The Declaration of Independence: Structure and Style

Which of the following best describes Thomas Jefferson's purpose in writing the Declaration of Independence?

• to incite Britain to go to war with the colonies

• to air grievances against the British king

• to unite the colonists against the British government

• to turn the colonies into a single nation

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Which best describes the structure of the Declaration of Independence?

• introduction and thesis › list of reasons why the British government is oppressive › conclusion that the colonies must separate

• list of evidence against the British government › thesis that colonies should separate › conclusion that war is inevitable

• introduction about the causes of oppression › list of the causes and effects of British rule › summary of the list of the causes and effects

• list of the characteristics of a just government › ways in which the British government has not met these standards › thesis that the colonies must separate

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Which best describes how Jefferson organizes his argument in the body of the Declaration of Independence?

• by listing the ways in which the King of England has oppressed the colonists

• by listing the colonists’ tactics to rebel against the King of England

• by listing the changes the King must make in order to appease the colonies

• by listing the many benefits that the colonists will gain through liberation

Jefferson aimed to unite the colonists in writing the Declaration of Independence. How does the structure of the document support his purpose?

• He concludes by stating that representatives from all thirteen colonies support the document.

• He concludes by clearly defining each colonist’s responsibility in the rebellion.

• He concludes by listing all of the colonists’ grievances against the king.

• He concludes by explaining that rebellion will not work unless all of the colonists join the cause.

Which of the following is a central idea in the conclusion of the Declaration of Independence?

• People have unalienable rights such as life, liberty, and the pursuit of happiness.

• The colonists have the right to separate from Britain's oppressive rule.

• Colonists should have more rights than their British brethren.

• British citizens will be barred from entering the colonies in the future.

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In which section of the Declaration of Independence does Jefferson restate his thesis?

• the body

• the conclusion

• the introduction

• the list

In the Contested Usage Edgenuity lesson, you learned about How you can develop your writing style. What is a writing style?

• a particular or characteristic way of expressing yourself

• Using only active voice

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Benjamin Banneker, a black abolitionist, used a specific writing style in his letter to Thomas Jefferson. Banneker wanted Jefferson to support his anti-slavery efforts, so his letter references the Declaration of Independence. Why was this a good idea?

Banneker’s Letter to Jefferson

Sir, I freely and cheerfully acknowledge that I am of the African race. Unlike so many of my luckless brethren, I am fortunate enough not to be a slave. I have abundantly tasted the fruits of that free and unequaled liberty which you too possess.

Sir, may I remind you of that time during which the British crown exerted every powerful effort to rob you of your liberty. Through arms and various other forms of tyranny, they sought to retain control over the American colonists and to deprive them of their rightful freedoms. Look back on the variety of dangers to which you were exposed and recall how every human aid appeared unavailable. You cannot but acknowledge that the present freedom and tranquility which you enjoy are a blessing of heaven.

What is Banneker's purpose for writing this letter?

• to gain support for the abolition of slavery

• to scold or condemn Jefferson for slavery

• to demonstrate support for the British crown

• to support the continued practice of slavery

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Which answer choice from the text BEST supports the idea that Jefferson would be sympathetic to Banneker's cause?

• A. Sir, I freely and cheerfully acknowledge that I am of the African race. Unlike so many of my luckless brethren, I am fortunate enough not to be a slave. I have abundantly tasted the fruits of that free and unequaled liberty which you too possess.

• B. Sir, I have reason to believe that you are less prejudiced in these matters than many others. I have heard reports that you are well disposed toward us, and that you are willing and ready to help in combating our oppression.

• C. I am fully aware of the greatness of the freedom I am taking in addressing a person of your distinguished and dignified station. My boldness is perhaps particularly great given the widespread prejudice against those of my race.

• D. How pitiable is it to reflect that at the same time you believed it proper for a numerous portion of my brethren to be held in groaning captivity and under cruel oppression.

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