Thursday

Complete questions 61 - 80.

Thursday 12th February

LC: To collect and note information.

Rosa Parks

Rosa Parks was an important figure in the American Civil Rights Movement who helped change history through a simple but powerful act of courage. In particular, her refusal to give up her bus seat in 1955 challenged unfair segregation laws in the United States. As a result, her actions inspired the Montgomery Bus Boycott and encouraged many people to stand up for equality and justice. Overall, Rosa Parks’ bravery showed that one person’s decision can make a lasting difference.

Early Life and Education

Rosa Parks was born in Tuskegee, Alabama, on February 4, 1913, to Leona and James McCauley. As a child, she grew up in the southern United States, where segregation and racism were common. Her full name was Rosa Louise McCauley, and she had a younger brother named Sylvester. Although her mother was a teacher and her father was a carpenter, her parents separated when she was young. Because of this, Rosa moved with her mother and brother to live on her grandparents’ farm in Pine Level. Rosa attended a local school for African-American children, where her mother also taught. Importantly, her mother believed education was vital and encouraged Rosa to continue learning. However, this was difficult for an African-American girl in Alabama during the 1920s. After elementary school, Rosa attended the Montgomery Industrial School for Girls. Later, she went on to Alabama State Teacher’s College to earn her high school diploma. Unfortunately, her education was interrupted when her mother became ill, and Rosa had to leave school to care for her. Several years later, she married Raymond Parks, a barber from Montgomery. With his support, Rosa returned to school and finally earned her diploma, which she was very proud of.

Fighting for Equal Rights

Growing up, Rosa Parks experienced racism and segregation throughout her life. For example, she was frightened by the Ku Klux Klan, who burned Black schools and churches. Because of these experiences, Rosa and her husband wanted to make a change. As a result, they joined the National Association for the Advancement of Colored People (NAACP). One important moment came when the Freedom Train arrived in Montgomery. According to the law, the train was not meant to be segregated. Therefore, Rosa led a group of African-American students to attend the exhibition alongside white students. Although some people in Montgomery were angry, Rosa believed this was a way to show that everyone deserved equal treatment.

Montgomery Bus Boycott

On December 1, 1955, Rosa Parks made her most famous stand while riding a city bus. After a long day at work, she sat in the “coloured” section of the bus. Soon, when the bus filled up, a white man boarded. The driver ordered Rosa and other African-American passengers to stand. However, Rosa refused to move. When the driver threatened to call the police, Rosa remained seated. As a result, she was arrested and charged with breaking segregation laws. Rosa refused to pay the fine, stating that the law was unfair and illegal. That same night, African-American leaders met and decided to boycott the city buses. This meant they would stop using buses completely. Dr Martin Luther King Jr. became a key leader of the boycott. Although the boycott was very difficult, people supported one another by walking or sharing car rides. After 381 days, the United States Supreme Court ruled that segregation on buses was unconstitutional.

After the Boycott

Even though the law had changed, life did not become easier for Rosa Parks. She received many threats and feared for her safety. Because of this, Rosa and Raymond moved to Detroit, Michigan, in 1957. Nevertheless, Rosa continued to support the Civil Rights Movement and became a powerful symbol of equality and justice. Rosa Parks died on October 24, 2005. Today, she is remembered as a courageous woman whose actions helped change America and inspired people around the world.

The First Drop

The top of the slope felt much steeper than it had from below.

Mia clipped her boots into her snowboard and stared down at the white stretch of mountain. The wind tugged at her jacket, and tiny flakes of snow stung her cheeks. Below her, skiers and snowboarders weaved confidently from side to side.

Her heart thudded.

“Just remember what Dad said,” she whispered. “Bend your knees. Look ahead.”

Last winter, Mia had fallen so many times she had wanted to quit. She could still remember lying in the snow, cold and frustrated, while her friends raced past.

She edged forward.

For a second, her board wobbled wildly and panic rushed through her. Then she shifted her weight and steadied herself. The board began to glide smoothly over the snow.

The wind roared in her ears as she picked up speed.

She turned once. Then again.

By the time she reached the bottom, she wasn’t scared anymore.

She was smiling.

R - What advice does Mia remember?

I - How do Mia’s feelings change by the end of the extract?

C - Why does the author use the short sentence “Her heart thudded.”?

Thursday 12th February

LC: To use scanning and close reading skills to locate specific information.