The assignment sheet is found at: http://www.kn.pacbell.com/wired/fil/pages/samimmigratbr.html

INTRODUCTION TO ELLIS ISLAND

1. If you were on the bow of the ship, sailing into Ellis Island what three questions
would be going through your mind?

2. Listen to one of the audio clips below. Name the person and write down five things
that you learned about the person's experience.




3. Name two reasons that might prevent you from being allowed to enter into America.



WHO ARE YOU?

1. Why did America more willingly accept immigrants from Europe than Asia?



2. How many Polish Immigrants came to America between 1898 and 1931?


3. Which group of Immigrants may have had the most difficult time fitting in America,
the Irish, the Germans, the Asians, or the Italians. Give two reasons for your opinion.

THE ELLIS ISLAND GATEWAY

1. Explain the "six second examination" and the purpose of the "eye man".




2. Name five foods that immigrants first experienced in the Ellis Island cafeteria.
What was the immigrant's opinion of the cafeteria staff?




3. Write a descriptive paragraph of five sentences telling about your experience on
either side of the "kissing post". Your writing should make use of emotion and many
descriptive words. Write your good copy on the back of this sheet.

ELLIS ISLAND VOCABULARY

Vocabulary Site is found at: http://www.historychannel.com/classroom/

1. Click on 'study guides', scroll down to 'Ellis island-Part 3' and click on it. Choose four
words from the vocabulary list and write the meaning in your own words.





2. Immigrants should 'assimilate' the new culture of America. Construct a plus/delta
giving at least two elements for each side of the plus/delta.





3. Why does the word 'alien' communicate negative images about immigrants? Give a
suggestion for an alternative word that would communicate a more positive impression.




THE IMMIGRANT EXPERIENCE

1. Describe the process people faced when arriving on Ellis Island.






2. Why were first and second-class passengers inspected on board the boat? Why
were passengers from steerage class sent to Ellis Island?

3. Imagine that you are an immigrant arriving on Ellis Island around 1910. Write a journal
entry of at least eight sentences describing your experiences with the health inspectors on
the island. Write the final copy of your writing on the back of this sheet.

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