Activity Overview
In high school, the ELA Common Core Standards require students to develop formal writing skills, creating essays and arguments that are well-thought-out and syntactically varied. They also require students to effectively use persuasive writing strategies to defend a claim or point of view. The ability to dissect and validate, or debunk, other arguments is key to strong persuasive writing. This requires a basic working knowledge of rhetoric. A great way to enhance students' understanding of effective arguments is to teach the Aristotelian concepts of Ethos, Pathos, and Logos. Students can then identify and analyze the effectiveness of these strategies in a work of literature, a speech, or a letter.
The Declaration of Independence was written to officially announce the colonies’ break-up with England; however, it also needed to formally outline why they had done so not only to King George III, but also to the citizens of the colonies and to the world. It needed to be clear, show that all steps had already been taken to avoid this, and persuade the people that this was the right decision. Have students examine the text and come up with quotes from throughout the document of Ethos, Logos, and Pathos rhetoric. Have students illustrate these examples in a storyboard.
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 shows examples of ethos, pathos, and logos from the Declaration of Independence.
- Click "Start Assignment".
- Identify two examples of each rhetorical strategy: ethos, pathos, and logos.
- Type the examples into the description box under the cell.
- Illustrate the examples using any combination of scenes, characters, and items.
Lesson Plan Reference
Rubric
(You can also create your own on Quick Rubric.)
| Proficient 33 Points | Emerging 25 Points | Beginning 17 Points | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Ethos, Pathos, and Logos | The elements of ethos, pathos, and logos are correctly identified and depicted, and an appropriate quote or summary is provided. There are at least 2 examples provided for each rhetorical element. | Most of the elements of ethos, pathos, and logos are correctly identified and depicted, and an appropriate quote or summary is provided. There are at least 2 examples provided for each rhetorical element. | The elements of ethos, pathos, and logos are incorrectly identified and depicted. Quotes and summaries may be missing or too limited. Only one example may have been provided for each rhetorical element. |
| Artistic Depictions | The art chosen to depict the scenes are accurate to the work of literature. Time and care is taken to ensure that the scenes are neat, eye-catching, and creative. | The art chosen to depict the scenes should be accurate, but there may be some liberties taken that distract from the assignment. Scene constructions are neat, and meet basic expectations. | The art chosen to depict the scenes is inappropriate. Scene constructions are messy and may create some confusion, or may be too limited. |
| English Conventions | Ideas are organized. There are few or no grammatical, mechanical, or spelling errors. | Ideas are mostly organized. There are some grammatical, mechanical, or spelling errors. | Ideas may be disorganized or misplaced. Lack of control over grammar, mechanics, and spelling reflect a lack of proofreading. |
Activity Overview
In high school, the ELA Common Core Standards require students to develop formal writing skills, creating essays and arguments that are well-thought-out and syntactically varied. They also require students to effectively use persuasive writing strategies to defend a claim or point of view. The ability to dissect and validate, or debunk, other arguments is key to strong persuasive writing. This requires a basic working knowledge of rhetoric. A great way to enhance students' understanding of effective arguments is to teach the Aristotelian concepts of Ethos, Pathos, and Logos. Students can then identify and analyze the effectiveness of these strategies in a work of literature, a speech, or a letter.
The Declaration of Independence was written to officially announce the colonies’ break-up with England; however, it also needed to formally outline why they had done so not only to King George III, but also to the citizens of the colonies and to the world. It needed to be clear, show that all steps had already been taken to avoid this, and persuade the people that this was the right decision. Have students examine the text and come up with quotes from throughout the document of Ethos, Logos, and Pathos rhetoric. Have students illustrate these examples in a storyboard.
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 shows examples of ethos, pathos, and logos from the Declaration of Independence.
- Click "Start Assignment".
- Identify two examples of each rhetorical strategy: ethos, pathos, and logos.
- Type the examples into the description box under the cell.
- Illustrate the examples using any combination of scenes, characters, and items.
