‘Ramparts’ Are Protective Barriers
Interesting Facts in Easy English
Pre-Listening Vocabulary
- rampart: a protective barrier; a fortification
- spangled: filled with sparkling objects
- national anthem: a country’s official song; used at special events and ceremonies
- bombardment: attack
- fortify: to build up and provide protection
- embankment: a raised wall or mound to protect from flooding
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Ramparts Are Protective Barriers
When you sing or listen to The Star Spangled Banner, do you the words? The national anthem of the United States of America was the Battle of Baltimore at Fort McHenry in 1814. The lyrics suggest that the stars and stripes of the US flag can be seen over the ramparts the bombardment of the British warships. Ramparts are fortified walls or other protective that go around a fort or castle. Ramparts are of stone, wood, or earth. Embankments that protect water from reaching a building or city are also ramparts. Comprehension Questions
- What is The Star Spangled Banner?
- Why does the American national anthem contain the word ramparts?
- Why might a child make ramparts in the sand?
Discussion Questions: Do you think nations like the US will always have the same national anthem, or do you think anthems like The Star Spangled Banner will be modernized one day?
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Ramparts Are Protective Barriers
When you sing or listen to the Star Spangled Banner, do you understand the words? The national anthem of the United States of America was inspired by the Battle of Baltimore at Fort McHenry in 1814. The lyrics suggest that the stars and stripes of the US flag can be seen over the ramparts despite the bombardment of the British warships. Ramparts are fortified walls or other protective barriers that go around a fort or castle. Ramparts are built of stone, wood, or earth. Embankments that protect water from reaching a building or city are also ramparts.
- The Star Spangled Banner is the national anthem of the United States of America.
- The anthem contains the word ramparts because it is about a battle. A battle is going on, but the US flag can be seen symbolically waving above the protective barriers.
- A child might make ramparts in the sand to go around a sand castle. This could protect the castle from the water (or from an invasion).
2 comments
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English Club Indonesia says:
The Star-Spangled Banner is the US’s national anthem. The American national anthem contains the word “ramparts” as it was inspired by the Battle of Baltimore. At that time, the American flag could be seen from the ramparts. A child might make ramparts in the sand to protect his own building. An anthem is sacred to one country. It is such a rare occasion when one nation will change its anthem.
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osama says:
In my opinion, the national anthem of the US remains the same. Inaddition, National Anthem have so many feelings and also, It helps to rememered our culture, times and shoes our unity. US is the leading country and it faces much bad time together. Nation Anthem of any country has some special feelings hidden in it. So, I think US never changed their Nation Anthem.