6. Practising sentence patterns a. The Emphatic Past Tense
These two sentences seem very similar:
Lincoln had very little schooling, but he had a brilliant mind.
Lincoln had very little schooling, but he did have a brilliant mind.
The two sentences have the same meaning, but the second emphasizes the contrast.
Discuss in class various times when emphatic forms are used. Then complete the following sentences with emphatic past tense verbs.
1. We didn't have any milk in the house, but we __________________ .
I didn't need help with my math class, but I ___________________ .
B. Let or Let`s
Let's is the contraction for let us. This sentence pattern is used to make a suggestion that the speaker and the listener do something together. Lincoln used it in his famous statement "Let us have faith that right makes might." Let us is very formal. In ordinary conversation, let's is usually used. After let's, a base verb (with no ending) is used.
Write two sentences beginning with Let`s
1. Let`s ____________________________________________________ .
2. Let`s not _________________________________________________ .
7. Sharing ideas
Issues
Debate these issues in small groups. Then choose one and write about it.
1. Is a revolutionary leader a hero or a traitor? When is it morally right for people to revolt?
2. Did the South have the right to secede? Can part of a country declare independence?
3. Washington, who worked so hard for freedom, was himself a slave owner. (He did, however, free his slaves in his will.) Does that make Washington less of a hero?
On a personal note
Write about one of these topics.
1. Describe your ideal hero or heroine. What character traits and goals must this person have?
2. Read more about one of these people, and then write your reaction to their decisions and / or actions: Mary Todd Lincoln, Robert E. Lee, or John Wilkes Booth.
3. Do you think it's important for political leaders to be moral people in their personal lives?
4. Tell about a revolution or a civil war that you know about.
Four Patriotic Holidays
Three symbols of the United States of America
Before you read Discuss
1. Why do you think the flag, the bald eagle, and Uncle Sam are symbols of the United States?
2. Do you know the meaning of patri- in English or another language? Have you heard people refer to their native country as their fatherland or motherland? What does this suggest about people's feelings for their country?
3. Who were the opposing sides in the American Revolution and the Civil War?
Guess
Try to answer the questions. Then look for the answers in the reading.
1. Whose signature is the biggest and fanciest on the Declaration of Independence? Check ( ) one:
____ Benjamin Franklin ____ John Hancock ____ George Washington
2. What is the national bird of the U.S.? Check ( ) one:
____ the turkey ____ the bald eagle ____ the robin