Defence of Ft. McHenry: The Original Star Spangled Banner
by Francis Scott Key
Before it was the "The Star-Spangled Banner," the lyrics of the song were written by Francis Scott Key as a poem in 1814. The original poem refers to the British naval bombardment of Ft. McHenry during the War of 1812. Students will read the poem and respond to questions on the meaning of the poem, the figurative language, and the rhyme scheme.
Reading Comprehension Passage
Defence of Ft. McHenry: The Original Star Spangled Banner
by Francis Scott Key
Reading Comprehension Questions
Vocabulary List
Vocabulary List
Each of the vocabulary words below are used in the reading passage. As you read the passage, pay attention to context clues that suggest the word’s meaning.
- ramparts
- spangled
- foe
- refuge
- conquer
- triumph
Context Clues
Context Clues
Using context clues from the sentences in the passage, underline the correct meaning of the word in boldface.
1) “O'er the ramparts we watch'd, were so gallantly streaming?”
a. trees and forest c. wide lake d. open field d. protective wall
2) “O! say, does that star-spangled banner yet wave…”
a. tattered or old b. decorated c. outlined d. shaped
3) “Where the foe's haughty host in dread silence reposes.”
a. friend b. enemy c. neighbor d. relative
4) “No refuge could save the hireling and slave…”
a. soldier b. weapon c. school d. safe place
5) “Then conquer we must, when our cause it is just…”
a. defeat b. surrender c. agree d. share
6) “And the star-spangled banner in triumph shall wave…”
a. failure b. the night c. the sky d. victory