John Henry Tall Tale

Who wins the competition in this story?

• The Steam Drill

• Pecos Bill

• John Henry

• Paul Bunyan

What part of this story can really happen?

• Cave-ins can be dangerous for people working on tunnels.

• John Henry was born with a hammer in his hand.

• As a boy he could do the work of a man.

• John Henry had legs the size of tree trunks.

The _______ __________ is a machine that makes tunnels by drilling holes in mountain sides.

Why do you think people like to tell and hear the tall tale about John Henry?

Which of these is an exaggeration?

• John Henry had a heart attack.

• Railroads were an important means of transportation.

• John Henry was born with a hammer in his hand.

• Railroad workers worked in teams of 2.

A __________ is a kind of song that tells a story.