1. Listen as your teacher reads the first paragraph of the selection aloud. What is the purpose of this speech? What effect does the opening of the speech have on you? How do you think you would feel upon hearing these words if you had witnessed this tragedy?
2. Continue reading the selection on your own. Keep thinking about the effect the words have on you and what effect they might have if you had witnessed this tragedy.
If you are having trouble connecting to the selection, try listening to the selection. Does listening to a speech have a different effect than reading a speech?