The Star-Spangled Banner and Its History

What is the national anthem of the United States?

• The Star-Spangled Banner

• America the Beautiful

• God Bless America

• My Country, 'Tis of Thee

Who wrote the poem that became the lyrics for "The Star-Spangled Banner"?

• Francis Scott Key

• George Washington

• Abraham Lincoln

• Thomas Jefferson

Why was Fort McHenry important during the War of 1812?

• It protected the city of Baltimore

• It was the home of Francis Scott Key

• It was the capital of the United States

• It was where the President lived

How did Francis Scott Key feel when he saw the American flag still flying after the battle?

• Proud and inspired

• Angry and upset

• Confused and worried

• Tired and bored

Explain why "The Star-Spangled Banner" became an important song for Americans. Use evidence from the story to support your answer.

• It reminded people of the brave soldiers and the flag that inspired a song.

• It was the first song ever written in America.

• It was sung only by the President.

• It was a song about a famous American holiday.

What happened to the poem after it was written?

• It was put to music and became a popular song, later becoming the national anthem.

• It was forgotten and never published.

• It was turned into a book.

• It was used as a speech in a different country.

Which of the following best describes the final outcome of the poem mentioned in the text?

• It became a national anthem.

• It was lost in a battle.

• It was made into a movie.

• It was translated into many languages.

Why do you think putting the poem to music helped it become more popular?

• Because music makes it easier to remember and share.

• Because poems are always boring.

• Because only songs can be national anthems.

• Because people do not like to read.

If the poem had not been put to music, what might have happened to it?

• It might not have become as popular or become the national anthem.

• It would have become a famous painting.

• It would have been used in a science experiment.

• It would have been turned into a play.

How does a poem becoming a national anthem show its importance to a country?

• It means the poem represents the country’s values and history.

• It means the poem is only for children.

• It means the poem is about animals.

• It means the poem is written in another language.