Declaration of Independence Essay
As you read the Declaration of Independence, consider how Thomas Jefferson and the Continental Congress uses
evidence, such as facts or examples, to support claims
reasoning to develop ideas and to connect claims and evidence
stylistic or persuasive elements, such as word choice or appeals to emotion, to add power to the ideas expressed
Write an essay in which you explain how Thomas Jefferson builds an argument to persuade his audience of the colonists’ right to revolution and independence. In your essay, analyze how the author uses one or more of the features listed above (or features of your own choice) to strengthen the logic and persuasiveness of the argument. Be sure that your analysis focuses on the most relevant features of the passage.
Your essay should not explain whether you agree with Jefferson’s claims, but rather explain how Jefferson builds an argument to persuade his audience.
Your paper must include the following parts.
Introduction Paragraph which includes
Introduce what the author is arguing
Thesis
Body Paragraphs (2-3 total)
Topic sentence
Examples that support your point (2-3 examples)
Explanations of your examples (same as however many examples you have)
Concluding / Transition sentence
Concluding Paragraph
Restate your thesis
Restate topic sentences
Final thoughts
Your essay will be graded on the traits of: Ideas (15 pts), Organization (15 pts), Sentence Fluency (10 pts), and Conventions (10 pts). You will have part of Thursday and Friday to work on this essay in class. It is due on Wednesday, November 17.
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