Common Core Exemplar: Analysis of President Obama's Bin Laden Speech (Informational Text/Seminal U.S. Text)

© 2012 James Mulhern

Sample CCSS Reading and Writing Activity—Analysis of Informational/Argumentative Text (Seminal U.S. Text)




(Please note that this is not an official publication of the CCSS.  The lesson plan is one that I created based on CCSS.)

This lesson plan also includes a Teacher Guide.  Click the link at the end to see all parts of the lesson plan.

Standards Addressed: RI.11-12.1, RI.11-12.2, RI.11-12.3, RI.11-12.4, RI.11-12.5, RI.11-12.6, RI.11-12.8, RI.11-12.10, W.11-12.1, W.11-12.2, W.11-12.4, W.11-12.5, W.11-12.9.

Analysis of President Barack Obama's Speech on the Death of Osama bin Laden—Grades 11-12

Learning Objectives:  The goal of this exemplar is to develop close-reading and analysis skills in students.  By reading the text, first with a peer, then with the class as a whole, students will come to a greater understanding of author’s purpose, theme(s), diction, mood, syntax, imagery, audience, structure/organization, persuasive techniques, and other rhetorical techniques.

Reading Task:  First, teacher establishes the context of the speech for students—the background of the 9/11 terrorist attacks and Osama bin Laden as the mastermind of a plan carried out by his terrorist organization, Al-Qaeda; the subsequent military actions taken by the United States; and the effect of this historic event on America and the rest of the world.  Teacher then directs students to read with a peer or peers (no more than 3 students in each group).  Teacher tells students that they will participate in reciprocal reading and note taking together: each person in the group reads a section of the text, followed by a short discussion of what was read, followed by note taking.  Students should comment on parts of the speech that they thought were effective and note why.  They should also write down any questions that they have on the material.

Teacher Read-Aloud:  After the students have read the speech on their own, the teacher should read the speech in its entirety while students follow along.  Teacher should tell students to jot down any additional observations or questions that they have as the teacher reads aloud.

Guided Question Activity (Group Work):  Teacher gives students a handout (see below) of discussion questions to answer with their partners.  Teacher tells students that for each answer that they record, they should refer to a specific section of the text that substantiates/proves their response.  While the students are answering the questions within their respective groups, the teacher should walk around the classroom, assisting and guiding students to a greater understanding of the text, as well as providing clarification and helpful suggestions as students experience difficulty.

Presentation of Student Analysis and Group Discussion:  After students have answered the questions, teacher leads the class in a group discussion of the major points.  Teacher encourages a student or student to help with the discussion as a fellow facilitator.  Student facilitators sit at the front of the room, near the teacher. Teacher explains to the class as a whole that he/she and the student facilitators are working as a team to elicit responses from everyone in the group and generate discussion.

Writing Activity: After a group discussion/analysis of President Obama’s speech, teacher tells students that they will now write an essay in which they discuss the techniques and language that President Obama uses to convey the information of bin Laden’s death.  Teacher reminds students to consider his major purpose/objective in the speech as well as some of his other objectives throughout.  Students should always cite words and phrases to substantiate/prove the argument that they are making.  Teacher tells students that they may use all their notes.  In addition, the teacher may provide an opening sentence and/or paragraph as a model to begin the essay.

Discussion Questions (Always cite words/language to prove your points.)

1.  What is President Obama’s primary purpose in this speech?

2.  Why does President Obama use the words, “killed,” “murder,” “thousands of innocent men, women, and children”? (Paragraph 1)

3.  How is the imagery in Paragraph 2 effective?  Cite specific words or phrases and explain the mood that is created by the language that you have cited.  

4.  In Paragraph 3, President Obama uses a different set of images. What is the difference in the types of images he presents in Paragraph 2 and Paragraph 3?  Why is this contrast in image type effective?

5.  What specific details or words stand out to you in Paragraph 3?  Why do these words make an impression on you?  Explain.

6.  Oftentimes, orators present more than one theme in their speeches.  How would you describe the theme that is introduced in Paragraph 4?  Why is the introduction of this theme at this point in the speech effective?  Cite specific words as proof.

