Discussion Questions—for teacher’s use
1. What is common sense? (looking for a general definition)
Thomas Paine’s—Common Sense
1. What were some new details that you learned that were not provided in the textbook?
2. What is Paine’s purpose for writing this?
a. Why did he write this?
b. When did he write this?
3. Paine claims there is “not a single advantage” but can you name one? Two?
4. Paine claims this is “our duty to humanity.” What does he mean by this? Is it “our duty”?
a. Arguing for a cause bigger than himself
5. Paine states, “… submission to or dependence on Great Britain tends to include this continent in European wars …” but is this a huge disadvantage?
a. What was Britain’s position (in regards to power) during this time?
6. Is
1. What is common sense? (looking for a general definition)
Thomas Paine’s—Common Sense
1. What were some new details that you learned that were not provided in the textbook?
2. What is Paine’s purpose for writing this?
a. Why did he write this?
b. When did he write this?
3. Paine claims there is “not a single advantage” but can you name one? Two?
4. Paine claims this is “our duty to humanity.” What does he mean by this? Is it “our duty”?
a. Arguing for a cause bigger than himself
5. Paine states, “… submission to or dependence on Great Britain tends to include this continent in European wars …” but is this a huge disadvantage?
a. What was Britain’s position (in regards to power) during this time?
6. Is