Common Core State Standards
Session 6
6-12 English Language Arts
John F. Kennedy’s Inaugural
Address
A Close Read
2
Reading of the Text
• Introduce Kennedy’s Inaugural Address and
ask students to read the text silently. Students
will engage in the text itself rather than
depending upon scaffolding provided by the
teacher.
• Read the text orally to the students allowing
them to follow the structure and form of
Kennedy’s address and opportunity to hear
fluent reading.
3
Guiding Statements/Questions
In small groups:
Analyze the impact of specific words
used by Kennedy, such as free and
freedom (paragraphs 1,7,8,9,16,26)
and determine how these words
contribute to the overall tone of the
address. Why does Kennedy use the
word “liberty” in paragraph 4?
4
Guiding Statements/Questions
In small groups discuss the following
and record your answer:
Read paragraphs 2-4. According to the
text, what was the situation in the
world at the time of Kennedy’s
address?
5
Guiding Statements/Questions
In small groups discuss the following
and record your answers:
• What words or phrases does
Kennedy use throughout the
speech to evoke emotion in the
audience?
• What kinds of emotions are stirred?
6
Guiding Statements/Questions
In small groups discuss the following
and record your answers:
Kennedy addresses several specific
audiences throughout the speech.
Who are these groups and why does
he address them?
7
Guiding Statements/Questions
In small groups discuss the following
and record your answers:
Discuss the pledges that Kennedy
makes to each of the audiences he
addresses. How are they similar? To
one audience, Kennedy offers not a
pledge, but a request. How does the
request align with his pledges?
8
Guiding Statements/Questions
In small groups discuss the following
and record your answer:
What is meant by the phrase, “and to
remember that, in the past, those who
foolishly sought power by riding the
back of the tiger ended up inside,” in
paragraph seven?
9
Guiding Statements/Questions
In small groups discuss the following
and record your answers:
• How often does Kennedy use
anaphora in his address?
• What phrase(s) are repeated, and
what effect does this have on the
address?
10
Guiding Statements/Questions
In small groups discuss the following
and record your answers:
• How are the beginning and end of
the speech similar?
• Why does Kennedy commence and
conclude his speech in this manner?
11
Writing Assignment
Write a paragraph that answers one of the
following citing textual evidence:
• One famous quote from Kennedy’s address is,
“And so, my fellow Americans, ask not what your
country can do for you – ask what you can do for
your country”. How does this request align with
the overall address and what are the expectations
from individual Americans?
• Describe the relevance of Kennedy’s Inaugural
Address to today’s world. Could this speech be
delivered today – why or why not?
12
Sharing/Strengthening Writing
In small groups share paragraphs
developed addressing the prompts.
• Discuss how the answers could be
strengthened.
• Revise your answers based on
feedback.
13