Repetition in Gettysburg

This language analysis worksheet supports students in Grades 5 and 6 as they practice close reading, rhetorical analysis, critical thinking, and civic understanding through the Gettysburg Address. By identifying, counting, and analyzing repeated words such as nation, people, dedicate, and freedom/liberty, students explore how Abraham Lincoln used repetition to reinforce themes, shape meaning, and strengthen audience impact.

Learning Goals

• Rhetorical Analysis (Grades 5-6) – Identify and analyze repetition as a persuasive writing technique.
• Word Choice & Theme Development – Examine how repeated words emphasize unity, sacrifice, and democratic values.
• Civil War Context – Understand how Lincoln’s language reflected national purpose during a time of conflict.
• Critical Thinking – Explain how repetition helps messages remain clear, memorable, and emotionally powerful.

Instructional Benefits

• Teacher-Created Resource – Designed by educators to align with upper elementary ELA, social studies, and civics standards.
• Structured Word Analysis Task – Counting and categorizing repeated words supports focused, evidence-based thinking.
• Reflection Component Included – Encourages students to connect rhetorical choices to audience understanding and memory.
• Flexible Use – Ideal for speech analysis lessons, persuasive writing units, or close-reading activities.

This printable worksheet helps students deepen understanding of rhetorical techniques and purposeful language by closely examining repetition in the Gettysburg Address. By analyzing how repeated words reinforce meaning and values, learners strengthen analytical reading, writing awareness, and civic literacy. It’s a simple, no-prep resource that works well in both classroom instruction and homeschool learning.

This worksheet is part of our Gettysburg Address collection.