Introduction In this course, you will study and analyze a variety of nonfiction texts that relate to a range of topics. While reading these texts, remember to actively think about the main points that the texts are making. Try to predict how these main points could affect the rest of the text or even other texts that you read. Making predictions will help you with comprehension and analysis of different nonfiction texts that you encounter.


Directions and Analysis
Task 1: The Declaration of Independence
The importance of the Declaration of Independence cannot be overstated. In just over 1,300 words, it altered the course of US history. Written in 1776, it has become one of the most profound documents in the history of the United States. The themes and ideas of the declaration have served as inspiration for many important social movements.

In this task, you will analyze themes of the Declaration of Independence and predict how these themes might have helped shape later writings and movements.

a. A theme is a central or recurring idea that is explored in a piece of writing. A theme can also be described as a message that makes the reader think about life, human nature, or the world. A few themes from the Declaration of Independence are listed in the table. Describe each theme as it is discussed in the declaration. Make sure to support your answer with evidence from the text. Each description you write should be a couple of short sentences long.

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Theme Description
equality
liberty
individual or inalienable rights
collective right of people to reform government

b. Many great thinkers and important social movements would later be inspired by the themes and principles of the Declaration of Independence, including the women’s suffrage movement that grew throughout the 1800s. In the space provided, write a short essay that predicts how at least two of the themes that you described in the chart might have been used by people writing in support of women’s suffrage in the 1800s.

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