Reading
The Hindenburg
by Patrick O'Brien
Overview
| Genre | Expository Nonfiction |
| Vocabulary Strategy | Context Clues |
| Comprehension Skill | Fact and Opinion |
| Comprehension Strategy | Ask Questions |
Vocabulary
| criticizing (v.) | finding fault with; disapproving of; blaming |
| cruised (v.) | traveled at the speed at which the vehicle operates best |
| drenching (v.) | wetting thoroughly; soaking |
| era (n.) | a period of time or history |
| explosion (n.) | act of bursting with a loud noise; a blowing up |
| hydrogen (n.) | a colorless, odorless gas that burns easily |
More Words to Know
| dirigible (n.) | an airship made with a rigid framework; it is filled with gas that is lighter than air |
| newsreels (n.) | short news stories for a movie audience |
| transatlantic (adj.) | crossing the Atlantic Ocean |
Summary (English)
Hugo Eckener began to make airships in Germany in 1900. Airships were huge, hollow structures. Gas-filled balloons inside made them float. The gas was very explosive. Sparks and flames could easily set the airship on fire. People traveled across the Atlantic Ocean in the airships.
The biggest airship ever made was the Hindenburg. It first flew in 1936. It took two and a half days to cross the Atlantic Ocean. On May 3, 1937, the Hindenburg left Germany for what would be its last flight.
When the airship reached the United States, thunderstorms kept it from landing right away. The airship circled and came back. Suddenly, the airship was on fire. No one knew how the fire started. Of the ninety-seven people on board the ship, sixty-seven survived. Airships were never again used for travel.
Summary (Spanish)
Hugo Eckener empezó a hacer dirigibles en Alemania en 1900. Un dirigible era una estructura hueca enorme. Se llenaba con globos de gas y estos lo hacían flotar. El gas era muy explosivo. Las chispas y las llamas podían provocar un incendio. La gente viajaba a través del océano Atlántico en estos dirigibles.
El dirigible más grande que se había hecho era el Hindenburg. Voló por primera vez en 1936. Le tomó dos días y medio atravesar el océano Atlántico. El 3 de mayo de 1937, el Hindenburg salió de Alemania en un vuelo que sería el último.
Cuando el dirigible se acercaba a Estados Unidos, una tormenta eléctrica le impidió aterrizar de inmediato. El dirigible daba vueltas y regresaba. De repente se incendió. Nadie sabía cómo había comenzado el fuego. De las noventa y siete personas que estaban a bordo, sobrevivieron sesenta y siete. Los dirigibles nunca más fueron usados para viajar.