Activity Overview
It's often helpful to paraphrase quotes from old documents and place them into a more modern context to help students understand what they say. This activity will allow students to select their favorite or the most significant Common Sense quotes and visualize the meaning using the T-Chart layout. Depending on the guidance of the teacher, students can create a translation of the quote’s rationale, or use Textables to include word or thought bubbles that convey the central idea or theme of each quote. As displayed in the example storyboard, students will create a T-Chart that has the “Direct Quotes” and the “Meaning of Quote” columns side by side. For students that may find the activity challenging, encourage them to create modern day examples of the central message, e.g. the Tooth Fairy in the final storyboard.
Men who look upon themselves born to reign, and others to obey, soon grow insolent; selected from the rest of mankind their minds are early poisoned by importance; and the world they act in differs so materially from the world at large, that they have but little opportunity of knowing its true interests, and when they succeed to the government are frequently the most ignorant and unfit of any throughout the dominions.
Meaning of Quote
Kings, or any leaders that are guaranteed the right to rule, quickly become detached from their subjects and the society they govern.
Small islands, not capable of protecting themselves, are the proper objects for kingdoms to take under their care; but there is something absurd, in supposing a continent to be perpetually governed by an island.
Meaning of Quote
It doesn't make sense to have the island of Britain ruling over the continent of America from thousands of miles away. In order to run a country decisions have to be made quickly and a continent cannot wait on a foreign king.
A long habit of not thinking a thing wrong, gives it a superficial appearance of being right, and raises at first a formidable outcry in defense of custom. But the tumult soon subsides. Time makes more converts than reason.
Meaning of Quote
Just because people have done things a certain way doesn't mean it is the correct way to do it. People become comfortable with the tradition of an activity rather than the purpose of it.
Extended Activity
In order to understand perspective, students should consider the antithesis to each quote or argument selected in the activity. Students will have to create a storyboard that attempts to discredit Paine's argument through the perspective of either the King of England or a loyalist in the colonies.
Template and Class Instructions
(These instructions are completely customizable. After clicking "Copy Activity", update the instructions on the Edit Tab of the assignment.)
Student Instructions
Create a storyboard that analyzes quotes from the Common Sense pamphlet.
- Click "Start Assignment".
- In one column, identify the direct quote from the pamphlet.
- In the other column, describe the meaning of the quote.
- Create an illustration for each cell using appropriate scenes, characters, and items.
Lesson Plan Reference
Activity Overview
It's often helpful to paraphrase quotes from old documents and place them into a more modern context to help students understand what they say. This activity will allow students to select their favorite or the most significant Common Sense quotes and visualize the meaning using the T-Chart layout. Depending on the guidance of the teacher, students can create a translation of the quote’s rationale, or use Textables to include word or thought bubbles that convey the central idea or theme of each quote. As displayed in the example storyboard, students will create a T-Chart that has the “Direct Quotes” and the “Meaning of Quote” columns side by side. For students that may find the activity challenging, encourage them to create modern day examples of the central message, e.g. the Tooth Fairy in the final storyboard.
Men who look upon themselves born to reign, and others to obey, soon grow insolent; selected from the rest of mankind their minds are early poisoned by importance; and the world they act in differs so materially from the world at large, that they have but little opportunity of knowing its true interests, and when they succeed to the government are frequently the most ignorant and unfit of any throughout the dominions.
Meaning of Quote
Kings, or any leaders that are guaranteed the right to rule, quickly become detached from their subjects and the society they govern.
Small islands, not capable of protecting themselves, are the proper objects for kingdoms to take under their care; but there is something absurd, in supposing a continent to be perpetually governed by an island.
Meaning of Quote
It doesn't make sense to have the island of Britain ruling over the continent of America from thousands of miles away. In order to run a country decisions have to be made quickly and a continent cannot wait on a foreign king.
A long habit of not thinking a thing wrong, gives it a superficial appearance of being right, and raises at first a formidable outcry in defense of custom. But the tumult soon subsides. Time makes more converts than reason.
Meaning of Quote
Just because people have done things a certain way doesn't mean it is the correct way to do it. People become comfortable with the tradition of an activity rather than the purpose of it.
Extended Activity
In order to understand perspective, students should consider the antithesis to each quote or argument selected in the activity. Students will have to create a storyboard that attempts to discredit Paine's argument through the perspective of either the King of England or a loyalist in the colonies.
Template and Class Instructions
(These instructions are completely customizable. After clicking "Copy Activity", update the instructions on the Edit Tab of the assignment.)
Student Instructions
Create a storyboard that analyzes quotes from the Common Sense pamphlet.
- Click "Start Assignment".
- In one column, identify the direct quote from the pamphlet.
- In the other column, describe the meaning of the quote.
- Create an illustration for each cell using appropriate scenes, characters, and items.
Lesson Plan Reference
How Tos about Common Sense Quote Analysis
Organize a classroom debate on Common Sense arguments
Encourage students to form teams representing different perspectives, such as Patriots and Loyalists. Debates help deepen understanding by requiring students to analyze quotes, develop arguments, and respectfully challenge opposing viewpoints.
Assign roles and establish debate rules
Assign each student a specific role (speaker, researcher, or moderator) and set clear guidelines for respectful discussion, time limits, and how to present evidence. This structure ensures active participation and a positive learning environment.
Guide students in researching both sides
Instruct students to gather supporting evidence from the text and historical context for both Patriot and Loyalist views. Balanced research helps students understand multiple viewpoints and strengthens their critical thinking skills.
Facilitate the debate and encourage reflection
Moderate the discussion to keep it focused and respectful. After the debate, lead a reflection where students discuss what they learned and how the experience changed their understanding of Common Sense.
Frequently Asked Questions about Common Sense Quote Analysis
What is a Common Sense quote analysis activity for students?
A Common Sense quote analysis activity asks students to choose quotes from Thomas Paine's Common Sense, paraphrase them in modern language, and explain their meaning or significance, often using tools like T-Charts or storyboards to visualize understanding.
How can I help students understand old quotes from Common Sense?
To help students understand old quotes from Common Sense, encourage them to paraphrase the language in their own words, relate the message to modern examples, and use visuals like T-Charts or thought bubbles to clarify the meaning.
What is a T-Chart and how is it used in quote analysis?
A T-Chart is a graphic organizer with two columns. In quote analysis, one side lists the direct quote from the text, and the other side explains the meaning or interpretation in modern terms.
What are some easy ways for students to modernize Common Sense quotes?
Easy ways for students to modernize Common Sense quotes include rewriting the quote in simpler language, connecting it to current events or familiar situations, and creating illustrations or word bubbles to show the message.
How can teachers differentiate a Common Sense quote analysis activity for diverse learners?
Teachers can differentiate the activity by allowing students to choose quotes, offering sentence starters, providing modern examples, using visuals, and encouraging partner work to support varying skill levels.
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