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Jean Studies U.S. History, Part 1

Jean Studies U.S. History, Part 1
Reading Level
     edHelper's suggested reading level:   high interest, readability grades 4 to 6
     Flesch-Kincaid grade level:   4.39

Vocabulary
     challenging words:    diplomat, economic, representation, slavery, federal, colonial, original, govern, gain, interesting, favor, quiz, order, freedom, citizen, powerful
     content words:    Native Americans, Revolutionary War, Thomas Jefferson, Independence Day, Constitutional Convention, John Jay, James Madison, Alexander Hamilton, Federalist Papers, Benjamin Franklin

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Jean Studies U.S. History, Part 1
By Patti Hutchison 		  
1     "Hi, Jean, what are we studying today?" Rob asked.
 
2     "We need to start on U.S. history today," Jean replied. "I take my test in three weeks. I'm getting nervous. I really want to pass so that I can become a U.S. citizen."
 
3     "Well, let's get going. What if I quiz you this time?" Rob asked.
 
4     "That sounds good to me," Jean replied. "I'm ready whenever you are."
 
5     "Why did colonists come to America?" Rob asked.
 
6     "They wanted freedom," Jean said. "Some were seeking religious freedom. Others wanted political freedom. They came to make a better life for themselves."
 
7     "That's true," Rob said. "Many people were treated badly in the countries they came from because of their religious beliefs. They didn't want the government to tell them what they should believe in. Others wanted freedom from a government they thought was wrong. These beliefs helped shape this country."
 
8     "That's very interesting. What's the next question?" Jean asked.
 
9     "Who lived in America before the colonists came?" Rob asked.
 
10     "The Native Americans did. I believe they were called Indians," Jean replied.
 
11     "That's right. There are many tribes that still exist today. They include the Iroquois, Apache, Navajo, and Sioux, to name a few," Rob explained. "Let's move on. Why did the colonists fight the British?"
 
12     "They wanted to govern themselves," Jean replied.
 
13     "Good answer," Rob said. "They were being taxed by Britain when they didn't have any representation in the government there. The colonists were also being forced to keep British soldiers in their homes. These were some major reasons for the Revolutionary War. Let's try another question. Who wrote the Declaration of Independence, and when was it adopted?"
 
14     "Thomas Jefferson wrote it, and it was adopted July 4, 1776," Jean said.

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