08/27/2025 Arguments in "Speech in the Convention"

Multiple Select

Which of the following are ways to handle counterclaims?

• Rebuttal

• Concession

• Dismissal

• Redirection

Multiple Choice

Which of the following is a technique Benjamin Franklin used in his arguments to persuade others?

• Addressing opposing views

• Ignoring the opinions of others

• Using only emotional appeals without evidence

• Focusing solely on personal stories

Dropdown

Rhetorical questions are asked for ​

Select answer

, not for information.

Multiple Choice

What is the main effect of Franklin's rhetorical questions on his audience?

• They confuse the audience

• They make the audience agree with his logic and feel included

• They provide factual evidence

• They distract from the main argument

Multiple Choice

Which of the following is an example of a hope appeal used in Franklin's argument in the 'Speech in the Convention'?

• Benefits for posterity

• Losing foreign respect

• Government inefficiency

• National failure

Dropdown

Fill in the blank: According to the lesson, balancing appeals to fear and hope in an argument can motivate without ​

Select answer

the audience.

Multiple Choice

What is Franklin's main counterclaim that he addresses in his speech?

• The Constitution is too long and complicated

• The delegates are not qualified to make decisions

• He doesn't fully approve of the Constitution himself

• Other countries will reject the new government

Multiple Choice

Which rhetorical question does Franklin use to suggest that perfection is impossible?

• "What makes a good government?"

• "From such an assembly can a perfect production be expected?"

• "How can we convince the people to accept this?"

• "Why should we trust this document?"

Multiple Choice

Franklin's strategy of admitting his own doubts is an example of:

• A rebuttal

• A concession

• A rhetorical question

• A counterclaim

Multiple Choice

When Franklin says delegates should keep their objections "within these walls," he is:

• Making a concession about the Constitution's flaws

• Using a rhetorical question to make his point

• Providing a rebuttal to criticism about the Constitution's flaws

• Addressing the counterclaim that delegates should speak publicly about problems

Multiple Choice

How does Franklin address the opposing view that the Constitution has too many flaws to support?

• He denies that any flaws exist in the document

• He admits the flaws may not actually be faults after all

• He argues that other countries have worse constitutions

• He claims only he can see the Constitution's true worth

Multiple Choice

Franklin uses the rhetorical question "From such an assembly can a perfect production be expected?" to support which argument?

• That the delegates are not smart enough to create good laws

• That they should start over with different representatives

• That imperfection is inevitable when humans work together

• That the Constitution should be rejected entirely

Match

Match each argument technique with the correct example from Franklin's speech.

• "From such an assembly can a perfect production be expected?"

• "I confess that I do not entirely approve of this Constitution..."

• "...that we shall act heartily and unanimously in recommending this Constitution"

• The Constitution has too many errors and should be rejected

• "I doubt, too, whether any other convention we can obtain, may be able to make a better constitution"

Rhetorical Question

Concession

Appeal to Unity

Counterclaim

Rebuttal

• Rhetorical Question

• Concession

• Appeal to Unity

• Counterclaim

• Rebuttal

Open Ended

Based on your understanding of Franklin's argument techniques, explain which strategy you think would be most persuasive to the delegates at the Constitutional Convention. Use specific evidence from the text to support your answer. Consider his use of concessions, rhetorical questions, and appeals to unity.