7.  How does the tone change in Paragraph 5?  Cite words and explain.  Why is it effective to begin this paragraph with the words, “We were also united”?

8.  Why does President Obama choose to begin Paragraph 6 with “Over the last ten years”?  What is his underlying purpose in this paragraph? Consider the people he is mentioning, as well as the details he mentions.

9.  Why is it important for President Obama to include the phrase “And around the globe, we worked with our friends and allies”? 

10. What is the purpose of Paragraph 7?

11. Other than the opening paragraph, when President Obama greets his audience using the pronoun “I,” he uses the pronouns “we” and “our” for most of the beginning of his speech.  In Paragraph 8, the President again uses “I.”  Why is his not using “I” until this point (except for the opening) effective?  How would the effect of his speech differed if he used the pronoun “I” repeatedly?

12. What is the effect of the words “disrupt, dismantle, and defeat”? (Paragraph 8) Do you know what beginning a series of words with the same consonant is called?

13. What is the intent or purpose for the information President Obama relates in Paragraph 9?

14. In Paragraph 10, Obama uses the key phrase “at my direction.”  Why is this phrasing important?  Why do you think he says, “No Americans were harmed”?  What is the effect of the words “extraordinary courage and capability”?

15. What is the function of Paragraph 11?

16. President Obama uses the key transition word, “Yet,” at the beginning of Paragraph 12.  What is his primary purpose in this paragraph?

17. What ideas is President Obama trying to make clear in Paragraph 13?  Why is his presentation of these ideas so important?  What is so effective about the statement “Bin Laden was not a Muslim leader; he was a mass murderer of Muslims.”  What is so effective about including the key words, “peace,” and “human dignity” at the end of the paragraph?

18. Whom does President Obama credit for assistance in Paragraph 14?  Why is this important?

19. What is the main purpose of Paragraph 15?

20. Why does President Obama say, “The American people did not choose this fight.  It came to our shores, and started with the senseless slaughter of our citizens” in Paragraph 16?  What is the effect of the phrase “senseless slaughter of our citizens”?

21. What is President Obama’s purpose in Paragraph 17?  Why is it important to say, “We will be true to the values that make us who we are” and “Justice has been done”?  What are the effects of those words?

22. President Obama uses the word “tonight” twice in Paragraph 18.  In what direction is he trying to steer his audience?  Why does he say, “we give thanks”?

23. What is the function of Paragraphs 19 and 20?  What is President Obama’s purpose/objective at this point in the speech? What is so effective about the language, “professionalism, patriotism, and unparalleled courage”?

24. Again President Obama uses the key word “tonight” in Paragraph 21.  He also uses the words “unity that prevailed” and “testament to the greatness of our country.”  What are the effects of this language on his audience?

25. What is the purpose of Paragraph 22?  Consider the words “not complete.”  How does President Obama connect the events of 9/11 to the larger events of our national story?  Why is this an effective thing to do as he closes his speech?  Cite specific words.

26. What is the effect of the words, “one nation, under God, indivisible, with liberty and justice for all” in Paragraph 23?  Where do these words come from?  What does President Obama place those words in the closing of his speech?

27. Why do presidents usually end speeches with “God bless the United States of America”?

28. President Obama’s speech can be analyzed in terms of time sequence.  For example, in the beginning he provides a background for the news he is announcing (the past).  At what other points in the essay are transitions in time made?  Identify those transitions and explain the change in time.

Teacher Guide—Analysis of President Obama’s Death of Bin Laden Speech

Paragraph 1: President Obama begins his speech in a direct, strong manner, emphasizing the importance of the issue at hand; the immediacy of his statement conveys a serious tone.  His use of words such as “terrorist” and “murder of thousands of innocent men, women, and children” (loaded language) support the rightness of the President’s actions, as well as appeal to the emotions of his audience (emotional appeal, pathos).

Paragraph 2: President Obama provides background/context for the current occasion, reminding his audience of the tragedies that took place on 9/11.  The specificity of his details and the imagery focus on key memories that all Americans share, thereby justifying his actions for the American people, and reminding all of us of the devastation on 9/11. The imagery of “cloudless September sky” is contrasted with the Twin Towers collapsing and the wreckage of Flight 93 to dramatic effect.  The President also takes the opportunity in the last sentence to recognize the heroism of fellow Americans (emotional appeal and ethical appeal/ethos).

