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Crossing the Delaware River — Reading Comprehension

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D2.HIS.1-4.3-5RI.4.1
RI.4.2
RI.4.3
W.4.2.

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This engaging history reading passage explores George Washington's daring crossing of the Delaware River during the American Revolution. Students will learn about the events leading up to the surprise attack on Trenton, New Jersey, why this event was important, and how it changed the course of the war. The passage uses clear, simple sentences and explains key vocabulary, making it ideal for building literacy and history skills. Activities include an 8-question multiple-choice quiz, a thought-provoking writing activity, and a timeline summarizing the main events. A glossary helps students understand important words, while a Spanish translation supports language learners. Aligned with the C3 Framework and Common Core ELA standards, this resource also features a historic public domain image and read aloud audio to support diverse learners.

CONTENT PREVIEW

Washington Crossing the Delaware by Emanuel Leutze, MMA-NYC, 1851.jpg
Source: Wikimedia Commons - Emanuel Leutze

The Battle of Bunker Hill was one of the first major battles of the American Revolution. It took place on June 17, 1775, near Boston, Massachusetts. At this time, the American colonies were trying to break free from British rule. The British army was considered the best in the world, while the colonial soldiers were mostly farmers and tradesmen with little experience.

In June 1775, British troops planned to take control of the hills around Boston. The colonial leaders learned of this plan. They decided to build strong fortifications on Breed’s Hill and Bunker Hill to stop the British. At night, the colonial soldiers quietly built walls made of earth and wood. When the sun rose, the British saw the colonists’ defenses and prepared to attack.

The British soldiers marched up the hill in straight lines, wearing bright red coats. The colonial soldiers waited until the enemy was close. Their commander, Colonel William Prescott, told them, "Don’t fire until you see the whites of their eyes!" This was because the colonists had little ammunition and needed to make every shot count.

The British attacked three times. The first two times, the colonists pushed them back. The hill was filled with smoke, noise, and bravery. On the third attack, the colonists ran out of gunpowder and had to retreat. The British took the hill, but they lost over 1,000 men—much more than the colonists did.

Even though the British won the Battle of Bunker Hill, the colonists proved they could fight bravely. Their teamwork and courage inspired others to join the fight for freedom. People across the colonies now believed they had a chance to win independence from Britain.

The Battle of Bunker Hill showed that the war would be hard and costly for both sides. It gave Americans hope and showed the world their determination to be free.

Interesting Fact: Many of the colonial soldiers who fought at Bunker Hill had never been in battle before, but their actions inspired the entire nation.

When did the Battle of Bunker Hill happen?

June 17, 1775July 4, 1776May 10, 1775October 19, 1781

Where did the battle take place?

PhiladelphiaBostonNew YorkSavannah

Who led the colonial soldiers?

Colonel William PrescottGeorge WashingtonPaul RevereThomas Jefferson

Why did the colonists build fortifications?

To attack British shipsTo protect the hillsTo store foodTo hold meetings

What did the battle show colonists?

They could win independenceThey were not braveThe British were weakThey should give up

How many times did the British attack?

OneTwoThreeFour