TRACING THE ARGUMENT
What is Michelle Obama’s primary claim/argument regarding the graduates' Native culture and heritage?
That their Native culture, identity, and resilience are sources of strength that will empower them to succeed in higher education and uplift their communities?
When Obama cites specific student accomplishments—such as diabetes awareness runs and senior support programs—which type of rhetorical appeal is she applying?
What is logos (logical appeal), using concrete examples and facts as evidence of student leadership and capability?
What was the original, historical objective of government boarding schools like the Santa Fe Indian School when established in the late 19th century?
to forcibly assimilate Native children by stripping away their languages, traditions, and cultural identities?
What does the word deliberate mean in the sentence: "This school was founded as part of a deliberate, systematic effort to extinguish your culture"?
intentional, planned, or done on purpose
What physical condition did Michelle Obama's father live with while working every day to support his family?
Multiple Sclerosis (MS)
What claim is Obama making in 13-15?
that she learned values like integrity and perseverance from her family and that was what helped her be so successful in school.
Which rhetorical appeal is used when Michelle Obama shares personal stories about her father's battle with multiple sclerosis?
pathos (emotional appeal) to inspire resilience and empathy
In contrast to its dark history, how is the modern Santa Fe Indian School described in the speech?
it's a a community-driven school that honors indigenous culture, fosters academic excellence, and prepares Native youth for leadership
What is the definition of perseverance, a core value emphasized throughout Michelle Obama's speech?
continued effort to achieve something despite difficulties, failure, or opposition
According to Obama, what lesson did her father teach her through his daily actions?
never make excuses, work hard, and keep moving forward no matter how hard life gets
What is her claim in P 19?
the graduates are the next generation of leaders in their community
When Obama cites specific student accomplishments—such as diabetes awareness runs and senior support programs—which type of rhetorical appeal is she applying?
logos (logical appeal), using concrete examples and facts as evidence of student leadership and capability
According to the text, what kept Native traditions alive despite decades of systematic government attempts to erase them?
the quiet resilience, courage, and determination of Native families and elders who passed down traditions secretly
What does integrity mean when Obama credits her parents with teaching her this value?
doing the right thing even when no one is watching
Name TWO specific student community service initiatives highlighted in the commencement address.
hosting a fun run for diabetes/domestic violence awareness, leading traditional cooking demonstrations, or supporting senior citizens and teen parents
How does she further that claim in P 21?
By pointing out that their communities need them and need their energy and expertise.
How does Obama build ethos (credibility and trust) with the audience early in her address?
by relating her own background as someone from a working-class family who faced doubt, creating a shared bond with the graduating students
In P7, Obama said her great grandfather was illiterate. What does that mean and why do you think he was illiterate?
Illiterate means you can't read or write. Her great grandfather was the son of a slave, and slaves were not taught to read and write.
In the text, students are praised for stepping up to implement community projects. What does implement mean?
to put a decision, plan, or agreement into effect/action
What advice does Obama offer graduates for times when they feel overwhelmed or out of place in college?
ask for help, remember where they came from, and lean on their community and culture for strength
What is the final "Call to Action" that completes the argument in Obama's speech?
urging graduates to pursue higher education, hold fast to their goals, and bring their knowledge back to serve and strengthen their tribal communities
Is Obama using inductive or deductive reasoning when she uses her father's life, historical Native leaders, and current graduates to conclude that hard work overcomes adversity?
inductive reasoning (moving from specific real-life examples to formulate a broad principle about perseverance)?
How does the speech link the historical struggles of Native communities to the future responsibilities of the graduating class?
by arguing that graduates honor past sacrifices when they use their education to solve modern community problems
What does the word systematic mean when describing historical efforts to change Native culture?
carried out using a methodical, organized, and thorough plan
Who does Michelle Obama say the graduates represent when they step out into the world beyond high school?
their families, their tribal nations, their ancestors, and future generations of Native youth