Reading Comprehension. Form 10. Term 2

Read the text.

In America, we celebrate many holidays during the year. I will tell you about three of my favourite holidays, when they occur, why they are important and how we celebrate them. These three holidays are the Fourth of July, Halloween, and Thanksgiving.

On the Fourth of July, we celebrate the birthday of the United States. This holiday is not only called the Fourth of July, but also Independence Day. On July 4, 1776, the people of the American colonies declared their independence from England. Many people, including George Washington, helped the early Americans gain their freedom and independence. Today, Americans celebrate the Fourth of July in different ways. Many families gather to enjoy a special meal outdoors in the warm weather. Some families go to the beach to relax. Some families watch sports such as baseball. And all over America, people watch a beautiful show of fireworks. 

Another one of my favourite holidays is Halloween. We celebrate Halloween on the 31^st of October. Children all over America love Halloween. They dress up in costumes, looking like ghosts and witches. They ask people for candy and other sweet things to eat. They go to parties and try to scare one another. Even adults love Halloween, because it is a time to dress in costume and pretend to be someone else.

My third favourite holiday is Thanksgiving. We celebrate Thanksgiving on the last Thursday in November. Children do not go to school and adults do not go to work on this special day. Early Americans celebrated Thanksgiving to express their thanks for the fall harvest. Today, we celebrate Thanksgiving to take time to be thankful for all the wonderful things we have, such as family, food, good health and freedom. On Thanksgiving, families gather and enjoy a special meal of turkey, sweet potatoes, and pumpkin pie. In New York City, there is a special parade with music and dancing. Many Americans watch the Thanksgiving parade on television to make the day special. I have been to the parade and have enjoyed seeing how happy everyone is to celebrate this special day.

Say if the statements are true or false.

The Fourth of July is also called Independence Day.

The American colonies declared their freedom from Spain.

Many Americans watch sports such as basketball on July 4^th.

Both children and adults like dressing up in costume on Halloween.

One of the traditional foods of Thanksgiving is macaroni.

In New York City, there is a big parade every Thanksgiving Day.

All of the following holidays are mentioned in the passage except _____.

America declared its independence in the year _____.

Halloween is celebrated on _____.

Thanksgiving is celebrated on _____.

Early Americans celebrated Thanksgiving to express thanks for _____.

The Fourth of July commemorates _____.