Founding Documents Analysis Quiz

What was the primary purpose of Thomas Paine's pamphlet "Common Sense"?

• To argue for the abolition of slavery

• To advocate for American independence from Britain

• To promote religious freedom

• To support the British monarchy

How was "Common Sense" distributed to reach a wide audience in the American colonies?

• Through private letters

• As a serialized newspaper article

• As a widely printed pamphlet

• Via town crier announcements

What rhetorical device does Thomas Paine frequently use in "Common Sense" to persuade his audience?

• Metaphor

• Hyperbole

• Simile

• Allusion

Analyze how the Declaration of Independence uses the appeal to ethos to justify the colonies' separation from Britain.

• By listing grievances against King George III

• By citing the authority of the Continental Congress

• By referencing the laws of nature and nature's God

• By quoting British legal precedents

What is the main purpose of the Declaration of Independence?

• To declare war on Britain

• To establish a new government

• To announce the colonies' separation from Britain

• To negotiate peace with Britain

Identify a rhetorical device used in the Declaration of Independence and explain its effectiveness.

• Repetition

• Irony

• Personification

• Onomatopoeia

What was the primary purpose of Patrick Henry's speech to the Virginia Convention?

• To propose a new tax law

• To argue for peace with Britain

• To persuade the delegates to prepare for military action against Britain

• To support the British monarchy

Which rhetorical device does Patrick Henry use in his speech to emphasize the urgency of his message?

• Alliteration

• Rhetorical questions

• Oxymoron

• Euphemism

Evaluate how Patrick Henry's use of pathos in his speech to the Virginia Convention strengthens his argument.

• By appealing to the delegates' sense of logic

• By invoking fear of British oppression

• By citing historical examples

• By using complex legal terminology

Discuss the strategic use of logos in the Declaration of Independence to support its claims.

• By appealing to the emotions of the audience

• By providing a logical sequence of arguments and evidence

• By using vivid imagery

• By incorporating religious references