6th Grade Reading Comprehension Worksheets - Free Printable

Grade 6 Reading Comprehension Worksheet: Abraham Lincoln – Answers and Explanations

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#### Passage Summary
This passage provides a brief biography of Abraham Lincoln, covering his early life, education, career, presidency, and legacy. It highlights key events such as the Civil War, the Emancipation Proclamation, and his assassination.

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Answer Each Question

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#### 1. What do you know about Abraham Lincoln’s early life?

Answer:
Abraham Lincoln was born in 1807 in Kentucky to Thomas and Nancy Lincoln. When he was nine years old, his mother died, and his sister Sarah took care of him until his father remarried. He had less than a year of formal schooling but spent many hours reading the family Bible. By age 17, he decided he wanted to become a lawyer. At 21, he moved to Illinois and worked on a farm before becoming a shopkeeper. Despite limited education, he was determined to learn and improve himself.

Explanation:
This answer is based on the first few sentences of the passage, which describe Lincoln's birth, family, loss of his mother, limited schooling, and early ambitions. The details emphasize his humble beginnings and self-education.

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#### 2. What did Lincoln do before 1836?

Answer:
Before 1836, Lincoln lived in Kentucky and then moved to Illinois at age 21. He worked on a farm for a year and later became a shopkeeper. During this time, he studied hard and aimed to become a lawyer. In 1836, he passed the bar exam and became a lawyer. He also served in the Illinois legislature as a member of the Whig Party.

Explanation:
The passage states that Lincoln moved to Illinois at 21, worked on a farm, became a shopkeeper, and eventually became a lawyer in 1836. His political involvement (election to the legislature) also occurred during this period.

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#### 3. What did Lincoln say and what did he do about the Civil War?

Answer:
Lincoln believed the most important goal during the Civil War was to preserve the Union, not to end or expand slavery. He said, “My paramount object in this struggle is to save the Union, and is not either to save or to destroy slavery.” However, in 1863, he issued the Emancipation Proclamation, which freed slaves in the Southern states. This action helped keep the nation united and ultimately led to the end of slavery in the United States.

Explanation:
This answer combines Lincoln’s stated priorities with his actions. While he initially focused on preserving the Union, the Emancipation Proclamation was a major step toward ending slavery, aligning with both goals.

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#### 4. How did Lincoln get assassinated?

Answer:
On April 14, 1865, President Lincoln and Mrs. Lincoln were attending a play at Ford’s Theater in Washington D.C. While there, he was shot by an assassin and died nine hours later.

Explanation:
The passage clearly states the date, location, and circumstances of the assassination. The answer is direct and factual, based on the last paragraph.

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#### 5. Write the achievements of Abraham Lincoln.

Answer:
Abraham Lincoln’s achievements include:
- Preserving the Union during the Civil War.
- Issuing the Emancipation Proclamation in 1863, which freed slaves in the Confederate states.
- Delivering the Gettysburg Address in 1863, a powerful speech that reaffirmed the principles of human equality and national unity.
- Supporting the passage of the Conscription Act in 1863, which helped organize the Union army.
- Playing a key role in ending slavery in the United States.

Explanation:
These achievements are derived from the final lines of the passage, which list major historical events during Lincoln’s presidency. His leadership during the Civil War and his moral stance on slavery are central to his legacy.

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✔ Final Notes:

- All answers are directly supported by the text.
- Students should use complete sentences and cite evidence when possible.
- This worksheet helps develop reading comprehension, summarizing, and critical thinking skills.

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