Selection 4: A Very Important Day
Written by Maggie Rugg Herold
Illustrated by Catherine Stock
Selection Summary
Many different families, who have come from
many countries, are all heading to one place
on a snowy New York City morning. They all
meet at the courthouse to participate in the
ceremony that makes them citizens of the
United States.
Key Concept:
Becoming a United States citizen
Genre: Realistic Fiction
Realistic characters and events
come to life in a fictional plot.
Key Vocabulary
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•
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Allegiance
Chamber
Citizens
Citizenship
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Enrich
Examiner
Oath
Petitioners
Allegiance: loyalty to one’s country or a
person
Everyone rose and joined the judge in the Pledge of Allegiance.
Chamber: a meeting room used by
lawmakers
The families entered the chamber to receive their certificates.
Citizens: official members of a country
Many people from other countries become United States citizens.
Citizenship: the status of a citizen with
accompanying rights, duties, and privileges
The judge hopes that their new citizenship will make their
lives better.
Enrich: to improve the quality of
The people hoped to enrich their lives by becoming
citizens of the United States.
Examiner: an official who inspects or asks
questions
The examiner handed out certificates to the families who
wished to become United States citizens.
Oath: a pledge or promise to act a certain
way
The judge led the people in reciting the oath of citizenship.
Petitioners: people who ask for something
in writing
The petitioners were brought before the judge, because they
qualified for citizenship.
Strategy Focus: Question
In this selection, many different
families prepare for one very
important day. As you read, think of
questions to ask about how each
family reacts to this day.
Comprehension Skill Focus:
Categorize and Classify
Use a Who/What chart to categorize
and classify details about the characters
and events in a story. For example, you
could divide the characters in the story
among different categories based on
various characteristics.
Enjoy Selection 4: A Very Important Day
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A Very Important Day.