Hostage

High school (ages 12+)
Safety & Emergency

Name:

Date:

Step 1 · Read the article

Open the article and read it at the level above. Then answer the questions below in your own words.

https://smallwhale.org/articles/hostage

Write what each word means, using the article.

Do not copy the article. Write two things you learned, the way you would explain them to a friend.

Answers below are taken from the article’s stored facts, so they match what the student read.

1. What is the historical context?Historically used as security for treaties and agreements between parties
2. What is the modern application?A tactic employed in criminal activities (ransom) and political terrorism
3. Why do people take hostages?People take hostages to force a government, organization, or family to meet their demands. They may want money, political change, or to spread a message.
4. How do governments try to help a hostage?Governments use special police or military teams that are trained to talk with the captors and to safely rescue the hostage if needed.

Abductor: An individual who unlawfully seizes and detains a person against their will.
Ultimatum: A final demand or statement of terms, the rejection of which will result in retaliation or a breakdown in relations.
Coercion: The practice of persuading someone to do something by using force or threats.