To read, comprehend, and analyze Martin Luther King, Jr's speech, “I Have a Dream"
To identify the author's purpose
Build Skills
I Have a Dream
Practice these skills with either “I Have a Dream”
Literary Analysis
A persuasive speech is a
speech that tries to convince listeners to think or act in a certain way.
Persuasive speeches may appeal to reason or emotion or both. In order to engage
the audience, speakers often include rhetorical
devices, patterns of words and ideas that create emphasis and stir
emotion in the audience. Common rhetorical devices include the following:
-
Parallelism: repeating a grammatical
structure or an arrangement of words to create a sense of rhythm and
momentum
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Restatement: expressing the same idea in
different words to clarify and stress key points
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Repetition: expressing different ideas using
the same words or images in order to reinforce concepts and unify the speech
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Analogy: drawing a comparison that shows a
similarity between unlike things
Reading Skill
Persuasive
techniques are devices used to influence the audience in favor of the
author’s argument. In addition to presenting evidence in a persuasive speech, a
speaker may also use emotionally charged language and rhetorical devices, such
as those listed above.
To analyze and evaluate persuasive techniques, read aloud to hear the effect. Notice the emotional
impact of certain words and the rhythm and momentum created by specific word
patterns. Consider both the purpose and effect of these persuasive techniques.
Use a chart like the one shown to organize your analysis.
Vocabulary Builder
I Have a Dream
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hallowed
adj. sacred The battlefield is considered by many to be hallowed ground.
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degenerate
v. grow worse Don’t let this discussion degenerate into a shouting match.
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creed
n. statement of belief The creed of
brotherhood is preached by many who do not practice it.
Background
The Civil Rights Movement The U.S. Constitution guarantees certain rights to all Americans. The struggle of African Americans to have their rights recognized is known as the civil rights movement. Marked by demonstrations and legal challenges, this movement began in the 1950s and was led by figures like Martin Luther King, Jr.
Intro to the author:
Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr.
(1929–1968)
Born in Atlanta, Georgia, Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr.,
was the most charismatic leader of the civil rights movement. During the 1950's
and 1960's, King organized nonviolent protests to bring about equal rights for
all Americans.
A Voice for the Oppressed
King first came to national attention in 1956 in Montgomery, Alabama,
when he organized a 382-day boycott of the city's segregated buses by African
Americans. He went on to lead other protests and to speak out eloquently against
poverty and social injustice. He was assassinated on April 4, 1968. His birthday,
January 15, has since become a national holiday.
Fast Facts
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At thirty-five, King became the youngest man and only the third black man to
be awarded a Nobel Peace Prize.
- The song “Pride (in the Name of Love)” by the famous rock band U2 is a tribute to Martin Luther King, Jr.
I. In observance of Martin Luther King Day, we are going to listen to a short excerpt from his famous "I Have a Dream" Speech
Years after his death Martin Luther King, Jr, continues to touch the lives of millions of people throughout the world. Politicians, writers, musicians--people from all walks of life--continue to promote King's message of equality and harmony. The following song by the popular Irish rock band U2 was written as a tribute to King and his message.
Students will listen to CD
II. U2 "Pride"
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=YZY2HSQXk5o
III. Writing Assignment:
Use a 5 paragraph essay format
1. How does the song's message relate to (pay tribute to) King's message in "I Have a Dream"?
2. What similar emotions do both evoke? Explain (Use examples/ lines from each and explain)
3. What messages do the speech and song convey? Support your answer
Closure:
Connecting to the Literature
Reading/Writing Connection In I Have a Dream, Martin Luther King, Jr., challenges Americans to live up to national ideals of equality and justice. Write a short paragraph in which you describe some other ideals that you consider to be characteristically American. Use at least three of these words: embody, comprise, define, invoke.
Meet The Author
Standards:
CC.1.2.9-10.A: Determine a central idea of a text and analyze its development over the course of the text, including how it emerges and is shaped and refined by specific details; provide an objective summary of the text.
CC.1.2.9-10.B: Cite strong and thorough textual evidence to support analysis of what the text says explicitly as well as inferences and conclusions based on an author’s explicit assumptions and beliefs about a subject.
