Famous

People Text Evidence Passages

One Room Schoolhouse

Name

Martin Luther King Jr.

Martin Luther King Jr. felt that all people should have the same

rights or freedoms. During Martin’s life, people had different laws

based on their skin color. African Americans were not allowed in

many public places such as restaurants, bathrooms, or movie

theaters. They also had to sit on the back of the bus and give up

their seat if there were not enough seats in the white section of the

bus.

Martin did not believe in violence, or fighting. He led peaceful

protests to try to change these laws. He wanted America to be a

place where all people were treated the same. He thought people

should be judged by their character, not their skin color.

Many people did not agree with Martin. His house was set on fire

and he went to jail many times. In the end, Martin won. The Civil

Rights Act was passed in 1964.

Highlight the text to prove your answers.

1. Underline Who was the passage about?

2. Circle What did Martin want more than anything?

3.Box Put a box around 3 facts about Martin’s life.

4. On the back What does it mean that people be judged by

their character and not the color of their skin?

© One Room Schoolhouse 2014

Name

George Washington

George Washington was born in 1732 in Virginia. He lived on

a large plantation. When he was 11, his father died. His older

brother cared for George and made sure he was educated.

When George was 16 he worked as a surveyor and later with

the Virginia militia. He served during the French and Indian

War. After the war, he married Martha and was elected to the

Virginia legislature. During this time, George became upset

with the unfair treatment by their British rulers. He fought

alongside the colonists in the American Revolutionary war

against the British. He led the Continental Army to several

victories and finally won the war. His leadership during the

war, led to his victory as the first president of the United

States. He has been the only president to have all of the state

representatives vote for him. During his presidency, he

helped form the constitution and set up the government as it

is today.

Highlight the text to prove your answers.

1. Underline Who was the passage about?

2. Circle What two wars did George Washington fight in?

3. Box Put a box around 3 facts about George’s life.

4. On the back Make a list of 10 laws you think all people

should follow.

© One Room Schoolhouse 2014

Name

Benjamin Franklin

Ben Franklin was born in 1706 in Massachusetts. Ben was

able to go to school until he was 10. Then, he began working

for his brother learning about the printing business. He

wanted to learn more, so he read as many books as he could.

When Ben was 17, he ran away and worked as a printer in

Pennsylvania. During the Revolutionary War, Ben was a

representative for the Continental Congress. He helped

Thomas Jefferson write the Declaration of Independence. In

addition to working in politics, Ben was also a scientist. He is

most famous for his experiments with electricity. He worked

hard to prove that lightning is electricity. He also invented

bifocals, a type of glasses, the Franklin stove, and the glass

harmonica. He also helped start the first public library in

America and the first fire department in Pennsylvania. Ben

also set all of his slaves free and fought for the freedom of all

slaves.

Highlight the text to prove your answers.

1. Underline Who was the passage about? 2. Circle Where did Ben run away to?

3. Box Put a box around 3 facts about Ben’s life.

4. On the back Explain why children should not play with or

do experiments with electricity.

© One Room Schoolhouse 2014