Lesson Plan Reference
Rubric
(You can also create your own on Quick Rubric.)
| Proficient 33 Points | Emerging 25 Points | Beginning 17 Points | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Ethos, Pathos, and Logos | The elements of ethos, pathos, and logos are correctly identified and depicted, and an appropriate quote or summary is provided. There are at least 2 examples provided for each rhetorical element. | Most of the elements of ethos, pathos, and logos are correctly identified and depicted, and an appropriate quote or summary is provided. There are at least 2 examples provided for each rhetorical element. | The elements of ethos, pathos, and logos are incorrectly identified and depicted. Quotes and summaries may be missing or too limited. Only one example may have been provided for each rhetorical element. |
| Artistic Depictions | The art chosen to depict the scenes are accurate to the work of literature. Time and care is taken to ensure that the scenes are neat, eye-catching, and creative. | The art chosen to depict the scenes should be accurate, but there may be some liberties taken that distract from the assignment. Scene constructions are neat, and meet basic expectations. | The art chosen to depict the scenes is inappropriate. Scene constructions are messy and may create some confusion, or may be too limited. |
| English Conventions | Ideas are organized. There are few or no grammatical, mechanical, or spelling errors. | Ideas are mostly organized. There are some grammatical, mechanical, or spelling errors. | Ideas may be disorganized or misplaced. Lack of control over grammar, mechanics, and spelling reflect a lack of proofreading. |
How Tos about Rhetorical Strategies for The Declaration of Independence
How to help students write their own persuasive speeches using ethos, pathos, and logos
Encourage students to apply rhetorical strategies by creating short persuasive speeches on a topic they care about. This hands-on approach helps them practice using ethos, pathos, and logos in their own words and builds real confidence.
Choose an engaging topic relevant to students’ lives
Guide students to pick a subject they feel strongly about—like school uniforms, homework policies, or recycling. Personal interest sparks motivation and makes their arguments more authentic.
Brainstorm points for ethos, pathos, and logos
Work together to list ideas that show credibility (ethos), appeal to emotions (pathos), and use logic or facts (logos). This ensures their speeches are well-rounded and persuasive.
Draft a short speech using all three strategies
Have students write a 1–2 minute speech that clearly includes ethos, pathos, and logos. Encourage them to underline or highlight where each strategy is used for easy identification.
Practice and present speeches to the class
Let students rehearse and then deliver their speeches in front of peers. Practice builds confidence and allows classmates to recognize rhetorical strategies in action.
Give and receive constructive feedback
Facilitate a quick feedback session where students share what was effective and suggest ways to strengthen use of ethos, pathos, and logos in each speech. Positive feedback helps everyone grow!
Frequently Asked Questions about Rhetorical Strategies for The Declaration of Independence
What rhetorical strategies are used in the Declaration of Independence?
The Declaration of Independence uses ethos (credibility), pathos (emotional appeal), and logos (logical reasoning) to persuade its audience. These strategies help justify the colonies' decision to separate from England and encourage support from both domestic and international readers.
How can students identify examples of ethos, pathos, and logos in the Declaration of Independence?
Students can identify ethos by looking for statements that establish credibility, pathos through emotionally charged language, and logos in logical arguments or lists of grievances. Analyzing specific quotes and their context helps reveal which rhetorical strategy is being used.
What is the best way to teach rhetorical strategies with the Declaration of Independence in high school?
The best way is to have students find and illustrate examples of ethos, pathos, and logos within the text. Activities like creating storyboards or group discussions help deepen understanding and allow students to practice analyzing persuasive techniques in classic literature.
Why is it important for students to learn about ethos, pathos, and logos?
Learning about ethos, pathos, and logos equips students with essential skills for evaluating arguments, writing persuasively, and understanding how authors influence audiences. These skills are vital for academic success and informed citizenship.
Can you give examples of ethos, pathos, and logos from the Declaration of Independence?
Examples include: Ethos: References to the 'opinions of mankind' to show credibility; Pathos: Descriptions of the colonists’ suffering; Logos: Logical listing of grievances against King George III.
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