ReadWriteThink: November 19, 2009: Abraham Lincoln delivered the Gettysburg Address in 1863.

November 19, 2009

		Invited to speak at the consecration of a memorial honoring the dead at Gettysburg, Abraham Lincoln delivered one of the most well-known speeches in American history. While the speech is extremely short—just 267 words—Lincoln used the opportunity both to honor the sacrifice of the soldiers and to remind American citizens of the necessity of continuing to fight the Civil War. The Gettysburg Address stands as a masterpiece of persuasive rhetoric. image © 2009 www.clipart.com

Abraham Lincoln delivered the Gettysburg Address in 1863.

CLASSROOM ACTIVITY

Middle and high school students should be able to do a close reading of the Gettysburg Address by using the Pre-AP strategy called SOAPSTone. Print a copy of the Address. Then, ask students to identify and discuss the following:

The Speaker of the text
The Occasion of the speech
The Audience (both present and after it was distributed)
The Purpose that Lincoln had in delivering it
The Subject matter discussed
The Tone of the piece

Another interesting exercise for high school students is for them to compare Lincoln’s Address with those of other famous orators, such as President John F. Kennedy’s inaugural speech.

While younger students may find the text of this speech too advanced, they can certainly begin the process of identifying the purpose, structure, and means of persuasive speech and writing.

Lesson Plans

Can You Convince Me? Developing Persuasive Writing
This ReadWriteThink lesson for grades 3–5 is a perfect introduction for primary-level students to the art of persuasive writing.

Engaging Students in a Collaborative Exploration of the Gettysburg Address
This lesson invites students in grades 3–5 to learn more about the historical significance of the famous speech by participating in inquiry projects based on the speech, using the words and phrases of the speech itself.

Myth and Truth: The Gettysburg Address
By exploring myths surrounding the Gettysburg Address, this lesson asks high school students to think critically about commonly believed “facts” about this important speech and the Civil War.

Web Links

The Gettysburg Address
This site contains the full text of the Gettysburg Address as well as rough drafts and the only known photo of Lincoln at Gettysburg.

Mr. Lincoln’s Virtual Library
The Library of Congress offers this collection of over 30,000 items by and about Abraham Lincoln. The collection includes letters and other items from Lincoln’s presidency, as well as sheet music, pamphlets, and other items that reflect Lincoln’s life and times.

Top 100 American Speeches of the 20th Century
This site ranks the top 100 American speeches of the 20th century as determined in a nationwide survey. The speeches were rated on two criteria: rhetorical artistry and historical impact.

Texts

Ford, Carin T. 2004. The Battle of Gettysburg and Lincoln’s Gettysburg Address. Enslow Elementary.
Full of maps, battle plans, and photographs, this book closely follows the Battle of Gettysburg. Lincoln’s address is discussed in comparison with the main speech of the occasion, Edward Everett’s two-hour address.

Wills, Gary. 1993. Lincoln at Gettysburg: The Words That Remade America. Touchstone Books.
Wills’ book is the definitive text on Lincoln’s speech and the effects it had on America during and after the Civil War.

Herbert, Janis. 2007. Abraham Lincoln for Kids: His Life and Times with 21 Activities. Chicago Review Press.
This book combines information about Abraham Lincoln’s life and the events of his time with related activities, including giving a speech, making a stovepipe hat, and more. Photographs and excerpts from some of Lincoln’s speeches are also included.