Paragraph 3: The transition words “And yet” effectively introduce a contrasting set of images, “more quiet” images that would not necessarily occur to the American public at first thought—the repercussions and lingering effects of the violent events on that historic day.  Words such as “children,” “mother,” “father,” “parents” establish common ground with members of his audience, all of whom have families.  His decision to use the precise number, “3,000,” is wise, pointing out the gravity of the attack.  Were the President to use “many citizens” instead, the effect would not be as powerful.  “Gaping hole in our hearts” intensifies the emotion, and the use of the pronoun “our” helps strengthen the bonds of all Americans as a result of this tragedy.

Paragraph 4: President Obama continues his theme of unity and the goodness of the American people, as well as our common ground by using words such as “ties to each other,” “love of community," and “united as one American family.”  He also recognizes and celebrates the diversity of America (religiously and ethnically): "no matter what God we prayed to, or what race or ethnicity we were."  He is appealing to the range of our American experience, celebrating our greatness: out of many, we are one (the American motto on the Seal of the United States), the metaphor of the American melting pot.

Paragraph 5: By beginning his paragraph with “We are also united,” President Obama affirms the resolve of the American people.  Loaded language such as “vicious” and “killing innocents” adds to the emotional impact.  The last sentence, with the words, “to protect our citizens, our friends, and our allies” conveys the idea that the 9/11 attack was an attack on not just America, but on the world.  The President is stating his commitment to our allies, proving he is concerned not just about Americans, but about the world (ethical appeal).  He is also assuring the foreign audience, who is listening to his speech, that America will continue to strengthen bonds and assist allies as necessary.

Paragraph 6: In this paragraph, President Obama is explaining and celebrating all the work that has gone into the pursuit of bin Laden with specific, concrete references to inroads made in the war against terror: "strengthened our homeland defense," "removed the Taliban government."  He is pointing out the success thus far, crediting other nation states for their help as well.  He is demonstrating his awareness that an important part of his audience is from other nations.  He is also delivering a message to al Qaeda terrorists that Americans are persistent, implying that even if it takes ten years, America and its allies will continue to pursue their enemies until justice is served.

Paragraph 7: In this paragraph, President Obama is emphasizing that although great work had been done in the past ten years against the terrorist network of al Qaeda, bin Laden was still actively planning future operations against the United States and its allies, providing additional justification for the successful military operation.

Paragraph 8: For the second time in the speech, President Obama uses the pronoun “I.”  At this point in the speech he is emphasizing his strength as commander-in-chief, conveying to the American public that he can make tough decisions and is a capable protector of our nation. President Obama is cognizant that in the past, Democrats have been portrayed as weak on military matters; he is using the present occasion to enlarge his credibility in this regard.  By his waiting to use “I” until this later point, he also shows that he is a humble person (ethos) who recognizes the accomplishments of others before emphasizing his own role.  If from the beginning of the speech he had used the pronoun “I,” his audience might have received the impression that he was taking full credit for the successful operation, perhaps fostering an image of arrogance, which would have obscured his larger message.  His use of "I" at this point also points to his willingness to take full responsibility for his actions, demonstrating that he is an individual with conviction and integrity, someone willing to stand by the choices that he makes (ethos).

Paragraph 9: In this paragraph, President Obama provides context to the planning that went into the operation against bin Laden.  He demonstrates that he is a careful planner by mentioning that he had been working on the plan since the previous August; in other words, he does not make rash decisions, but instead acts carefully and diligently.  His saying, “only last week” shows that he waited until he had all possible knowledge of the viability of the operation before he instructed his commanders to proceed.  Again, all of this information speaks to his good judgment as a commander-in-chief.  The phrase “bring him to justice” is both an emotional and ethical appeal, a nice ending to the paragraph.

Paragraph 10: President Obama commends the courage of the navy seals who carried out the operation with the descriptors “extraordinary courage and capability.”  He realizes it is important to recognize their bravery.  “No Americans were harmed” alleviates fears that Americans had about the loss of life, but also speaks to the skill of our military personnel and elicits pride in the audience.

