Question

Read and annotate the Introduction and Chapter 1 from Thomas Paine's "Common Sense".



Find the following Non-Fiction Notice and Notes:

1. Word Gaps- Words you don't know. (Find at least 5 in this section and highlight it/underline the word off to the side with the definition)

2. Contrast & Contradictions- What do you think should happen versus the opposite of what actually happens. (Think of a Superhero NOT saving someone in a crisis)

3. Extreme/Absolute Language- The author uses extreme, dramatized, fear mongering, and etc language to provide a point. (This of something that seems overly dramatic. Why would they say it like that?)


in simple terms

Answer 1

Summary (simple)
- Introduction: Paine tells readers he will explain why the American colonies should separate from Britain. He says people have gotten used to wrong things and need to think for themselves. He wants readers to consider independence seriously.
- Chapter 1 ("Of the origin and design of government in general"): Paine explains what society and government are for. He says society exists to make people’s lives better (a blessing). Government is created because people are imperfect — it’s necessary but can be harmful if it’s too powerful. He argues government’s job is protection, not to control people’s lives.

1) Word Gaps — words that might be hard and their simple meanings
(These words appear in the Introduction or Chapter 1 or are common in Paine’s wording.)

- procure — to get or obtain
- favourable / favour — approval, support, or a good opinion
- superficial — only on the surface; not deep or thorough
- necessary evil — something bad that must be accepted because it does some good
- wickedness — very bad or immoral behavior
- assent — agreement or approval

(You can underline or highlight these words in the text and write the short definition beside each.)

2) Contrast & Contradictions — what seems like it should happen vs what actually happens
- What should happen: Government should protect people and help society be happy.
What actually happens (Paine’s point): Government often becomes a source of harm and oppression — a “necessary evil” instead of just protection.
Why this matters: The government’s job is protection, but because humans are imperfect, government can turn into something that threatens freedom.

- What should happen: A long-established government (like a monarchy) should be stable and good for people.
What actually happens: Paine argues monarchies often keep power for the ruler’s family (hereditary rule) even if rulers are bad, and this is unfair and dangerous.
Why this matters: Paine uses this to argue America should break away and create a government chosen by the people.

3) Extreme / Absolute Language — dramatic phrases and why Paine uses them
Examples of dramatic language Paine uses:
- Calling government a “necessary evil.” This is strong because it calls government something bad, even if it’s needed.
- Saying monarchy and hereditary succession are unnatural or dangerous (Paine often uses strong negatives about kings and royal families).
- Using general, absolute words like “every,” “all,” or “always” when criticizing bad systems to make the argument feel urgent.

Why he speaks like this (simple):
- He wants people to feel the problem is serious and act. Strong words make readers worried and motivated.
- Dramatic language helps persuade readers fast — Paine wanted colonists to decide for independence now, not slowly.

If you want, I can:
- Mark the exact lines in the Introduction and Chapter 1 where the words and examples appear.
- Give a short annotation (one-sentence note) for several paragraphs.