Question

For this assignment, you will write an evaluation of either of two historic passages.

Patrick Henry’s “Give Me Liberty, or Give Me Death!” speech (1775)
Frederick Douglass’s address, “What to the Slave Is the Fourth of July?” (1852)
To begin, save this document to your computer with your name at the end of the filename (e.g., NG_ELA9-10_W_11_GA_Alice_Jones.docx).
Open the anthology to reread the text you have chosen. Then, read and answer the questions using evidence from the text to support your evaluation.
When you have finished, submit this document to your teacher for grading.
Questions
(Score for Question 1: ___ of 2 points)
What is the speaker’s viewpoint? What is his claim?
Type your answer here.
(Score for Question 2: ___ of 2 points)
What reasons does the speaker provide to support his viewpoint or claim?
Type your answer here.
(Score for Question 3: ___ of 4 points)
How valid are the speaker’s reasons for his claim? Use evidence from the text to support your answer.
Type your answer here.
(Score for Question 4: ___ of 2 points)
What evidence does the speaker provide to support his reasons?
Type your answer here.
(Score for Question 5: ___ of 4 points)
Is the speaker’s evidence relevant and sufficient? Use evidence from the text to support your answer.
Type your answer here.
(Score for Question 6: ___ of 4 points)
Does the speaker use fallacious reasoning or logical fallacies? Use evidence from the text to support your answers.
Type your answer here.
(Score for Question 7: ___ of 4 points)
What counterclaims or alternate claims does the speaker address, and how does he respond to them?


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English | Graded Assignment | Write an Evaluation of an Argument

Type your answer here.
(Score for Question 8: ___ of 4 points)
How effective is the speaker’s response to counterclaims or alternate claims? Use evidence from the text to support your answer.
Type your answer here.
(Score for Question 9: ___ of 4 points)
Write a one-paragraph evaluation of the speaker’s argument.
Type your answer here.

Answer 1

I can provide an evaluation of one of the historic passages mentioned in the prompt based on the questions provided.

Patrick Henry’s “Give Me Liberty, or Give Me Death!” speech (1775)

1. What is the speaker’s viewpoint? What is his claim?

The speaker's viewpoint is that the American colonies should fight for their independence from Great Britain. His claim is that freedom is worth fighting and dying for, and that the colonies should not continue to submit to British rule.

2. What reasons does the speaker provide to support his viewpoint or claim?

The speaker provides several reasons to support his viewpoint, including the idea that the British government has become tyrannical and is infringing on the rights of the colonists, that peaceful means of resolving the conflict have failed, and that the colonies have no other choice but to fight for their freedom.

3. How valid are the speaker’s reasons for his claim? Use evidence from the text to support your answer.

The speaker's reasons are valid and supported by evidence from the text. He cites specific examples of British oppression, such as the Quartering Acts and the closing of Boston Harbor, to demonstrate the tyranny of the British government. He also notes that the colonists have exhausted all peaceful means of resolving the conflict, including petitions and appeals to the king.

4. What evidence does the speaker provide to support his reasons?

The speaker provides evidence such as specific examples of British oppression, including the Quartering Acts and the closing of Boston Harbor. He also cites the colonists' attempts to use peaceful means of resolving the conflict, such as petitions and appeals to the king.

5. Is the speaker’s evidence relevant and sufficient? Use evidence from the text to support your answer.

The speaker's evidence is relevant and sufficient to support his reasons. He provides specific examples of British oppression that demonstrate the need for the colonies to fight for their independence. He also notes the colonists' attempts to use peaceful means of resolving the conflict, which emphasizes the urgency of the situation and the need for more drastic action.

6. Does the speaker use fallacious reasoning or logical fallacies? Use evidence from the text to support your answers.

The speaker does not use fallacious reasoning or logical fallacies. He uses specific examples and evidence to support his claims, and his argument is based on sound reasoning and logic.

7. What counterclaims or alternate claims does the speaker address, and how does he respond to them?

The speaker addresses the argument that the colonies should continue to submit to British rule and wait for a peaceful resolution to the conflict. He responds by noting that peaceful means have failed and that the colonies have no other choice but to fight for their independence. He also addresses the argument that the colonies are not strong enough to win a war against Great Britain, arguing that their cause is just and that their determination will give them the strength they need to succeed.

8. How effective is the speaker’s response to counterclaims or alternate claims? Use evidence from the text to support your answer.

The speaker's response to counterclaims is effective, as he provides evidence and reasoning to support his argument and refute opposing viewpoints. He presents a clear and compelling case for the colonies to fight for their independence, and his passionate rhetoric inspires his audience to take action.

9. Write a one-paragraph evaluation of the speaker’s argument.

Patrick Henry's "Give Me Liberty, or Give Me Death!" speech is a powerful and persuasive argument for the American colonies to fight for their independence from Great Britain. He uses compelling evidence and reasoning to support his claim that freedom is worth fighting and dying for, and his passionate rhetoric inspires his audience to take action. His argument is based on sound logic and reasoning, and he effectively refutes opposing viewpoints. Overall, Henry's speech is a masterful example of persuasive rhetoric and a seminal moment in American history.