Another great way to engage your students is through the creation of storyboards that examine Tone, Word Choice, Imagery, Style, and Theme. This activity is referred to with the acronym “TWIST”. In a TWIST, students focus on a particular paragraph or a few pages, to look deeper at the author’s meaning.
Using an excerpt from the Patrick Henry speech, students can depict, explain, and discuss what the purpose of Henry’s speech is, while analyzing his voice.
Our petitions have been slighted; our remonstrances have produced additional violence and insult; our supplications have been disregarded; and we have been spurned with contempt from the foot of the throne! In vain, after these things, may we indulge the fond hope of peace and reconciliation. There is no longer any room for hope. If we mean to preserve inviolate those inestimable privileges for which we have been so long contending, if we mean not basely to abandon the noble struggle in which we have been so long engaged, and which we have pledged ourselves never to abandon until the glorious object of our contest shall be obtained - we must fight! I repeat it, sir, we must fight! An appeal to arms and to the God of Hosts is all that is left to us!
| T | TONE | Henry’s tone is passionate, intense, and pleading. |
|---|---|---|
| W | WORD CHOICE |
slighted, violence, insult, disregarded, spurned, noble struggle, fight |
| I | IMAGERY |
"...and we have been spurned with contempt from the foot of the throne!” |
| S | STYLE |
Henry uses repetition in the beginning of the section to highlight all of the responses the colonists’ efforts have been met with in their pleas to the throne. His exclamations drive home the passion of the only choice they have left. |
| T | THEME |
This passage highlights the immediacy of the situation that the colonists are in. They have appealed to the King, and he has rejected them; if they wish to preserve their freedom and not let their struggle be in vain, then they must go to war and fight for their “noble struggle.” |
(These instructions are completely customizable. After clicking "Copy Activity", update the instructions on the Edit Tab of the assignment.)
Student Instructions
Perform a TWIST analysis of a selection from “Speech in the Virginia Convention”. Remember that TWIST stands for Tone, Word Choice, Imagery, Style, Theme.
Organize students into small, diverse groups for the TWIST analysis. Working together sparks deeper discussion and helps students notice more details in the text.
Give each student responsibility for one TWIST element: Tone, Word Choice, Imagery, Style, or Theme. This approach ensures everyone actively participates and builds confidence in literary analysis.
Encourage students to cite direct quotes or vivid examples from the speech. Backing up each element with text evidence strengthens analytical skills and supports classroom discussion.
Invite each group to create a visual storyboard or digital slide for their TWIST analysis. Visuals help clarify ideas and engage students who learn best through images.
Lead a whole-class reflection to compare group insights. This step promotes critical thinking and helps students appreciate multiple perspectives in literature.
A TWIST analysis is a close reading strategy that helps students examine Tone, Word Choice, Imagery, Style, and Theme in a text. For Patrick Henry’s “Speech in the Virginia Convention,” it guides students to analyze how Henry’s language choices convey his urgent message about fighting for freedom.
To perform a TWIST analysis, select a passage, then have students identify and interpret the tone, word choice, imagery, style, and theme. Using storyboards, students can visually and verbally explain each element, supporting deeper comprehension and discussion.
The TWIST method breaks analysis into manageable parts, helping students focus on how an author’s language builds meaning. It’s especially effective for speeches like Patrick Henry’s, revealing persuasive techniques and emotional appeals that might otherwise be missed.
Sample questions include: What is the speaker’s tone? Which words are most powerful? What imagery stands out? How does the author’s style affect the message? What theme emerges from the passage?
Yes, TWIST analysis works for any literary or nonfiction text where close reading is beneficial. It can be adapted for poetry, stories, essays, and historical speeches across grade levels.