SSCG2.b Evaluate the Declaration of
Independence as a persuasive
argument
EQ’s
• What does it mean to persuade someone?
• What is a persuasive argument
What is a persuasive/argument essay?
• In persuasive writing, a writer takes a position
FOR or AGAINST an issue and writes to convince
the reader to believe or do something
• Persuasive writing, also known as the argument
essay, attempts to persuade a reader to adopt a
certain point of view or to take a particular
action.
• The argument must always use sound
• reasoning and solid evidence by stating facts,
giving logical reasons, and using examples.
WHY DID WE BECOME INDEPENDENT FROM
BRITAIN?
• King George was raising taxes in the colonies
• Colonies had no say or “representative” to stand up for
themselves in England
• Therefore, many people in the colonies got ANNOYED
SO HOW DO WE BREAK THE NEWS TO GOOD OLD
GEORGE???
Declaration of Independence
• July 4, 1776: 1400 word Statement adopted by
Continental Congress
• Announced the independence of the 13 American
colonies
There were four main purposes of the
Declaration of Independence:
• Getting reluctant colonists to realize that loyalty
to Britain was a lost cause
• Explaining the Congress' position on the purpose
of human government
• Listing the colonists' grievances against King
George III to show the legitimacy of their actions
to others (prove to world they are justified in
their actions)
• To encourage foreign nations to help them
Parts/Components
• Introduction-explains why Declaration of
Independence is needed
• List of Grievances-wrongs/injustices against
the King of Great Britain (George III)
– Over 25 abuses listed over 10 yr period
– Largest section of D.O.I.
• Conclusion-basically says the King is a tyrant
and declaring the colonies should be free and
independent states.