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World War I

The Life of a World War I Soldier

The Life of a World War I Soldier
Reading Level
     edHelper's suggested reading level:   grades 5 to 7
     Flesch-Kincaid grade level:   5.57

Vocabulary
     challenging words:    housing, ranks, frenzy, military, society, somewhat, production, reality, wounded, wealthy, series, artillery, life, mass, typhoid, soldier
     content words:    World War, After World War, British Empire

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The Life of a World War I Soldier
By Jane Runyon 		  
1     The life of a soldier in World War I can be summed up in one word, hard. The German soldiers were fighting for pride in their country. Their leaders had worked the people into a near frenzy. They believed that their whole way of life depended upon showing the world the greatness of their country. After World War I began, many young men could hardly wait to get into the army. Many were afraid that their army was so powerful that the fighting would be over before they had the chance to enter battle.
 
2     In the villages of Germany, there were different levels of society. The wealthy and the landowners were given high regard. If your family was less wealthy, the family saved money to allow the first born son the opportunity to go to college. Most likely, he would become a teacher. The best life that could be attained for those without much money was to join the military. There was always a good supply of men to fill in the ranks of the army.
 
3     The young German soldiers were excited about being given the chance to serve their country. Many were given housing in the homes of wealthy citizens during their training. They were treated with great respect. Some of the families they were housed with sent gifts and flowers to the soldiers when they reached the war front. It was at this same front that many of the young men faced the reality of the situation.

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