Lincoln’s 1st Inaugural Address

Worksheet Description

This worksheet focuses on President Abraham Lincoln’s 1st Inaugural Address, a critical speech delivered at a pivotal moment in American history. The activity instructs students to delve into the text of the address to identify examples of rhetorical and figurative language. For each instance they discover, students are tasked with specifying the type of language employed and providing the exact passage from Lincoln’s address where it appears. The presence of Lincoln’s silhouette serves to underscore the historical significance and context of the speech being analyzed.

The primary educational goal of this worksheet is to hone students’ analytical and close-reading skills, especially concerning the identification and understanding of rhetorical and figurative language within significant historical documents. By having students label the type of language and cite direct examples, the activity promotes a detailed and thorough examination of the source material. This task aims to make learners cognizant of the powerful and nuanced ways language can be used to convey messages, persuade audiences, or evoke emotions. Through this exercise, students are encouraged to appreciate the artistry and strategic choices inherent in renowned speeches, fostering a deeper connection to the text and its historical context.