Lesson Plan Overview
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 Declaration of Independence, students can depict, explain, and discuss what the purpose of the document is, while analyzing Jefferson’s voice.
Nor have we been wanting in attentions to our British brethren. We have warned them from time to time of attempts by their legislature to extend an unwarrantable jurisdiction over us. We have reminded them of the circumstances of our emigration and settlement here. We have appealed to their native justice and magnanimity and we have conjured them by the ties of our common kindred to disavow these usurpations which would inevitably interrupt our connections and correspondence. They too have been deaf to the voice of justice and of consanguinity. We must therefore acquiesce to the necessity which denounces our separation and hold them, as we hold the rest of mankind, enemies in war, in peace friends.
TWIST Example for The Declaration of Independence
| T | TONE | Jefferson’s tone in explaining that appeals made to the British citizens have failed, too, is forthright, authoritative, and sincere. |
|---|---|---|
| W | WORD CHOICE |
warned, reminded, appealed, conjured, deaf, enemies |
| I | IMAGERY |
"They too have been deaf to the voice of justice and consanguinity.” |
| S | STYLE |
Jefferson’s approach to these many appeals to British brethren is logical. He outlines each step the colonists have taken, and then ends with how the British citizens have turned their backs on the colonists. |
| T | THEME |
This passage highlights that the colonists have not only been abandoned by their king, but by their fellow English citizens. The passage shows the colonists’ sense of abandonment, and then their resolve: either you are with us, or against us. |
Template and Class Instructions
(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 The Declaration of Independence. Remember that TWIST stands for Tone, Word Choice, Imagery, Style, Theme.
- Click "Start Assignment".
- Choose any combination of scenes, characters, items, and text to represent each letter of TWIST.
- Write a few sentences describing the importance or meaning of the images.
- Finalize images, edit, and proofread your work.
Lesson Plan Reference
Student Rubric
(You can also create your own on Quick Rubric.)
| Proficient 33 Points | Emerging 27 Points | Beginning 22 Points | Try Again 17 Points | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| TWIST Analysis | Each aspect of TWIST is analyzed thoroughly and thoughtfully. The tone(s) is/are correctly identified and explained and are supported by evidence. The word choice uses a healthy sample of words from the excerpt that are loaded with connotation, associations, or emotional impact. The chosen imagery highlights sense impressions created by the writer and indicates the author's attitude or evokes a particular reaction from the reader. The author's style is discussed in terms of figurative language, point of view, literary techniques, punctuation, etc. The theme identified highlights the meaning of the passage and offers insight, and it is supported by evidence from the text. | Most of the aspects of TWIST are analyzed thoroughly and thoughtfully. In discussing the aspects, the student may have forgotten key evidence, or they may be unclear in their analysis. The student shows a basic understanding of each of the parts of the acronym, but may not apply them fully to the selected passage. | Most aspects of TWIST are provided with basic evidence and quotes from the passage. The student may be able to identify the elements correctly, but not be able to explain them completely or reveal insight. The discussion is rudimentary and/or may seem rushed. | Some aspects of TWIST are missing or too limited to score, or most of the aspects of TWIST are incorrect. The student makes no attempt to reveal insight in his or her analysis. |
| Depictions | The depictions of each aspect of TWIST are accurate to the passage, or provide an interesting, creative, or insightful visual interpretation of the element in the passage. It is evident that the student spent a lot of time, creativity, and effort into carefully crafting each artistic depiction. | Most of the depictions of each aspect of TWIST are accurate to the passage, or provide an interesting, creative, or insightful visual interpretation of the element in the passage. It is evident that the student stayed on task and put time and effort into crafting each artistic depiction. | Most of the depictions of each aspect of TWIST are accurate to the passage, but they are minimal. There may be some inaccuracies or evidence that the student strayed from the task at hand. The student may not have paid much attention to detail in crafting each depiction, and there may be evidence of rushing or limited effort. | Some of the depictions of each aspect of TWIST are inaccurate, missing, or too limited to score. It is evident that the student did not put a lot of time, effort, and creativity into crafting each artistic depiction. |
| English Conventions | Ideas are organized. Displays control of grammar, usage, and mechanics. Shows careful proofreading. | Ideas are organized. Contains few errors in grammar, usage and mechanics. Shows some proofreading. | Ideas are organized. Contains errors in grammar, usage and mechanics which interfere with communication. Shows a lack of proofreading. | Contains too many errors in grammar, usage and mechanics; (and/or) errors seriously interfere with communication. Shows a lack of proofreading. |
Lesson Plan Overview
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 Declaration of Independence, students can depict, explain, and discuss what the purpose of the document is, while analyzing Jefferson’s voice.
Nor have we been wanting in attentions to our British brethren. We have warned them from time to time of attempts by their legislature to extend an unwarrantable jurisdiction over us. We have reminded them of the circumstances of our emigration and settlement here. We have appealed to their native justice and magnanimity and we have conjured them by the ties of our common kindred to disavow these usurpations which would inevitably interrupt our connections and correspondence. They too have been deaf to the voice of justice and of consanguinity. We must therefore acquiesce to the necessity which denounces our separation and hold them, as we hold the rest of mankind, enemies in war, in peace friends.
TWIST Example for The Declaration of Independence
| T | TONE | Jefferson’s tone in explaining that appeals made to the British citizens have failed, too, is forthright, authoritative, and sincere. |
|---|---|---|
| W | WORD CHOICE |
warned, reminded, appealed, conjured, deaf, enemies |
| I | IMAGERY |
"They too have been deaf to the voice of justice and consanguinity.” |
| S | STYLE |
Jefferson’s approach to these many appeals to British brethren is logical. He outlines each step the colonists have taken, and then ends with how the British citizens have turned their backs on the colonists. |
| T | THEME |
This passage highlights that the colonists have not only been abandoned by their king, but by their fellow English citizens. The passage shows the colonists’ sense of abandonment, and then their resolve: either you are with us, or against us. |
Template and Class Instructions
(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 The Declaration of Independence. Remember that TWIST stands for Tone, Word Choice, Imagery, Style, Theme.