Paragraph 11: Lest anyone in the audience feel disturbed by the purposeful killing of bin Laden, President Obama reiterates the fact that bin Laden has been plotting violence against Americans for “over two decades.”  He also emphasizes the significance of the accomplishment in the last sentence, guiding his audience to understand that a major success in the war against terror has been achieved.

Paragraph 12: In this paragraph, President Obama transitions to the future, emphasizing that there is still work to do in the war against terror.  We must not become complacent, he implies.  “We must – and we will” highlights his resolve but also the importance of bonding together (his use of the pronoun “we”).

Paragraph 13: President Obama addresses the concerns of those in the audience (both nationally and internationally) who might perceive his action against bin Laden as being anti-Islam.  He also redefines, essentially renames, bin Laden, taking away a source of power/credibility by calling him “not a Muslim leader” but a “mass murderer of Muslims.”  The alliterative quality of the latter phrase adds to its impact.  The phrase also reminds Muslims that bin Laden is their enemy as well.  Obama is essentially distinguishing between Muslims, and not labeling a group by the actions of a single individual.  This shows that he is a sophisticated thinker who discourages stereotypes and unfair attacks against individuals in a group.  He is establishing his credibility and character as a leader (ethos).  “Peace” and “human dignity” are values that all people share; President Obama is establishing common ground.

Paragraph 14: President Obama is crediting Pakistan for its help in the operation, alleviating tensions that were “in the air” at the time because the United States did not ask permission of President Zardari to enter his country and carry out the operation.  He is trying to reduce tension and conflict that was created because of the operation.

Paragraph 15: President Obama continues to work on strengthening relationships with Pakistan, implying that both countries will continue to work together and share common goals.  His recognition of President Zardari and the Pakistani people is gracious and strategic at the same time.  The United States needs a strong relationship with Pakistan because it is important to our national interests.

Paragraph 16: Again, lest anyone in the audience accuse the United States of being militaristic because of this latest operation, the President reiterates that Americans were acting defensively, not offensively, by seeking out bin Laden.  “The American people did not choose this fight,” he says.  America has often been accused of being a militaristic, imperialistic nation.  The President is addressing these concerns in his audience, both nationally and internationally.

Paragraph 17: President Obama is asserting the values, resolve, and strength of the American people (ethos): "We will never tolerate our security being threatened, nor stand idly by when our people have been killed."  His use of the anaphoric phrase "We will be" also helps solidify the unity and the determination of American citizens.  He is sending a message to the world that America will always stand strong and fight for our ideals: “Justice has been done” (an allusion to "liberty and justice for all").  "On nights like this one" again emphasizes the present moment, a time for reflection and pride.  He expresses sympathy for the family members of the deceased (pathos): "families who have lost loved ones to al Qaeda's terror."  He is also suggesting to those terrorists who continue to plan acts of violence against the United States that they, too, will suffer the repercussions.  In a sense, he is delivering a warning to those individuals.

Paragraph 18: By beginning this paragraph with the word, “Tonight,” President Obama is guiding the audience to attend to the present moment of celebration and victory.  He is again commending all those who worked hard in this mission: “countless intelligence and counterterrorism professionals,” proving he is gracious and aware of the sacrifices and hard work of so many Americans (ethos).  He ends this paragraph with another key phrase, “pursuit of justice,” emphasizing an American ideal.

Paragraph 19:  President Obama continues his theme of thankfulness. The phrase “professionalism, patriotism, and unparalleled courage” has an alliterative resonance that highlights with eloquence the actions of American patriots.  By ending this paragraph with “that September day” he is creating a circular quality in his discourse, bringing us back to the beginning.  Such symmetry and balance adds eloquence and profundity to any oration.

Paragraph 20: The adverb “Finally,” with which he begins this paragraph emphasizes what is most important in the eyes of Obama: it is important to honor the dead who lost their lives on 9/11, and to offer condolences to the families of their loved ones (pathos).

