The Declaration of Independence – Thomas Jefferson (Norton: p. 874 - )
Declaration of Sentiments and Resolutions – Elizabeth Cady Stanton (Norton: p. 878 - )
1. Rhetorical Analysis SOAPS Technique: Read and apply the SOAPS technique for each of the
pieces to help understand text and to write evaluative/persuasive prose. Rhetoric adapts the ideas, structure,
and style of a piece of writing to the audience, occasion, & purpose for which the discourse is written.
To analyze text, look at the elements.
Declaration of Independence
S
O
A
P
S
Subject - General topic, content, and ideas
contained in the text; be able to state the
subject in a short phrase.
Occasion - Time &and place of a piece; it is
important to under- stand the context that
encouraged the writing to happen
Audience - Group of readers to whom the piece is
directed; it may be one person, a small group, or a large
group; it may be a certain person or a certain people; an
understanding of the characteristics of the audience leads
to a higher level of understanding.
Purpose - Reason behind the text; without a
grasp of purpose, it is impossible to examine
the argument or logic of the piece.
Speaker - Voice that tells the story; the author
may be the speaker, or non-fiction article is
carefully planned and structured, and it is within
that plan and structure that meaning is discovered
Form from Dr. Jon Kaiser, AP Consultant
Declaration of Sentiments and Resolutions
S
O
A
P
S
Subject - General topic, content, and ideas
contained in the text; be able to state the
subject in a short phrase.
Occasion - Time &and place of a piece; it is
important to under- stand the context that
encouraged the writing to happen
Audience - Group of readers to whom the piece is
directed; it may be one person, a small group, or a large
group; it may be a certain person or a certain people; an
understanding of the characteristics of the audience leads
to a higher level of understanding.
Purpose - Reason behind the text; without a
grasp of purpose, it is impossible to examine
the argument or logic of the piece.
Speaker - Voice that tells the story; the author
may be the speaker, or non-fiction article is
carefully planned and structured, and it is within
that plan and structure that meaning is discovered
Form from Dr. Jon Kaiser, AP Consultant
2. Find the subject and predicate of the first sentence of the Declaration. _____________
______________
3. How are Jefferson’s piece and Stanton’s piece similar? ___________________________________________
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4. Questions on Rhetoric & Style:
(most of these questions apply to both pieces)
a.
b.
c.
d.
e.
f.
g.
Identify each of the truths indicated
Identify each of the rights indicated
Identify a major assumption underlying the first sentence.
What effect does the phrase “self-evident” have (sentence 2)? How does that phrase help support the speaker’s position?
Why does the speaker begin with an appeal to “respect” as a value before stating the claim?
Consider the speaker’s appeals to ethos, logos, and pathos. Identify & explain 2 for each.
Read carefully the 2nd & 3rd “truths.” At that time, was it a historical fact that governments were instituted for the purpose
the speaker states? What is the rhetorical purpose of such a statement?
h. Explain how the speaker uses facts to appeal to logos.
i. Explain the effect of the rhetorical parallelism with which Jefferson concludes the Declaration.
5. AP Essay Style Questions:
Rhetorical Analysis:
 Read paragraphs 1 & 2 of either piece and write an essay in which you explain
how either author uses rhetorical strategies to develop his/ her argument.
 Read the first 2 paragraphs of each. Noting differences in style, write an essay
explaining the probably reason for some of the revisions, and account for their rhetorical effect.
Argument:
 Write an essay in which you defend or challenge Jefferson’s (or Stanton’s ) characterization of the “self-evident
truths” that he/she proclaims. Use evidence from your reading, observation, or experience to develop your position.
6. AP Multiple-Choice Questions:
DO NOT LOOK AT ANSWERS UNTIL AFTER YOU HAVE READ & ANSWERED
Which of the following indicates the subject & predicate of the first sentence of Declaration of Independence?
a.
it becomes
b. bends have connected c. they should declare
d. respect requires e. Laws entitle
2. In the 2nd paragraph ( . . . Independence), signals a rhetorical shift?
a. “Prudence, indeed, will dictate…” b. “Such has been the patient sufferance…” c. “But when a long train of abuses…”
d. “The history of the present King…”
e. “That to secure these rights…”
3. In the second paragraph, which of the following introduces a qualifier?
a. “Prudence, indeed, will dictate…”
b. “Such has been the patient sufferance. . . “ c. “The history of the present King. . . “
d. “That whenever any government. . . “
e. “We hold these truths . . . “
4. The second paragraph includes each of the following EXCEPT …?
a. personification b. parallelisms c. repetition
d. similes
e. opinion
5. In the first 2 paragraphs (prior to the listing of “facts”), Jefferson appeals to each of the following values EXCEPT…?
a. freedom
b. security
c. economy d. respect
e. justice
6. The antecedent of “their” (p. 875- lines 12-14) is . . . ?
a. people (line 12)
b. Guards (line 22)
c. usurpations (line 20)
d. Governments (line 16) e. principles (line 14)
7. The antecedent of “them” (p. 876, line 16) is . . .?
a. Murders ( line 26 )
b. bodies (line 15 )
c. Acts ( line 14 ) d. laws ( line 14 ) e. Inhabitants (line 17 )
8. The antecedent of “its” (p. 876, line 22) is . . . ?
a. System (line 21)
b. Province (line 21) c. Boundaries (line 22) d. Arbitrary (line 22) e. government (line 22 )
9. In the final sentence, Jefferson concludes the Declaration with . . .?
a. a compound sentence designed to convey an erudite attitude of gravity and seriousness
b. a definitive statement designed to anticipate objections from ambivalent supporters
c. an appeal to logos designed to convince those persuaded chiefly by cogent reason
d. an appeal to the audience through a qualification of a previously stated principle
e. a rhetorical parallelism moving from practical considerations to a lofty ideal
10. The speaker’s tone might best be described as…?
a. relaxed and candid,
b. impassioned and authoritative,
c. complex and ambiguous, d. provocative and sardonic e. polemical and pedantic
11. The speaker’s purpose in the entire document includes each of the following EXCEPT . . .? a. to describe and define a grave
situation
b. to explain the reasons for a serious undertaking
c. to persuade the audience of the necessity for action
d. to appeal to high principles and noble ideals
e. to appeal to a nostalgic reverence for past institutions
12. With the phrases: “respect …requires,” “Prudence…will dictate,” and “experience hath shewn,” Jefferson appeals in order to which of
the following series of values?
a. honor, care, trust
b. justice, morality, capability
c. security, equality, liberty
d. honesty, consent, tolerance
e. condescension, reluctance, integrity
1.
Multiple Choice answers: 1) D, 2) C, 3) A, 4) D, 5) C, 6) A, 7) B, 8) E, 9) E, 10) B, 11) E, 12) A