John Henry - Tall Tale

Why were the train tracks being built westward?

• to carry settlers west

• for fun

Do you think he was really born with a hammer in his hand, or is this an exaggeration?

• really born with a hammer in his hand

• exaggeration

That means that even as a boy, John Henry could do the work of older men. Do you think he really could, or is this an exaggeration?

• exaggeration

• he really could do the work of a man

Could a person really do this, or might this be an exaggeration?

• a person could really do this

• exaggeration

If John Henry dug fifteen feet and the steam drill dug nine feet, which one dug farther?

• John Henry

• the steam drill

Who wins the competition in this story: John Henry or the steam drill?

• steam drill

• John Henry

A steam drill is a machine that makes tunnels by drilling holes in mountain sides. Why did people start using steam drills rather than relying on people to cut through rocks and mountains?

• It was difficult work for people & the drills were faster than most people.

• They wanted people to be out of work.

What is special about John Henry’s childhood?

• He was raised by coyotes.

• He was born with a hammer in his hand.

What amazing feats does John Henry perform?

• He dug the Grand Canyon.

• He can work longer and faster than a steam drill.