Page 73 - SpringBoard_CloseReading_Workshop_Grade8_Flipbook

Close Reading of informational Texts in social studies/history (continued)
key ideas and deTails
Throughout the 20th century, and even today, “This Land Is Your Land” has been a popular song
to teach American school children. Typically, the final “chunk” of lyrics is not included. How does this omission change the tone and message of the song?
5
10
15
20
25
This land is your land, this land is my land
From California to the New York island;
From the redwood forest to the Gulf Stream waters This land was made for you and me.
As I was walking that ribbon of highway, I saw above me that endless skyway:
I saw below me that golden valley:
This land was made for you and me.
I’ve roamed and rambled and I followed my footsteps To the sparkling sands of her diamond deserts;
And all around me a voice was sounding:
This land was made for you and me.
When the sun came shining, and I was strolling,
And the wheat fields waving and the dust clouds rolling, As the fog was lifting a voice was chanting:
This land was made for you and me.
As I went walking I saw a sign there
And on the sign it said “No Trespassing.”
But on the other side it didn’t say nothing, That side was made for you and me.
In the shadow of the steeple I saw my people, By the relief office I seen my people;
As they stood there hungry, I stood there asking Is this land made for you and me?
Nobody living can ever stop me,
As I go walking that freedom highway; Nobody living can ever make me turn back This land was made for you and me.
Song Lyrics
This Land Is Your Land
Words and Music by Woody Guthrie
key ideas and deTails
Find the one point in the song where Guthrie’s statement that “this land is made for you and me” is turned into a question. Why do you think he asks this question here?
6 SpringBoard® English Language Arts Grade 8
© 2014 College Board. All rights reserved.