Lesson Plan – from Thomas Paine’s “the Crisis, No. 1”
1. Edwards’ “Sinners…” was written in an effort to persuade the colonists to reform, and he used
figurative language, tone, and diction to accomplish those means. He wasn’t alone. Other writers
during that time tried to persuade their fellow countrymen to band together to accomplish their
goals and achieve the freedom they desired. These people prepared speeches, wrote letters, and
also published pamphlets so that their voice could be heard throughout the land.
2. In addition to the techniques Edwards employed, persuasive writers have other tools in their
toolbox as well. Last year we were persuasive writers and we tried to appeal to our readers in two
ways: through logical and emotional means. Does anyone remember the difference? (fill in chart)
3. I am going to try and persuade you to do a better job with your homework. Tell me if I am appealing
to your sense of emotion or if I am tapping into your logic.
4. DISPLAY ON DOCUMENT SCANNER (note differences in appeal – point out loaded words)
 Completing your homework with improve your grade in this class.
 Completing your homework shows your teacher that you care about your reputation.
 Completing your homework us essential in being a responsible adult.
5. Good writers are able to appeal to both the heart and the head of the reader. Would it be a good
idea to appeal to the emotions of a judge? What appeals would you use to persuade your teacher?
Let’s try to use a balance of these appeals.
6. Here’s a quick try it. In the box provided on your WS, please persuade me not to assign this piece
for homework tonight. It’s five pages long. Try to balance your emotional and logical appeals.
Trade. Have one partner highlight the emotional appeals; have one partner highlight the logical
appeals. Discuss. Which ones worked the best? Which ones would I personally be swayed by?
7. As we read our next selection, let’s not only look at how the author uses logical and emotional
appeals, but let’s also look at how Paine uses some of the same techniques as Edwards.
8. Let’s take a look at the LESSON MANTRA: As I read, I will look for examples of concrete evidence,
facts, and statistics that are intended to appeal to my ability to reason and think logically. I will also
look for examples of loaded words, figures of speech and accounts of personal experiences that
are intended to stir up my emotions.
9. I have provided you a chart to keep track of three literary devices you will find as your read, so
please look for those.
10. Before we start, let’s place this text in its historical background:
Intro to Paine: "These are the times that try men's souls." This simple quotation from Founding
Father Thomas Paine's The Crisis not only describes the beginnings of the American Revolution, but
also the life of Paine himself. Throughout most of his life, his writings inspired passion, but also
brought him great criticism. He communicated the ideas of the Revolution to common farmers as
easily as to intellectuals, creating prose that stirred the hearts of the fledgling United States. He had
a grand vision for society: he was staunchly anti-slavery, and he was one of the first to advocate a
world peace organization and social security for the poor and elderly. But his radical views on
religion would destroy his success, and by the end of his life, only a handful of people attended his
funeral.
Background for Crisis: Like Jonathan Edwards, Thomas Paine asks his audience to take action.
Paine’s plea is for the colonists, in 1776, to stand together as Americans and risk their lives in the
fight against Britain. During struggling times in the revolts that took place in the battle for
independence, Paine wrote a series of persuasive pamphlets to rally the soldiers and civilians alike
to keep up the fight and win the battle. Paine’s style, word choice, use of figurative language and
emotional and logical appeals were meant to motivate the colonists, yet recognize that the war for
Independence would not be easily won.
“The Crisis” for Americans was literally the difficulties which the Continental Army repeatedly faced
during the war in the North. As Paine states—“These are the times that try men’s souls.”
11. Read piece, and stop at the places marked in the book. The questions on the worksheet ARE NOT
the same questions that are in the book. Have the students respond on the WS as you give them
time. Pair/class share examples for the first couple prompts.
12. Submit WS upon completion.