This document provides instructions for analyzing a primary source document. It instructs the reader to first read the background information to understand the context for the document. It then instructs the reader to read the text while annotating and paying attention to any questions. Finally, it has the reader answer any questions about techniques used in the text like repetition, emotionally charged words, or appeals to self-preservation. It also has the reader watch a recording of the speech being analyzed and note how the speaker uses voice to add effect.

1. How to Read
a Primary
Source
1) Read the question(s).
 This will set the purpose for the reading.
2) Read the background information.
 This will give the context for the reading.
 It help explain “why” the document was
written.
3) Read and annotate the text.
 Pay attention to the questions (purpose).
 This will keep you focused on the text.
4) Make notes in and around the text.
 This will highlight the important
information.
5) Answer the questions.

2. FDR’s “A Date thatWill
Live in Infamy”
FDR asks Congress for a declaration of war.
Primary Source Reading andVideo

3. Part 1: Definitions.
Knowing this vocabulary will help you better
understand the speech.

4. Vocabulary.
Infamy
 when something is famous or
remembered but for a bad
reason

5. Vocabulary.
Premeditated
 planned in advance

6. Vocabulary.
Implications
 consequences or results of
actions

7. Vocabulary.
Onslaught
 a fierce or destructive attack

8. Vocabulary.
uttermost
 extreme or greatest
(another word for utmost)

9. Vocabulary.
mincing
 cutting up or grinding into small
pieces

10. Vocabulary.
dastardly
 wicked or cruel

11. Part 2:TheText of the
Speech

12. The
questions.
Read the question(s).
 This will set the purpose for the reading.
For this activity, you are reading to see the techniques
and structure used by the author (FDR).You will need to
know what each of the following techniques are…

13. The
questions.
repetition
Are there examples of repeating
phrase and/or words?

14. The
questions.
alliteration
Are there examples of the author
using words that begin with the
same letter or sound for
emphasis?

15. The
questions.
Emotionally charged words
Does the author use words that
give you an emotional response,
do they use words that make you
feel strongly about the subject?

16. The
questions.
Appeal to self-preservation
One the strongest emotions is
for survival. Does the author use
the idea of survival to get an
emotional response?

17. The
questions.
Assurance of moral superiority
Does the author use the idea
that taking an action will make
you a better person than those
who do not take action?

18. The
background.
Read the background information.
This will give the context for the
reading.
It help explain “why” the
document was written.
Annotate for important ideas and
vocabulary

19. The
background.
Watch this newsreel of the bombing
of Pearl Harbor.

20. The text.
Read and annotate the text.
Pay attention to the questions
(purpose).
This will keep you focused on the
text.
Make notes in and around the text.
This will highlight the important
information.

21. Answer the
questions.
What examples of the following techniques are
used in the text:
1) Repetition
2) Alliteration
3) Emotionally charged words
4) Appeal to self-preservation
5) Assurance of moral superiority

22. Part 3:The Recording of
theSpeech

23. Watch and
listen.
Now that you’ve analyzed the text of the speech,
watch and listen to FDR give his speech.

24. Post-
listening.
How did President Roosevelt use his voice to add
to the effect of his words?
Consider pitch, volume, pace, and pauses.

25. Independent
reflection.
You are a member of Congress sitting in the
Senate chamber. Before Roosevelt’s speech, you
were undecided whether to vote to continue US
isolation or to commit the county to war. On a
separate sheet of paper, write a letter to
someone at home explaining how listening to
the speech affected you.