A Rhetorical Analysis of King's "I Have a Dream" Speech

This is an incredibly powerful speech that changed the nation. Additionally, it is an excellent opportunity to teach students about rhetoric and oratory. This packet has it all: an activity that helps them understand the context; key terms of rhetoric and oratory; close reading annotating activities and questions, the speech itself, along with a thoughtful one-paragraph ACE writing opportunity. All I suggest is that you play the entire speech for them. It is available online. This will provide them with a meaningful experience of the speech for their first reading. Students will learn about a speech's occasion, audience, and purpose. They will then analyze the rhetorical strategies inherent in the speech, the ethos, pathos, logos, and sense of kairos King employs throughout. This is such an important speech, and my questions guide students through a close reading that is both thoughtful and moving.