Applying the Steps in the Reading Process

 

Step 1: Who are you?

 

Today, reading this selection, you are an individual who is trying to learn standard English, which includes understanding American cultural references.

 

Step 2: Why are you reading this?

 

Right now, you are practicing close reading. You are reading to learn how to read critically. We will go through the steps together, in a fashion similar to the reading of the Constitution in the last chapter. Only this time, we will 'round out' your understanding with some background information. This will allow you to build the context necessary for the appreciation of American cultural references.

 

Step 3: Who wrote what are you reading? Consider the source.

 

This document is a primary source. The language you are about to read is a modern copy of the original handwritten words. You are presented with the document, my comments and observations, and interesting ideas. Then there is a complete clean copy of the document, so that you can read it without distraction.

 

This document was written by the members of the Continental Congress, who were representatives of each of the 13 American colonies of the British Empire (which was so large it circled the globe).

 

The chief author, however, was Thomas Jefferson (1743-1826), who ultimately became the third President of the United States (1800 - 1808).

 

At the time of the writing of the Declaration of Independence, the thirteen American Colonies (all grouped along the east coast of the United States) were part of the British Empire.

 

The economic theory behind colonies was that the 'mother country' (in this case England) was in charge and able to import raw materials (such as sugar, cotton, tobacco and molasses) from the colonies and export manufactured goods back to the colonies. In this way, the mother country was guaranteed to have the raw materials to manufacture what they wanted and markets to sell their manufactured goods.

 

Step 4: How is it written? Observe the structure of what you are reading. What kind of document is it? How is it organized?

 

In this case, the document has:

 

a title

an introductory first paragraph

a second paragraph

a long 'list'

three ending paragraphs

The title is The Declaration of Independence of the United States of America

 

The introductory paragraph states the theory behind their purpose in writing this document (to declare independence from England).

 

The second paragraph sets forth what the colonists consider to be human rights and explains the general reasons (theory) for the colonists' desire for independence.

 

Next the document lists the specific charges against the King of England.

 

The three ending paragraphs summarize the position of the colonists and conclude with their declaration.