1.   The following were used by Mr. Kazimi in his commentary.  Circle all of the words that were used to describe the Iraqis who voted:

valor (para. 3)
determination (para. 3)
brave (para. 5)
proud (para. 6)
self-assured (para. 6)
mayhem (para. 7)
hopelessness (para. 7)
hopeful (para. 7)
obscure (para. 12)
ridiculous (para. 12)
sky-high (para. 12)
impressive (para. 12)
informed (para. 13)
viable (para. 13)
stubborn (para. 14)
miraculous (para. 15)

What one word do you think best sums up Mr. Kazimi's feeling about the Iraqi election?

2.  What one statement by Mr. Kazimi sums up how he feels about President Bush?

3.  Mr. Kazimi uses figurative language more than 10 times in his commentary (more than once in some paragraphs).  List as many examples of figurative language as you can find (paragraphs 4, 5, 6, 7, 12, 13, 14, 15)

4.  How would you describe the overall tone of Mr. Kazimi's article?  (Tone is the author's attitude toward the topic - think of a person's tone of voice.  For example, authors may be sympathetic or hostile, pessimistic or hopeful, sarcastic or sincere.)

5.  How is Mr. Kazimi's commentary different from what you would expect an Iraqi to write (based on the impression you get from the media)?