Lesson 9 - Train Ride and Working on the Railroad

READ THE STORY "TRAIN RIDE." THEN ANSWER NUMBERS 1 through 5.
READ THE STORY "WORKING ON THE RAILROAD." THEN ANSWER NUMBERS 6 through 10.

TRAIN RIDE
Julio couldn't believe he was finally on a train! He had seen many trains, but he had never been inside a train until now. He and his mom were going to New Orleans to see his cousins.

When he was waiting on the platform, Julio had seen people sitting in the dining car. "Mom, will we get to eat in the dining car?" Julio asked.

"Yes, in a little while," Mom answered.

The train lurched forward, and Julio used his hands to steady himself. The conductor came and asked for his ticket. Julio handed it to him and smiled. He knew this trip would be a great adventure!

WORKING ON THE RAILROAD
Charles drove another spike into the ground. Then he stood up and wiped his brow. As far as he could see to the east or west, miles of railroad track stretched across the land.

Like many young men in 1869, Charles was helping to build a railroad line that would connect the eastern United States with the western United States. All day long he drove metal spikes into the ground to keep the rails in place. It was backbreaking work.

It was also very exciting. Very soon the final spike would be nailed into the ground. Then this big country would seem like a much smaller place.