The Declaration of Independence HMH Test Prep

Read this excerpt from paragraph 2 of the selection.

That, to secure these rights, governments are instituted among men, deriving their just powers from the consent of the governed; that, whenever any form of government becomes destructive of these ends, it is the right of the people to alter or to abolish it, and to institute a new government, laying its foundation on such principles, and organizing its powers in such form, as to them shall seem most likely to effect their safety and happiness. Prudence, indeed, will dictate that governments long established should not be changed for light and transient causes; and, accordingly, all experience hath shown that mankind are more disposed to suffer, while evils are sufferable, than to right themselves by abolishing the forms to which they are accustomed.

Which excerpt helps the reader understand the word prudence as it is used in the paragraph?

• to secure these rights, governments are instituted among men

• should not be changed for light and transient causes

• by abolishing the forms they are accustomed

Read the excerpt from paragraph 33 of the selection.

We…solemnly publish and declare, that these United Colonies are, and of right ought to be, Free and Independent States; that they are absolved from all allegiance to the British crown, and that all political connection between them and the state of Great Britain is, and ought to be, totally dissolved…

What does the word absolved mean as it is used in the paragraph?

• Released from an obligation or responsibility

• Declared to be free from bondage under the law

• Relieved after completing an imposed duty

The list of complaints described in the selection helps to reinforce the author’s argument by —

• reinforcing the reasons for establishing stronger colonial governments

• showing the king how unfair the colonial governments are to their citizens

• proving why the colonists have had to break British laws in order to be heard

• providing evidence of poor treatment of the colonists by the British government

Read the following sentence from paragraph 26 of the selection.

He has plundered our seas, ravaged our coasts, burnt our towns, and destroyed the lives

of our people.

This sentence is an example of —

• a rhetorical fallacy, in that Jefferson is overgeneralizing in his argument

• ethos, in that Jefferson is trying to persuade the reader of his credibility

• pathos, in that Jefferson is appealing to the emotion of the reader

• a logical fallacy, in that Jefferson is using circular reasoning in his argument

He has called together legislative bodies at places unusual, uncomfortable, and distant from the depository of their public records . . . (paragraph 6)

• dissatisfaction

• legitimacy

• equality

And, for the support of this declaration, . . . we mutually pledge to each other our lives, our fortunes, and our sacred honor. (paragraph 33)

• dissatisfaction

• legitimacy

• equality

Which two sentences describe Jefferson’s intended audience and how he uses the elements of an argumentative essay to reach them?

• To appeal to the colonists, Jefferson presents a logical explanation of the purpose of government.

• To convince the colonists, Jefferson lists instances in which the British government undermined their rights.

•               To present his argument for equality to the British government, Jefferson presents examples of legal decisions.

• To gain the attention of the British government, Jefferson outlines the duties of government officials.

Jefferson reinforces the idea that King George is responsible for the current state of unrest in the colonies by using —

• hyperbole when explaining the king’s actions

• emotional language when listing the colonists’ grievances

• repetitive phrases when listing the colonists’ grievances

.  Select the sentence that illustrates the use of proper parallel construction. 

• Coach Espinoza was a brilliant strategist, a caring mentor, and a wise friend.
  
  
• Coach Espinoza was a brilliant strategist, a caring mentor, and friend.

.  Select the sentence that illustrates the use of proper parallel construction. 

• We found the film repulsive, offensive, and we thought it was embarrassing.
  
  
• We found the film repulsive, offensive, and embarrassing.