Activity Overview
In this activity, students will have the opportunity to read, hear, and analyze Barack Obama's speech "The Audacity of Hope".
Students may listen to the speech or read the text.
After listening to the speech and reading the text, the teacher may lead the students in a discussion about its themes and meaning. Students will then create a storyboard listing at least three themes or central ideas they found in the speech. They will write the theme in the header, cite an example from the speech in the description box and include an illustration that depicts the theme.
Template and Class Instructions
(These instructions are completely customizable. After clicking "Copy Activity", update the instructions on the Edit Tab of the assignment.)
Due Date:
Objective: After listening to/reading and discussing the speech "Audacity of Hope" by Barack Obama, illustrate three themes or central ideas present in the speech.
Student Instructions:
- Click “Start Assignment”.
- Choose at least three themes or central ideas present in the speech.
- Write the themes in the top headers of the storyboard.
- Cite an example from the speech in the description box.
- Include an illustration of each theme using appropriate symbols, scenes, characters and/or items.
Requirements: Name at least three themes, cite examples of each theme from the speech, illustrate each theme.
Lesson Plan Reference
Rubric
(You can also create your own on Quick Rubric.)
| Proficient | Emerging | Beginning | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Identify Theme(s) | All themes are correctly identified as important recurring topics or messages in the story. | Some themes are correctly identified, but others are missing or do not make sense with the story. | No themes are correctly identified. |
| Examples | All examples support the identified themes. Descriptions clearly say why examples are significant. | Most examples fit the identified themes. Descriptions say why examples are significant. | Most examples do not fit the identified themes. Descriptions are unclear. |
| Depiction | Storyboard cells clearly show connection with the themes and help with understanding. | Most storyboard cells help to show the themes, but some storyboard cells are difficult to understand. | Storyboard cells do not help in understanding the themes. |
Activity Overview
In this activity, students will have the opportunity to read, hear, and analyze Barack Obama's speech "The Audacity of Hope".
Students may listen to the speech or read the text.
After listening to the speech and reading the text, the teacher may lead the students in a discussion about its themes and meaning. Students will then create a storyboard listing at least three themes or central ideas they found in the speech. They will write the theme in the header, cite an example from the speech in the description box and include an illustration that depicts the theme.
Template and Class Instructions
(These instructions are completely customizable. After clicking "Copy Activity", update the instructions on the Edit Tab of the assignment.)
Due Date:
Objective: After listening to/reading and discussing the speech "Audacity of Hope" by Barack Obama, illustrate three themes or central ideas present in the speech.
Student Instructions:
- Click “Start Assignment”.
- Choose at least three themes or central ideas present in the speech.
- Write the themes in the top headers of the storyboard.
- Cite an example from the speech in the description box.
- Include an illustration of each theme using appropriate symbols, scenes, characters and/or items.
Requirements: Name at least three themes, cite examples of each theme from the speech, illustrate each theme.
Lesson Plan Reference
Rubric
(You can also create your own on Quick Rubric.)
| Proficient | Emerging | Beginning | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Identify Theme(s) | All themes are correctly identified as important recurring topics or messages in the story. | Some themes are correctly identified, but others are missing or do not make sense with the story. | No themes are correctly identified. |
| Examples | All examples support the identified themes. Descriptions clearly say why examples are significant. | Most examples fit the identified themes. Descriptions say why examples are significant. | Most examples do not fit the identified themes. Descriptions are unclear. |
| Depiction | Storyboard cells clearly show connection with the themes and help with understanding. | Most storyboard cells help to show the themes, but some storyboard cells are difficult to understand. | Storyboard cells do not help in understanding the themes. |
How Tos about Analyzing President Barack Obama’s Speech: The Audacity of Hope
How to Scaffold Theme Analysis for Diverse Learners
Support students by offering step-by-step guidance as they identify and analyze themes, ensuring all learners can access and understand the speech.
Model identifying a theme with a think-aloud
Demonstrate how to spot a central idea by reading a short passage aloud and verbalizing your thought process. Show students how you connect evidence to a theme.
Use sentence starters to prompt student responses
Offer sentence frames such as, "A theme I noticed is..." or "An example that shows this theme is..." to help students organize and express their thoughts clearly.
Pair students for collaborative discussion
Encourage peer talk by having students share their theme ideas and supporting evidence with a partner before creating their own storyboard sections.
Provide visual supports and examples
Display completed storyboard samples or visual icons for common themes to inspire and guide students as they illustrate their own.
Frequently Asked Questions about Analyzing President Barack Obama’s Speech: The Audacity of Hope
What are the main themes in Barack Obama's 'The Audacity of Hope' speech?
Barack Obama's 'The Audacity of Hope' speech explores themes such as hope for the future, unity across differences, and the importance of civic engagement. These central ideas encourage listeners to believe in positive change and work together for a better society.
How can students analyze a primary source like Obama's 'Audacity of Hope' speech in class?
Students can analyze a primary source by reading or listening to the speech, identifying key themes, citing specific examples from the text, and illustrating their understanding through storyboards or creative visuals.
What is an effective way to teach the themes of 'The Audacity of Hope' to middle or high school students?
An effective way is to have students discuss the speech's meaning in groups, identify major themes, create storyboards with examples from the speech, and use illustrations to demonstrate their understanding.
Why is it important for students to cite examples when analyzing a speech?
Citing examples helps students support their analysis with evidence, strengthens their critical thinking skills, and ensures their understanding is based on the actual content of the speech.
What are some creative ways to illustrate themes from a historical speech in a classroom assignment?
Students can use storyboards, drawings, digital illustrations, or symbolic images to visually represent the themes, helping to deepen their engagement and comprehension of the speech.
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