DAVY CROCKETT
Here is a biographical sketch about Davy Crockett. Read the biographical sketch. Then do Numbers 1 through 12.
When many people hear the name Davy Crockett, they think of the man known for wearing a raccoon-skin cap. But there was much more to the life of this colorful frontiersman and folk hero.
David Crockett was born in 1786 in Greene County, Tennessee. He lived with his parents, who owned a ranch. Coming from a poor pioneer family, he received no formal education as a child but picked up the skills of a hunter, scout, and woodsman. According to some stories, Crockett shot his first bear before he was ten years old.
From 1813 to 1814, Crockett served under Andrew Jackson against the Creek in the War of 1812. After returning to Tennessee to take up farming, Crockett was appointed local magistrate. This office required him to learn to read and write more proficiently, which he did. In 1821, Crockett became a member of the Tennessee legislature. He served two terms helping to make laws for the state of Tennessee. Crockett did such a good job that the people of Tennessee elected him to Congress in 1827, where he was able to help create laws that benefited the entire country.
As a USCongressman, Crockett earned a reputation for being an amusing, shrewd, and outspoken backwoodsman, an image he enjoyed. He often wore fringed buckskin clothing, moccasins, and a raccoon-skin cap. His amusing stories and his motto, Be always sure you’re right, then go ahead,” became nationally known.
Crockett served three terms in Congress, but lost his fourth bid for election in 1834. Crockett opposed Jackson’s policies about relocating Native Americans. Democrats pleaded with Crockett to change his mind, but he stuck to his guns. Crockett’s opposition estranged him from the Democratic party. This disagreement cost Crockett his seat in Congress. Crockett was quite bitter over the defeat. The disappointment inspired him to leave Tennessee for Texas.
Crockett had heard that the people of Texas wanted to gain their independence from Mexico. The Mexican army was sent to Texas to prevent a rebellion. Crockett decided to go to Texas and help the people there. When he arrived, he joined about 180 men at a small fort called the Alamo, in San Antonio. The men were prepared to defend the fort from a Mexican army of 3,000.
The Mexican army tried to convince the 180 men to give up, but they would not. Finally, on February 23, 1836, the Mexican army attacked the Alamo. For several days, the 180 men fought them off. On March , the men ran out of ammunition, and the Mexican army gained entry into the Alamo. They fought hand to hand with the men, ending the lives of all who defended the fort. Among them was Davy Crockett.
Finding Main Idea
1.Which of these is an appropriate title for the biographical sketch?
A “American Frontiersman”
B “The Life and Times of Davy Crockett”
C “Davy Crockett-Career Politician”
D “ Frontier Hero”
Recalling Facts and Details
2.Which of these is not a fact supported by the biographical sketch?
A Crockett’s frontier reputation was ridiculed by his allies
B Crockett never received any formal educational training.
CCrockett served under Andrew Jackson during the War of 1812.
D Crockett served two terms in theTennessee legislature.
Understanding Sequence
3.The boxes tell about some of the events that took place at the Alamo.
The Mexican army is sent to Texas / Davy Crockett joins about 180 men at a small fort in San Antonio. / For several days, the men at the Alamo fight off the Mexican army.1 234
Which of these belongs in box 3?
AThe Mexican army gains entry into the Alamo.
B All the men defending the Alamo are killed by the Mexican army.
C The Mexican army tries to convince the men at the Alamo to give up.
D Davy Crockett loses his life fighting forthe people of Texas.
Recognizing Cause and Effect
4. Why did Crockett lose his fourth bid for election to Congress?
A He was not able to compete with thestrong image of his opponent.
BHe did not support President Jackson’s policies.
CThe people of Tennessee weredisappointed with his performance.
D He lost the support of the people ofTennessee because of his outspoken and shrewd ways.
Comparing and Contrasting
5. What was probably most different about Crockett as compared to other congressmen?
A his limited educational background
Bhis ability to tell amusing stories
Chis backwoodsman appearance
Dhis reputation for being outspoken
Making Predictions
6. Predict how Crockett would most likelyhave felt if he had given in to theDemocrats and supported the president.
A Crockett would have been so disappointed that he would never speak his mind.
BCrockett would have felt great satisfaction in knowing that heat least tried to do what
he believed in.
C Crockett would have been grateful that he was convinced to do the right thing.
D Crockett would have regretted notbeing true to his own beliefs.
Finding Word Meaning in Context
7. What is the meaning of estranged in paragraph five?
A “turned from a friendly attitude to adislike”
B“removed from usual surroundings”
C “formed an opinion or judgment about”
D “ supported a cause or idea.”
Drawing Conclusions and Making Inferences
8. A reader of this passage could conclude that
ACrockett was responsible for defeating the Creek.
BCrockett’s reputation for being outspoken and shrewd had been exaggerated by his supporters.
CCrockett would not have been at theAlamo if he had been elected to a fourth term in Congress.
D Crockett had taught himself to read and write more proficiently than people who had formal training.
Distinguishing Between Fact and Opinion
9. Which of these is a fact about Davy Crockett?
ACrockett was foolish to go to Texas tofight a battle that could not be won.
BCrockett was disappointed about losing his seat in Congress.
C Crockett was often too stubborn for hisown good.
D Crockett never should have opposed thepresident of the United States.
Identifying Authors Purpose
10.The author’s purpose in paragraph twois to
A entertain readers with legendaryaccounts of Crockett’s life.
Bprovide some background information on Crockett’s childhood.
C describe the surroundings in whichCrockett lived his adult life.
Dinform readers that Crockett’ s lifewas far from ordinary.
Interpreting Figurative Language
11. The phrase stuck to his guns means
A“threatened another with violence.”
B “complied with another’s wishes.”
C “maintained his position”
D “tolerated an injustice”
Summarizing
12. What is the best summary of the passage?
A Davy Crockett died a bitter anddisappointed man.
BDavy Crockett lived a life that was full of varied interests and activities.
C Davy Crockett was a well-knownfrontiersman and folk hero.
DDavy Crockett dedicated his lifeto helping others.
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