Myth and truth: The Gettysburg Address
http://www.readwritethink.org/lessons/lesson_view.asp?id=885
A lesson plan for grade 11 English Language Arts and Social Studies
By exploring myths surrounding the “Gettysburg Address,” this lesson asks students to think critically about commonly believed “facts” about this important speech and the Civil War. Students participate in a pre-reading writing activity that challenges them to question truth in fiction and nonfiction writing. Then, after a brief discussion of their thoughts, the teacher reads an introduction to the Gettysburg Address as students pay attention to historical details. Students write questions they have about the speech and the time period and share their thoughts in small groups. After students read the speech, they analyze the purpose and audience using guiding questions and a graphic organizer. Once students have completed their analysis, they participate in a class discussion and examine the common myths about the speech. Using a variety of resources, students work in groups to uncover the truths about the “Gettysburg Address”. When they have finished their research, students present their information to the class and then discuss how their perceptions of the speech have changed because of the activity. Readwritethink provides links to the text of and information about the Gettysburg Address, questions for analysis, a rubric and other helpful web resources.
North Carolina Curriculum Alignment
English Language Arts (2004)
Grade 11
- Goal 2: The learner will inform an audience by using a variety of media to research and explain insights into language and culture.
- Objective 2.01: Research ideas, events, and/or movements related to United States culture by:
- locating facts and details for purposeful elaboration.
- organizing information to create a structure for purpose, audience, and context.
- excluding extraneous information.
-providing accurate documentation.
- Objective 2.01: Research ideas, events, and/or movements related to United States culture by:
- Goal 4: The learner will critically analyze text to gain meaning, develop thematic connections, and synthesize ideas.
- Objective 4.03: Assess the power, validity, and truthfulness in the logic of arguments given in public and political documents by:
- identifying the intent and message of the author or artist.
- recognizing how the author addresses opposing viewpoints.
- articulating a personal response to the message and method of the author or artist.
-evaluating the historical significance of the work.
- Objective 4.03: Assess the power, validity, and truthfulness in the logic of arguments given in public and political documents by:
Social Studies (2003)
Grade 11–12 — Advanced Placement United States History
- Goal 6: Crisis, Civil War, and Reconstruction (1848-1877): The learner will analyze the issues that led to the Civil War, the effects of the war, and the impact of Reconstruction on the nation.
- Objective 6.02: Assess the impact of Abraham Lincoln and the emergence of the Republican Party in relation to Civil War and secession.
