Grade 4 Speaking / Listening - Reasons and Evidence

Story - Abraham Lincoln

Abraham Lincoln is one of the most popular past presidents. People know many things about Lincoln’s entire life including his childhood. Lincoln’s popularity has continued throughout the decades since he died in 1865. Lincoln’s popularity is due to his humble beginnings, strong education and assassination.

Lincoln accomplished many things in both of his law career and politics, but it all started from his humble beginnings. Since Lincoln was born in a one-room log cabin to parents who were farmers, it is evident that his family had very little money. Even though Lincoln did not have enough money to go to school or buy books, he made do with what he had. Lincoln’s mother instilled a desire to constantly learn especially from nature. Also, Lincoln was humorous and had to be because he moved a lot. His family lost their farmland and would have to move elsewhere.

Even though Lincoln did not have a formal education, he was able to educate himself. Occasionally a teacher would come by the area where he lived to teach him. However, this did not last for very long. Lincoln acquired books and taught himself to read and write. When Lincoln needed more books, he would trade in the ones he had. Lincoln also passed the bar exam to become a lawyer. With his knowledge, he did law work and then became a politician.

Another reason why many people remember Abraham Lincoln compared to the other presidents is due to his assassination. Only four presidents died by being shot by a gun while being president. Abraham Lincoln is one of them. The situation surrounding his assassination was also unusual. Other members of the government were attacked on the same night that Lincoln was assassinated. Also, this president was shot in front of a large group of people watching a play. As a matter of fact, a well-known actor shot the president. Many people in the audience did not know if this was part of the play.

To conclude, Lincoln became a household name due to his childhood and education as well as the way his life was taken. Even though Lincoln died over 150 years ago, he is still remembered today and will probably continue to be remembered for years to come.