The selection you are about to read is a speech given in Harlem, New York, by Nelson Mandela. Read the Reader’s Resource and Reader’s Toolbox on page 233. Then, read the biographical information for Nelson Mandela on page 236. Discuss with the class possible purposes Mandela might have had for giving this speech in Harlem. Make a cluster chart with the center circle labeled “Possible Purposes for Speech.” In the first layer of outer circles, list all possible purposes you can think of.
1. Connect another layer of outer circles to the first layer of circles in your chart. Then, follow along in the text as your teacher reads aloud the first four paragraphs of the speech. Record in your chart evidence from the speech that supports the various purposes. Keep in mind that a speech can have more than one purpose and also that there might not be evidence to support every possible purpose you initially listed.
2. Continue reading the speech on your own. Stop when you encounter evidence to support one of the possible purposes and record that evidence in your chart. You might need to add other purposes to the first layer of circles as you read.
Keep in mind that speeches are written with the intent of being delivered aloud. If you are having difficulty identifying support for the author’s purposes, try reading portions of the speech aloud. Pay attention to repetition and emphasis. Then, review the points that are emphasized and decide how they can be incorporated into your chart. Continue reading the speech aloud to identify more support for various purposes.
In a small group, compare your cluster chart with other students’ charts. After discussing the information, work together to identify the main purpose of this speech. Then, write a paragraph identifying the purpose, citing text that supports that purpose.