- Click "Start Assignment".
- Choose any combination of scenes, characters, items, and text to represent each letter of TWIST.
- Write a few sentences describing the importance or meaning of the images.
- Finalize images, edit, and proofread your work.
Lesson Plan Reference
Student Rubric
(You can also create your own on Quick Rubric.)
| Proficient 33 Points | Emerging 27 Points | Beginning 22 Points | Try Again 17 Points | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| TWIST Analysis | Each aspect of TWIST is analyzed thoroughly and thoughtfully. The tone(s) is/are correctly identified and explained and are supported by evidence. The word choice uses a healthy sample of words from the excerpt that are loaded with connotation, associations, or emotional impact. The chosen imagery highlights sense impressions created by the writer and indicates the author's attitude or evokes a particular reaction from the reader. The author's style is discussed in terms of figurative language, point of view, literary techniques, punctuation, etc. The theme identified highlights the meaning of the passage and offers insight, and it is supported by evidence from the text. | Most of the aspects of TWIST are analyzed thoroughly and thoughtfully. In discussing the aspects, the student may have forgotten key evidence, or they may be unclear in their analysis. The student shows a basic understanding of each of the parts of the acronym, but may not apply them fully to the selected passage. | Most aspects of TWIST are provided with basic evidence and quotes from the passage. The student may be able to identify the elements correctly, but not be able to explain them completely or reveal insight. The discussion is rudimentary and/or may seem rushed. | Some aspects of TWIST are missing or too limited to score, or most of the aspects of TWIST are incorrect. The student makes no attempt to reveal insight in his or her analysis. |
| Depictions | The depictions of each aspect of TWIST are accurate to the passage, or provide an interesting, creative, or insightful visual interpretation of the element in the passage. It is evident that the student spent a lot of time, creativity, and effort into carefully crafting each artistic depiction. | Most of the depictions of each aspect of TWIST are accurate to the passage, or provide an interesting, creative, or insightful visual interpretation of the element in the passage. It is evident that the student stayed on task and put time and effort into crafting each artistic depiction. | Most of the depictions of each aspect of TWIST are accurate to the passage, but they are minimal. There may be some inaccuracies or evidence that the student strayed from the task at hand. The student may not have paid much attention to detail in crafting each depiction, and there may be evidence of rushing or limited effort. | Some of the depictions of each aspect of TWIST are inaccurate, missing, or too limited to score. It is evident that the student did not put a lot of time, effort, and creativity into crafting each artistic depiction. |
| English Conventions | Ideas are organized. Displays control of grammar, usage, and mechanics. Shows careful proofreading. | Ideas are organized. Contains few errors in grammar, usage and mechanics. Shows some proofreading. | Ideas are organized. Contains errors in grammar, usage and mechanics which interfere with communication. Shows a lack of proofreading. | Contains too many errors in grammar, usage and mechanics; (and/or) errors seriously interfere with communication. Shows a lack of proofreading. |
How Tos about TWIST-ing The Declaration of Independence
Organize a collaborative TWIST analysis activity
Foster teamwork by having students work in groups to analyze different passages using the TWIST method. This approach encourages discussion, multiple perspectives, and deeper understanding.
Assign passages strategically to student groups
Select key excerpts from The Declaration of Independence and assign each group a different section. This allows for focused analysis and ensures broad coverage of the document.
Guide groups to assign TWIST roles
Have each student in a group take responsibility for one element of TWIST (Tone, Word Choice, Imagery, Style, Theme). This gives everyone a chance to contribute and become an expert on their element.
Facilitate group presentations and peer feedback
Ask groups to present their TWIST findings to the class, then encourage peers to ask questions or offer insights. This builds confidence and reinforces comprehension through teaching.
Reflect as a class on differing interpretations
Lead a discussion about how different groups interpreted the same text differently. This emphasizes that close reading can yield multiple valid perspectives and deepens collective learning.
Frequently Asked Questions about TWIST-ing The Declaration of Independence
What is a TWIST analysis and how can it be used with the Declaration of Independence?
TWIST analysis is a method for examining Tone, Word Choice, Imagery, Style, and Theme in a text. When applied to the Declaration of Independence, it helps students dive deeper into Jefferson’s language and the document’s purpose by breaking down its literary elements.
How do you teach TWIST analysis to middle or high school students?
To teach TWIST analysis, introduce each element (Tone, Word Choice, Imagery, Style, Theme) with examples, then guide students to analyze a selected passage. Encourage them to use visuals, write short descriptions, and discuss findings in individual or group settings.
What are some examples of word choice and imagery in the Declaration of Independence?
Key word choices in the Declaration include terms like warned, reminded, appealed, conjured, deaf, enemies. Powerful imagery appears in lines such as “They too have been deaf to the voice of justice and consanguinity,” illustrating the colonists’ sense of abandonment.
Why is it important to analyze tone and theme in historical documents like the Declaration of Independence?
Analyzing tone and theme reveals the author’s intent and emotional impact. In the Declaration of Independence, understanding these elements helps students grasp the colonists’ feelings and motivations, deepening their historical comprehension.
What are some quick and easy TWIST lesson ideas for teaching the Declaration of Independence?
Try activities like storyboarding each TWIST element, having students illustrate key phrases, or group discussions on Jefferson’s language. These hands-on approaches make TWIST analysis engaging and accessible for grades 6–12.
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Declaration of Independence
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