Kinds of Anthems

An anthem is a kind of song that lifts up the spirits of the people

listening to it. The most commonly known kind of anthem is a national
anthem, which is a song that is supposed to represent the spirit of a country
and inspire or encourage the people who are living there. For example, the
American national anthem (The Star Spangled Banner) is set to a tune
resembling a pub song or drinking song, which uplifts or motivates soldiers
during war. The anthems words, however, are more poetic and tell an
inspirational story. The story describes American soldiers defeating their
enemy in a very difficult, almost hopeless, battle. After the fight, the soldiers
look to see that their flag (the star spangled banner) is still flying, and it
gives them hope and pride. This is the kind of American spirit the anthem
wants to encourage. It is an anthem about overcoming obstacles, fighting for
freedom, and winning. The song is supposed to make Americans feel proud
of their country and make them want to continue fighting for freedom and
independence, no matter what.
Another kind of anthem is a rock anthem. Unlike a national anthem, a rock
anthem tries to show the spirit, mood, feelings, or struggles of a generation,
not an entire country. Singer Pinks song Raise Your Glass is the perfect
example of a 21st century rock anthem. In this song, Pink sings about how
people who are freaks (people who are different) are made to feel bad
about themselves. She says, however, that freaks should not be ashamed
of their differences. We should celebrate being different and respect each
other. This is the perfect anthem for the early 21st century. People are
experiencing bullying or harassment because of their differences. Pinks
anthem tells people who are trying to fit in and be like everybody else that
its okay to be different, its okay to be yourself. This rock anthem is
supposed to make the men and women of the 21st century feel proud of
themselves, no matter what, and to accept and celebrate others differences,
too.

1. In the first paragraph, find an example of a definition.

Underline the definition.
2.
a)
b)
c)
d)
e)
f)

Choose one. The title tells us we will probably read about:

Causes
Similarities
Differences
Types
Effects
Reasons

3. Choose the best answer. The purpose of the first paragraph is

to:
a) Show the differences between national anthems and rock anthems
b) Describe the many reasons countries have national anthems
c) Give information about what a national anthem is with examples and
descriptions
d) Evaluate how much Americans like or dislike their national anthem

4. What is the name of the American national anthem?

_______________________________________________________________________
5. What about the music of the American national anthem is
uplifting?

_______________________________________________________________________

6. What about the words of the American national anthem is

uplifting?

_______________________________________________________________________

7. If we listen to the American national anthem, what can we

understand is the spirit of the American people?
Americans are:_________________________________________________________

8. In the first paragraph, find all the synonyms (words and

expressions that mean the same thing) for the word motivate.
Circle those synonyms.
9. Choose all that are correct. What is the purpose of the second
a)
b)
c)
d)

paragraph?
To describe and give examples of a rock anthem
To show the effects of rock anthems
To show how rock anthems are different from national anthems
To evaluate if Pinks song is a good or bad example of a rock anthem

10.

In the second paragraph, find a sentence that directly

compares national anthems and rock anthems. Underline that

sentence.
11.
A freak
a) Someone who
b) Someone who
c) Someone who
d) Someone who

is:
is different
is bad
sings Raise Your Glass
drinks a lot

12.
a)
b)
c)
d)

Choose all that are correct. Pinks rock anthem tells that

people in the early 21st century:

Struggle to accept themselves
Sometimes treat people who are different badly
Treat everyone with respect and compassion
Are too different and should try to fit in

13.

Complete this sentence. Pinks anthem tells us that we all

should be inspired to:

_______________________________________________________________________

14.

Circle all that are correct. According to the paragraph,

the themes of the American national anthem are:

hate

pride

war

fear

acceptance

freedom

hope

self confidence

independence

open-mindedness

shame

differences

trust

respect

courage

justice

15.

Circle all that are correct. According to the paragraph,

the themes of Pinks rock anthem Raise Your Glass are:

hate

pride

war

fear

acceptance

freedom

hope

self confidence

independence

open-mindedness

shame

differences

trust

respect

courage

justice