After you read

1. Getting the message

A. Discuss these questions with a partner.

1. Two of the four holidays described in the reading are birthday celebrations.

Which are they, and what do they celebrate?

2. Of the four holidays discussed in the reading, which two seem most similar to you? Why?

3. Reread the Pledge of Allegiance. When Americans recite this pledge, what are they promising to do?

B. Mark each statement true (T) or false (F).

____ 1. The American flag has more white stripes than red stripes.

____ 2. Today's American flag looks exactly like the one that Betsy Ross made.

____ 3. Today's American flag has 50 five-pointed stars.

____ 4. Francis Scott Key wrote the words and music to the national anthem.

2. Building your vocabulary

A. These are the 15 key vocabulary words for this chapter. They are boldfaced in the reading. Pronounce these words after your teacher and discuss their meaning.

allegiance fireworks patriotism

anthem grave recite

armistice horizontal stripe

desecrate loyal tribute

document original veteran

B. Complete these sentences with some of the key vocabulary words. Make the nouns plural if necessary, and put the verbs into the correct tense and form.

1. When you are standing up, your body is vertical. When you are lying down, you are in a(n) ____________ position.

2. A country's national usually expresses love of one's country.

3. In a cemetery, the bodies of the dead are buried in ________ .

4. The Declaration of Independence is a very important _____________ in

American history.

5. People who once served in the military but are no longer in active service are

called .

6. When Americans the Pledge of Allegiance to the Flag, they

say it aloud with the right hand over the heart.

7. Noisy and colorful are a traditional part of an Independence

Day celebration. They brighten the night sky.

8. Today's American flag has 13 alternating red and white _________ .

3. Understanding idioms and expressions

On each blank line write the letter of the correct phrase to complete the sentence.

1. In this paragraph, the meaning of after all is _______ .

1. later

2. considering the following information

3. in addition

2. On the other side of the coin means ________ .

1. in addition

2. in contrast

3. as a result

3. To sum up means ________ .

1. to summarize

2. to describe

c. to explain in detail

4. When something stands out, it is ________ .

1. more noticeable than what is nearby

2. vertical

c. standing upright

5. When you put your John Hancock on something, you are ________ .

1. expressing your patriotic feelings

b. signing your name

c. putting on a coat

6. The endangered species list lists plants and animals that are ______ .

1. no longer living on Earth

b. at risk of becoming extinct

c. dangerous

7. The phrase tourist attraction refers to a place that ________ .

1. native residents of a community visit regularly

2. visitors to an area usually want to see

3. is a popular place to bring children

8. When the flag is flown at halfmast, it is ________ .

1. announcing a happy occasion

2. halfway up the flagpole

c. flying for only half the day

9. Free speech refers to ________ .

1. speech that people can hear without paying for it

2. the right to express an opinion publicly, whether it's popular or not

3. the right to say anything you want about anyone