Oath

High school (ages 12+)
People & Society

Name:

Date:

Step 1 · Read the article

Open the article and read it at the level above. Then answer the questions below in your own words.

https://smallwhale.org/articles/oath

Write what each word means, using the article.

Do not copy the article. Write two things you learned, the way you would explain them to a friend.

Answers below are taken from the article’s stored facts, so they match what the student read.

1. What is the etymological origin?Derived from Anglo-Saxon 'āþ', meaning a plight or solemn promise
2. What is the psychological impact?Leverages social accountability and ritualistic solemnity to enhance commitment and deter falsehood
3. Why do people take oaths in court?In court, people take an oath to promise they will tell the truth, so the judge and jury can trust what they say.
4. What happens if someone breaks an oath?Breaking an oath is called perjury, and it can lead to serious penalties because it hurts the fairness of justice.

Veracity: The quality of being truthful; accuracy or correctness.
Divine Sanction: Approval or authorization granted by a deity or religious authority.
Secularism: The principle of separation of the state from religious institutions.
Perjury: The criminal offense of lying or making an untrue statement after taking an oath or affirmation.