Read the History Connection on page 424 of your textbook. Respond in writing to the Reader’s Journal question. Then discuss your response with a few of your classmates.
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?
With your group from the Before-Reading activity, discuss the effect of the speech. Compare and contrast it to speeches you have heard about disasters or tragedies you have witnessed.