McGuffey's Sixth Eclectic Reader, Revised Edition · Lesson XXXI · Part 4: Lessons XXV-XXXVI: Orators and soldiers

37. Speech of Walpole in Reproof of Mr. Pitt (Sir Robert Walpole)

Goal: Your student reads one side of a famous parliamentary exchange and explains what Walpole accuses young Pitt of.

⏱ About 30 minutes · 6 steps

Open it at the Internet Archive ↗

You'll need

  • The book, or the scan beside this guide
  • A notebook and pen
  • A dictionary

What's in the book

An author note on Walpole, then his speech rebuking a young member (Pitt) for his fiery oratory. The next lesson is Pitt's reply; teach them together if you can.

The lesson, step by step

  1. Words and meanings

    Before reading, find these words in the selection and look up any your student does not know: declamation, vehement, invective, theatrical.

  2. About the author

    The book says Sir Robert Walpole (1676-1745) was educated at Eton and Cambridge, entered Parliament in 1700, became a skillful debater, and was prime minister of Great Britain from 1721 to 1742, under George I and George II. It adds that he was accused of using bribery to manage Parliament.

  3. Read it aloud

    Your student reads the speech in a cool, scornful, older man's voice. Notice how Walpole mocks "pompous diction and theatrical emotion."

  4. Talk about it

    SayWhat does Walpole say is wrong with the young member's speaking?

    SayWhy does he mention the speaker's youth?

    SayIs Walpole arguing about the bill, or about the man? Find evidence.

    SayHow would you answer if you were Pitt?

  5. Tell it back

    Your student sums up Walpole's charges in three sentences.

  6. Write (optional)

    Before reading the next lesson, write the first two sentences of Pitt's reply as you imagine it.

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