In this lesson, students will engage in a close reading and analysis of Abraham Lincoln’s Gettysburg Address, examining its historical context, key ideas, and rhetorical techniques. Through guided questions, vocabulary study, and discussion, students will explore how Lincoln conveys his message about democracy, national unity, and sacrifice. The lesson will culminate in an analytical writing task where students identify and examine central ideas in the speech, using strong textual evidence to support their analysis. This lesson aligns with California Common Core State Standards RI.11-12.1 and RI.11-12.2, emphasizing critical reading, evidence-based reasoning, and the development of ideas within a text.