Paired Texts > Eleanor Roosevelt: Not Without Her Consent

by Shelby Ostergaard 2017

We've identified these texts as great options for text pairings based on similar themes, literary devices, topic, or writing style. Supplement your lesson with one or more of these options and challenge students to compare and contrast the texts. To assign a paired text, click on the text to go to its page and click the "Assign Text" button there.

FDR's First Inaugural Address
FDR's First Inaugural Address
President Franklin Delano Roosevelt

When Franklin Delano Roosevelt was elected President of the United States, the country was in the grips of the Great Depression. At his inauguration on March 4, 1933, he delivered this famous speech in which he addresses the growing fear that plagued a nation in crisis — "the only thing we have to fear is fear itself."

Pair “FDR’s First Inaugural Address” and “Eleanor Roosevelt: Not Without Her Consent” and ask students to compare and contrast the issues that were most important to Eleanor and Franklin D. Roosevelt. How do these two texts highlight the President’s and First Lady’s shared values? What differences do you see in what they wanted to change about America?

10th Grade Speech 1220L
First Lady Hillary Clinton's Address to the United Nations Fourth World Conference on Women
First Lady Hillary Clinton's Address to the United Nations Fourth World Conference on Women
First Lady Hillary Clinton

In the speech "First Lady Hillary Clinton's Address to the United Nations Fourth World Conference on Women," Clinton tells the United Nations why women's rights are human rights and encourages the world to protect those rights.

Pair “First Lady Hillary Clinton’s Address to the United Nations Fourth World Conference on Women” with “Eleanor Roosevelt: Not Without Her Consent,” and ask students to make connections between the two women’s areas of concern and their activism as First Ladies. What does Clinton’s address show us about how the role of First Lady has evolved since Roosevelt’s time? What similarities do you see across their lives and priorities that would have made Clinton the best choice to give the keynote speech at the dedication of the Eleanor Roosevelt monument?

10th Grade Speech 1200L
The Life's Work of Susan B. Anthony
The Life's Work of Susan B. Anthony
Various Authors

In "The Life's Work of Susan B. Anthony," various authors discuss Susan B. Anthony's life and death, as well as her lasting contributions to the suffrage movement.

Pair “The Life’s Work of Susan B. Anthony” with “Eleanor Roosevelt: Not Without Her Consent,” and ask students to compare how the two women advocated for women’s rights and how their efforts were received during their lifetimes. How does the Eleanor Roosevelt text show progress — or lack thereof — in women’s rights since Susan B. Anthony’s time?

10th Grade News 1220L
Jackie Kennedy Onassis: An Icon for the Ages
Jackie Kennedy Onassis: An Icon for the Ages
Shelby Ostergaard

In the informational text "Jackie Kennedy Onassis: An Icon for the Ages," Shelby Ostergaard discusses the life and influence of the former First Lady Jackie Kennedy Onassis.

Pair “Eleanor Roosevelt: Not Without Her Consent” with “Jackie Kennedy Onassis: An Icon for the Ages” to provide students with information about another former First Lady. Ask students to compare Eleanor Roosevelt’s time as First Lady with Jackie Kennedy Onassis’. What did the two First Ladies focus on during their time at the White House? How do students think both First Ladies changed the expectations for the First Ladies to follow?

10th Grade Informational Text 1040L
Did World War II Launch the Civil Rights Movement?
Did World War II Launch the Civil Rights Movement?
Annette McDermott

This article explains how the events of World War II launched the Civil Rights Movement.

Pair “Eleanor Roosevelt: Not Without Her Consent” with “Did World War II Launch the Civil Rights Movement?” and ask students to discuss how Roosevelt supported civil rights activists during her time as First Lady. How might Eleanor Roosevelt have influenced President Franklin Roosevelt? How do you think the support of the First Lady affected the way white Americans reacted to the demands of Black soldiers and veterans? What causes does the current president’s spouse support? Do you think this person is an effective advocate for change? Why or why not?

8th Grade Informational Text 1220L
First Ladies Day
First Ladies Day
Thomas Pool

In "First Ladies Day," the author summarizes some of America's First Ladies' greatest challenges and successes, and argues that it's time to celebrate the women behind the world's most powerful office.

Pair “Eleanor Roosevelt: Not Without Her Consent” with “First Ladies Day” and ask students to discuss Eleanor Roosevelt’s approach to the role of First Lady. According to the article “Eleanor Roosevelt: Not Without Her Consent,” what were some of the values that Mrs. Roosevelt brought to her role as First Lady? Based on the article “First Ladies Day,” how do you think Eleanor Roosevelt influenced the First Ladies who came after her? Use evidence from both texts to support your answers.

8th Grade Informational Text 1170L
Constance Baker Motley Taught the Nation How to Win Justice
Constance Baker Motley Taught the Nation How to Win Justice
Tomiko Brown-Nagin

In "Constance Baker Motley Taught the Nation How to Win Justice," the author describes the often overlooked impact of Constance Baker Motley's legal contribution on the civil rights movement in Birmingham.

Pair “Eleanor Roosevelt: Not Without Her Consent” with “Constance Baker Motley Taught the Nation How to Win Justice” and have students discuss common traits that both Eleanor Roosevelt and Constance Baker Motley shared. How were Roosevelt and Motley’s views on women in politics and racial equality similar? How did Roosevelt and Motley’s differing roles in society impact their legacy and how they are remembered today?

10th Grade Informational Text 1240L