by Jan McDonald - St. Cloud Times

Chapter One9:58 A.M.Vocabulary/Definition/Contenttyrannicaladj. unjustly cruel, harsh, or severe; absolute rulemercenaryadj. a professional soldier hired to serve in a foreignarmy“He’d heard his father...talk about the tyrannicalBritish; their cruel mercenary allies...the Hessiansand the hated Tories.”tavern n. a public house for travelers, inn“The bell, at the tavern a mile and a half away...”flintlock musketn. a muzzle loader that had a flintlock type ofgunlock; the flint makes a spark that ignites the charge“...his father’s flintlock musket leaned against astump.”cartridge n. a cylindrical case of pasteboard, metal,or the like, for holding a complete charge of powder.powder horn n. an animal's horn capped at theopen end, used to carry gunpowderprimed adj. prepared for firing by inserting acharge of gunpowder“The cartridge box and powder horn were there, thegun primed, ready to be used.”unveiled adj. revealed, open to being read“...his father’s eyes became unveiled.”Question/Predict/Evaluate1. Why do you think Jonathan’s father “put him off” when Jonathan wants to join a regiment?2. What are Jonathan’s father’s experiences of war? What are Jonathan’s dreams of war?3. What is the importance of the bell?4. What did Jonathan’s father mean when he said, “We must all be soldiers now”?5. Do you think the picture of war that Jonathan has in his head is an accurate one? Why are hisview and his father’s so different?6. Is Jonathan going against his parents’ wishes if he heads to the tavern? What are his father’sexact words? His mother’s?7. At 13, how could Jonathan be of use during a war?8. Pull out of this chapter, the one sentence or phrase that you think is the most important. Explain.The Newspaper Connection1. Determining what is important when you read is a critical reading skill. Question 8 aboveasks you to find the one phrase or sentence in this chapter that you think is most important.Now choose a news story and practice your skills. With a partner read the same news article.Then separately highlight the word, phrase, or sentence that captures the most important idea.2. Compare/contrast with your partner your ideas. Discuss and come to a consensus on what isimportant. 6