A student is writing a non-fiction feature article for the school newspaper about the importance of national symbols. Read the draft of the article
and complete the task that follows.
Three of these national symbols are the flag, the American bald eagle, and the Statue of Liberty. The American flag is a symbol easily recognized
by all US citizens. The thirteen stripes stand for the original 13
colonies; 37 more states joined them to make up the country, and the stars represent
these 50 states. The colors in the flag are symbols as well:
red symbolizes hardiness and valor; white symbolizes purity and innocence; blue
represents vigilance, perseverance, and justice. The
American bald eagle, found only in North America, is the national bird. It was chosen because
it is so independent and free. This symbol tells everyone
that our country values freedom and independence. Another famous American symbol is
the Statue of Liberty, a gift from the people of France in 1885. Not
only does it represent the spirit of friendship between the two countries, but it is
also a universal symbol for liberty and freedom.
Our national symbols are powerful tools for motivation and inspiration. The symbols of the United States unite people from many different states
and help them feel like Americans instead of just citizens
of their own states. We pledge allegiance to the same flag. We celebrate the same
important national days. The American spirit shows even
more when citizens unite in times of crisis, reaching out to help fellow Americans, or
others in need. The next time people, young and old, see the
American flag waving in the breeze, may they remember the sacrifices that it
represents and how these sacrifices helped build this great
nation-an experiment in self-government, freedom, and liberty.
In one or two paragraphs, write an introduction that both provides a clear focus (thesis) for the text and sets up or explains the context for what is
to follow.