Paragraph 21: Again, the word “tonight” brings us back to the present moment and the cause for celebration and thankfulness.  The words “sense of unity” and “testament to the greatness of our country and the determination of the American people” intensify the bond among Americans and emphasize the strength of our ideals (ethos, pathos).

Paragraph 22: President Obama reminds us that we, as a country, still have work to do and our goal of eradicating terrorism has not been achieved: “The cause of securing our country is not complete.”  He eloquently connects the latest struggles of the American people with all those struggles from our nation’s history, affirming for Americans that just as we made it through troubled times in the past, we will persevere in the present moment and into the future.

Paragraph 23: The imperative that begins “Let us remember” is an eloquent way to conclude his speech.  His alluding to the Pledge of Allegiance with the words, “one nation, under God, indivisible, with liberty and justice for all” is both an emotional and ethical appeal that will cause Americans to feel proud and united.

Paragraph 24: As all American politicians and presidents do, President Obama concludes his speech by thanking his audience for listening (ethos), and calling upon God to bless the nation, appealing to a common heritage that Americans share, no matter what their particular religious denomination.

Transcript of President Obama’s Speech on the Death of Osama bin Laden (5/1/2011)

(Paragraph 1) THE PRESIDENT:  Good evening.  Tonight, I can report to the American people and to the world that the United States has conducted an operation that killed Osama bin Laden, the leader of al Qaeda, and a terrorist who’s responsible for the murder of thousands of innocent men, women, and children.

(Paragraph 2) It was nearly 10 years ago that a bright September day was darkened by the worst attack on the American people in our history.  The images of 9/11 are seared into our national memory -- hijacked planes cutting through a cloudless September sky; the Twin Towers collapsing to the ground; black smoke billowing up from the Pentagon; the wreckage of Flight 93 in Shanksville, Pennsylvania, where the actions of heroic citizens saved even more heartbreak and destruction.

(Paragraph 3) And yet we know that the worst images are those that were unseen to the world.  The empty seat at the dinner table.  Children who were forced to grow up without their mother or their father.  Parents who would never know the feeling of their child’s embrace.  Nearly 3,000 citizens taken from us, leaving a gaping hole in our hearts.

(Paragraph 4) On September 11, 2001, in our time of grief, the American people came together.  We offered our neighbors a hand, and we offered the wounded our blood.  We reaffirmed our ties to each other, and our love of community and country.  On that day, no matter where we came from, what God we prayed to, or what race or ethnicity we were, we were united as one American family.

(Paragraph 5) We were also united in our resolve to protect our nation and to bring those who committed this vicious attack to justice.  We quickly learned that the 9/11 attacks were carried out by al Qaeda -- an organization headed by Osama bin Laden, which had openly declared war on the United States and was committed to killing innocents in our country and around the globe.  And so we went to war against al Qaeda to protect our citizens, our friends, and our allies.

(Paragraph 6) Over the last 10 years, thanks to the tireless and heroic work of our military and our counterterrorism professionals, we’ve made great strides in that effort.  We’ve disrupted terrorist attacks and strengthened our homeland defense.  In Afghanistan, we removed the Taliban government, which had given bin Laden and al Qaeda safe haven and support.  And around the globe, we worked with our friends and allies to capture or kill scores of al Qaeda terrorists, including several who were a part of the 9/11 plot.

(Paragraph 7) Yet Osama bin Laden avoided capture and escaped across the Afghan border into Pakistan.  Meanwhile, al Qaeda continued to operate from along that border and operate through its affiliates across the world.

(Paragraph 8) And so shortly after taking office, I directed Leon Panetta, the director of the CIA, to make the killing or capture of bin Laden the top priority of our war against al Qaeda, even as we continued our broader efforts to disrupt, dismantle, and defeat his network.

(Paragraph 9) Then, last August, after years of painstaking work by our intelligence community, I was briefed on a possible lead to bin Laden.  It was far from certain, and it took many months to run this thread to ground.  I met repeatedly with my national security team as we developed more information about the possibility that we had located bin Laden hiding within a compound deep inside of Pakistan.  And finally, last week, I determined that we had enough intelligence to take action, and authorized an operation to get Osama bin Laden and bring him to justice.

