Audio Time: 8: 56
Level: Intermediate and up
Vocabulary: To help
learners fully understand the audio and transcript, most vocabulary that might
be unknown for this lesson’s level is provided. Vocab in bold is more useful for learners at the
lesson’s target level. Try to choose 8 to 10 new words to learn from the story
(in general, it’s best to try to learn no more than 8-10 new words a day).
Definitions
are written with the help of various sources including Merriam-Webster’s Learner’s
Dictionary
Note: Vocabulary
for only the first, and most famous, part of the text is listed here. Since the
language of text is 240 years old, it can make the text more difficult to
understand. For this reason, the original text and a simple English version has
been provide below.
Text
Starting text
The first part of the text says that a declaration of
independence must be well-reasoned:
When in
the Course of human events, it becomes necessary for one people to dissolve the
political bands which have connected them with another, and to assume among the
powers of the earth, the separate and equal station to which the Laws of Nature
and of Nature's God entitle them, a decent respect to the opinions of mankind
requires that they should declare the causes which impel them to the
separation.
Simple English translation:
Sometimes in history, one country has to stop being connected
to another country. It has to become separate and equal. This is a right that
Nature and God give to every person. However, when this happens, the country
should explain its reasons for separating from the other country.
The Preamble
The preamble of the declaration is the best-known part.
We hold
these truths to be self-evident, that all men are created equal, that they are
endowed by their Creator with certain unalienable Rights, that among these are
Life, Liberty and the pursuit of Happiness. — That to secure these rights,
Governments are instituted among Men, deriving their just powers from the
consent of the governed, — That whenever any Form of Government becomes
destructive of these ends, it is the Right of the People to alter or to abolish
it, and to institute new Government, laying its foundation on such principles
and organizing its powers in such form, as to them shall seem most likely to
effect their Safety and Happiness. Prudence, indeed, will dictate that
Governments long established should not be changed for light and transient
causes; and accordingly all experience hath shewn that mankind are more
disposed to suffer, while evils are sufferable than to right themselves by
abolishing the forms to which they are accustomed. But when a long train of
abuses and usurpations, pursuing invariably the same Object evinces a design to
reduce them under absolute Despotism, it is their right, it is their duty, to
throw off such Government, and to provide new Guards for their future security.
Simple English translation:
We think these truths are clear:
That all men are created equal.
That their Creator gives them rights that cannot be taken away.
That these rights include the rights to life, liberty
(freedom), and trying to be happy.
That governments are created to protect these rights.
That governments have power only if the people they are
governing agree that they do.
That whenever a government no longer protects these rights,
the people it governs have a right to change or get rid of that government.
They also have a right to create a new government that is more likely to
protect their safety and happiness.
That governments which have existed for a long time should not
be changed for small reasons. However, if a government abuses its people over
and over again, the people have the right to get rid of that government.
To
dissolve: (formal) to
officially end (something, such as a marriage, organization, or agreement).
To assume: to begin
(a role, duty, etc.) as a job or responsibility.
Declare: to say
or state (something) in an official or public way.
Impel: to cause (someone) to feel a strong need or desire to
do something.
Self-evident:
(formal) clearly true and requiring no proof or explanation.
To endow: to
freely or naturally provide (someone or something) with something — usually
used as (be) endowed.
Pursuit: an
attempt to find, achieve, or get something — + of.
To secure: protected
from danger or harm.
To institute: to
begin or create (something, such as a new law, rule, or system).
To derive: to have something as a source : to come from something.
Just: Fair: agreeing
with what is considered morally right or good.
Discussion
questions:
1. How did the statements in the Declaration effect the “course
of human events (history)”?
2. Do you think these rights are still important and necessary
today?
3. Are there any rights that should be added or removed?
4. Do you agree that the People have the right to change or
stop a government that does not protect these rights?
5. How should the People change or get rid of governments that
refuse to protect the rights and happiness of the People?
