Revolutionary Reasons

Students read an adapted excerpt from Thomas Paine’s Common Sense and analyze his purpose for writing. They determine whether the text aims to inform, persuade, document, or reflect, using evidence to justify their reasoning. Guiding questions help students examine Paine’s rhetoric, emotions, and arguments for independence. The worksheet teaches learners how persuasive writing influenced public opinion during the American Revolution. It encourages interpretation of historical context and political motivations. Students also evaluate how Paine’s choices in language and reasoning supported the movement toward independence. This activity builds foundational skills for analyzing influential historical documents.

Curriculum Matched Skills

Social Studies – American Revolution Political Thought

English Language Arts – Author’s Purpose and Rhetorical Analysis

Social Studies – Historical Argument Evaluation

English Language Arts – Citing Textual Evidence

This worksheet is part of our historical text worksheets collection.