(Paragraph 10) Today, at my direction, the United States launched a targeted operation against that compound in Abbottabad, Pakistan.  A small team of Americans carried out the operation with extraordinary courage and capability.  No Americans were harmed.  They took care to avoid civilian casualties.  After a firefight, they killed Osama bin Laden and took custody of his body.

(Paragraph 11) For over two decades, bin Laden has been al Qaeda’s leader and symbol, and has continued to plot attacks against our country and our friends and allies.  The death of bin Laden marks the most significant achievement to date in our nation’s effort to defeat al Qaeda.

(Paragraph 12) Yet his death does not mark the end of our effort.  There’s no doubt that al Qaeda will continue to pursue attacks against us.  We must –- and we will -- remain vigilant at home and abroad.

(Paragraph 13) As we do, we must also reaffirm that the United States is not –- and never will be -– at war with Islam.  I’ve made clear, just as President Bush did shortly after 9/11, that our war is not against Islam.  Bin Laden was not a Muslim leader; he was a mass murderer of Muslims.  Indeed, al Qaeda has slaughtered scores of Muslims in many countries, including our own.  So his demise should be welcomed by all who believe in peace and human dignity.

(Paragraph 14) Over the years, I’ve repeatedly made clear that we would take action within Pakistan if we knew where bin Laden was.  That is what we’ve done.  But it’s important to note that our counterterrorism cooperation with Pakistan helped lead us to bin Laden and the compound where he was hiding.  Indeed, bin Laden had declared war against Pakistan as well, and ordered attacks against the Pakistani people.

(Paragraph 15) Tonight, I called President Zardari, and my team has also spoken with their Pakistani counterparts.  They agree that this is a good and historic day for both of our nations.  And going forward, it is essential that Pakistan continue to join us in the fight against al Qaeda and its affiliates.

(Paragraph 16) The American people did not choose this fight.  It came to our shores, and started with the senseless slaughter of our citizens.  After nearly 10 years of service, struggle, and sacrifice, we know well the costs of war.  These efforts weigh on me every time I, as Commander-in-Chief, have to sign a letter to a family that has lost a loved one, or look into the eyes of a service member who’s been gravely wounded.

(Paragraph 17) So Americans understand the costs of war.  Yet as a country, we will never tolerate our security being threatened, nor stand idly by when our people have been killed.  We will be relentless in defense of our citizens and our friends and allies.  We will be true to the values that make us who we are. And on nights like this one, we can say to those families who have lost loved ones to al Qaeda’s terror:  Justice has been done.

(Paragraph 18) Tonight, we give thanks to the countless intelligence and counterterrorism professionals who’ve worked tirelessly to achieve this outcome.  The American people do not see their work, nor know their names.  But tonight, they feel the satisfaction of their work and the result of their pursuit of justice.

(Paragraph 19) We give thanks for the men who carried out this operation, for they exemplify the professionalism, patriotism, and unparalleled courage of those who serve our country.  And they are part of a generation that has borne the heaviest share of the burden since that September day.

(Paragraph 20) Finally, let me say to the families who lost loved ones on 9/11 that we have never forgotten your loss, nor wavered in our commitment to see that we do whatever it takes to prevent another attack on our shores. 

(Paragraph 21) And tonight, let us think back to the sense of unity that prevailed on 9/11.  I know that it has, at times, frayed.  Yet today’s achievement is a testament to the greatness of our country and the determination of the American people. 

(Paragraph 22) The cause of securing our country is not complete.  But tonight, we are once again reminded that America can do whatever we set our mind to.  That is the story of our history, whether it’s the pursuit of prosperity for our people, or the struggle for equality for all our citizens; our commitment to stand up for our values abroad, and our sacrifices to make the world a safer place. 

(Paragraph 23) Let us remember that we can do these things not just because of wealth or power, but because of who we are:  one nation, under God, indivisible, with liberty and justice for all.

(Paragraph 24) Thank you.  May God bless you.  And may God bless the United States of America.

If you found this exemplar helpful, or have comments or suggestions, please provide feedback by clicking on "Post a Comment" below and writing a response.  You may also email me at scholarmulhern@gmail.com. Your feedback is so appreciated! Thank you.