it can never forget what they did here. It is for us the living, rather, to be dedicated here to the unfinished work which they who fought here have thus far so nobly advanced. It is rather for us to be here dedicated to the great task remaining before us—that from these honored dead we take increased devotion to that cause for which they gave the last full measure of devotion—that we here highly resolve that these dead shall not have died in vain—that this nation, under God, shall have a new birth of freedom—and that government of the people, by the people, for the people, shall not perish from the earth.
What is Abraham Lincoln's primary purpose in delivering the Gettysburg Address?
Which of the following lines from the passage is an example of parallelism?
Which of the following best describes the overall tone of the Gettysburg Address excerpt?
When Lincoln begins with "Four score and seven years ago," he is making an allusion to what specific historical document or event?
In the context of the speech, what does Lincoln mean by "a new birth of freedom"?
What does the phrase "last full measure of devotion" refer to in this passage?
Speech to the Virginia Convention
They tell us, sir, that we are weak; unable to cope with so formidable an adversary. But when shall we be stronger? Will it be the next week, or the next year? Will it be when we are totally disarmed, and when a British guard shall be stationed in every house? Shall we gather strength by irresolution and inaction? Shall we acquire the means of effectual resistance, by lying supinely on our backs, and hugging the delusive phantom of hope, until our enemies shall have bound us hand and foot? Sir, we are not weak if we make a proper use of those means which the God of nature hath placed in our power. The millions of people, armed in the holy cause of liberty, and in such a country as that which we possess, are invincible by any force which our enemy can send against us. Besides, sir, we shall not fight our battles alone. There is a just God who presides over the destinies of nations; and who will raise up friends to fight our battles for us. The battle, sir, is not to the strong alone; it is to the vigilant, the active, the brave.
Identify one rhetorical question from the passage and explain its intended effect on the audience.
Which rhetorical appeal (ethos, pathos, or logos) is most prominent in this excerpt? Provide evidence from the text to support your answer.
What is Patrick Henry's main message or call to action to the Virginia Convention in this excerpt?
A famous basketball player appears in a commercial endorsing a new brand of sports drink, claiming it helped him improve his performance. Which rhetorical appeal is primarily being used?
An advertisement for a charity shows heartbreaking images of starving children and asks for donations. Which rhetorical appeal is primarily being used?
A scientist presents data and statistics from multiple studies to prove that climate change is occurring. Which rhetorical appeal is primarily being used?
Which of the following best defines a 'Hasty Generalization' logical fallacy?
During a debate, instead of addressing their opponent's policy ideas, a politician says, "My opponent can't be trusted because he once declared bankruptcy." This is an example of which logical fallacy?
During a debate, instead of addressing their opponent's policy ideas, a politician says, "My opponent can't be trusted because he once declared bankruptcy." This is an example of which logical fallacy?
A commercial encourages people to buy a certain product because "everyone else is doing it." This is an example of which logical fallacy?
Think about a significant issue facing your school or community today (e.g., environmental concerns, a proposed new policy, a social challenge). Write a persuasive essay arguing for a specific solution or change. Develop a clear thesis statement, support your claims with specific reasons and relevant evidence, and use at least two rhetorical appeals (ethos, pathos, or logos) to persuade your audience. Your essay should be approximately 300-500 words.
Essay Grading Rubric Outline:
- Thesis Development (10 points): Clear, arguable, and focused thesis statement.
- Evidence & Support (15 points): Relevant, specific, and sufficient evidence to support claims.
- Organization & Structure (10 points): Logical flow of ideas, clear paragraphs, effective transitions.
- Rhetorical Effectiveness (10 points): Effective use of rhetorical appeals; persuasive language.
- Conventions (5 points): Grammar, spelling, punctuation, sentence structure.