Declaration of Independence and The Crisis, Number 1 wkst

Directions: Answer each question with a complete sentence. Incorporate the question as part of the answer.

Declaration of Independence

1. What are the three “unalienable rights” listed in the Declaration’s second paragraph?

2. What effect does Jefferson’s list of grievances have on his argument?

3. According to Jefferson, when should a government be abolished?

4. Considering Jefferson’s views concerning the purpose of a government, which governments in today’s world might he find objectionable? Why?

5. Why does Jefferson focus his attack on King George III rather than on the British Parliament or people?

6. Do the charges get more serious as the list of grievances continues? What is the effect of this kind of organization?

The Crisis, Number 1

7. What opinion of offensive wars does Paine express in the final paragraph?

8. Name two emotions to which the author appeals in this essay.

9. What is the main idea of the essay? How does Paine develop his main idea?

10. In your opinion, does Paine appeal more to readers’ emotions or reason in this essay?

11. Which selection seems more persuasive? Why?