P6 Comprehension

Abraham Lincoln

Abraham Lincoln was one of the greatest American Presidents. He was born in 1809 in the American State of Kentucky. His parents were poor and illiterate farmers. Although Abraham grew up with little education – his entire school attendance was less than a year – he taught himself to read, write and do simple sums.

When Abraham was nine years old, his mother died. His father remarried the following year. The new stepmother was kind and loving. As a result of her encouragement, Abraham developed a love for reading.

When Abraham grew up, he worked in various jobs as a storekeeper, postmaster and surveyor. He also began to study law, qualifying as a lawyer when he was about 25 year old. Abraham was a distinguished and successful lawyer, known for shrewdness and common sense. He was also very fair and honest.

Later, Abraham took an interest in politics. He became President of the United States of America in 1861. During that time, Negroes were slaves in America. Abraham hated slavery as he felt very strongly that everyone has a right to freedom. He worked very hard to abolish slavery. In spite of great opposition and problems, Abraham persevered in his efforts until finally, slavery was abolished.

One evening in 1865, Abraham went to a theatre in Washington C.C. with his wife, Mary. A man called John Booth shot him with a pistol. Abraham died the next morning.

At his funeral procession, thousands of men and women lined the streets to bid farewell to their beloved President whom they knew as courageous, merciful and wise. Even today, many remember Abraham as the President who eradicated the curse of slavery in America.


Answer the following questions in complete sentences.

1.Where was Abraham’s birthplace?
2. What did his parents do for a living?
3. What did his Abraham do for a living initially?
4. Name the qualities that Abraham possessed as a lawyer.
5. Who were the slaves in America?
6. Why did Abraham work hard to abolish slavery?
7. Was it easy for him to achieve this task?
8. How did Abraham die?
9. What is Abraham best remembered for today?
How old was Abraham when he died?

State if the following sentences are “True” or “False”.

1. Abraham taught himself to read and write.
2. Thanks to his stepmother, Abraham began to read widely.
3. In the 19th Century, Negroes and whites alike were slaves.
4. From a successful lawyer, Abraham became a politician.
5. Abraham was well loved as a President but he also had his enemies.