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?



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.

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

Type your answer here.

Answer 1

Henry seeks to engage his audience by showing his respect for them. He recognizes and compliments the patriotism and abilities of the other members of the Convention in his first sentence (note that Henry continues to address the body as the House). He prepares his audience by expresses the hope that they will show him the same respect when he states in sentence 2, “I hope it will not be thought disrespectful…” Even though he will be speaking contrary to what has been previously presented, he reminds his audience that they are all colleagues by referring to the entire group, as in sentence 6, “we can hope to arrive at the truth.”

The purpose of the debate, of which this speech is a part, is to “arrive at truth” and fulfill the “great responsibility which we hold to God and our country” (sentence 6). He is appealing to the ethical integrity of his audience by articulating their earthly and heavenly responsibilities.

The first two paragraphs form the introduction (Exordium). The Exordium attempts to engage the audience, to prepare them for the message to come, and to explain the purpose (thesis) of the speech.

The third paragraph provides the statement of fact (Narratio) and argument (Confirmatio). The Narratio contextualizes the argument, presenting any background information necessary, while the Confirmatio explains the evidence that supports the thesis.

The fourth paragraph presents and refutes counter arguments (Refutatio).

The final paragraph forms the conclusion (Peroratio). The Peroratio serves several purposes: to restate an argument, to amplify reasoning, to inspire an audience, and to rouse emotional responses.