Question

Read the excerpt from the Declaration of

Independence.
We hold these truths to be self-evident, that all men are
created equal, that they are endowed by their Creator
with certain unalienable Rights, that among these are
Life, Liberty, and the pursuit of Happiness. That to
secure these rights, Governments are instituted among
Men, deriving their just powers from the consent of the
governed, That whenever any Form of Government
becomes destructive of these ends, it is the Right of the
People to alter or to abolish it, and to institute new
Government...
Which statement best describes the relationship
between Jefferson's diction and his purpose?
O Jefferson uses words with neutral connotations to
present a claim based on reason and precedent.
O Jefferson uses words with positive connotations to
praise his listeners for their political activism.
O Jefferson uses words with neutral connotations to
suggest that there is no urgency to his message.
O Jefferson uses words with positive connotations to
encourage peaceful relations with Britain.

Answer 1

Explanation: The statement that best describes the relationship between Jefferson's diction and his purpose is:

Jefferson uses words with positive connotations to praise his listeners for their political activism.

In the excerpt from the Declaration of Independence, Jefferson's choice of words with positive connotations, such as "self-evident," "unalienable Rights," "Life," "Liberty," and "pursuit of Happiness," serves to emphasize the importance and value of the principles and rights he is discussing. He is praising his listeners, in this case, the American people, for their political activism and their commitment to the idea that individuals have inherent rights and the right to self-governance. The positive connotations are used to inspire and rally support for the cause of declaring independence from British rule.