In this lesson, the daily focus question asks students to articulate what westward expansion was and how the introduction of a transcontinental railroad affected westward expansion. Students will need a solid understanding of westward expansion to respond to the culminating writing task on Day 5 of this close reading module. This series of close reading lesson plans was created by a member of the 2015 Delaware Dream Team. Special Materials: Students will need a copy of the anchor text. Pencil