NAME____________________________________
DATE____________________________________
VALENTINE’S DAY
People in most western countries celebrate Valentine’s Day on February 14th. It is a special time to send greeting cards called valentines to their sweethearts, friends, parent and other family members. Esther A. Howland of Worcester, Massachusetts became one of the first American manufacturers of valentines in 1847. She saw several British valentines and decided to make her own. She used ribbons, lace, flowers and painted leaves on her cards. She hired a staff of young women to help her make these cards and took orders from stores. Today valentines are sold in many stores all over the world and may have messages of love or be very humorous . People also, send flowers, candy and gifts to the people they want to remember on Valentine’s Day. Children in America decorate their classrooms with paper hearts and cupids, and may hold classroom parties to celebrate Valentine’s Day with their classmates and teachers. Older students may have dances at their schools on Valentine’s Day. Valentine’s Day in Europe is celebrated in many ways. Children in England sing special songs and receive gifts of fruit, candy and money. People may bake special buns with caraway seeds, plums or raisins in them. In Denmark, people send pressed white flowers called snowdrops to their friends. However you decide to celebrate on Valentine’s Day, take some time to tell your friends and family that you love them.
ANSWER EACH OF THE FOLLOWING:
1. What is the main idea of this writing?
a. Valentine’s Day is celebrated on Feb. 14th.
b. Valentine’s Day is celebrated in Denmark.
c. Valentine’s Day is a special holiday for friends and family.
d. None of these
2. What is the author’s purpose of this writing?
a. entertain
b. inform
c. persuade
d. none of these
3. Which of the following is an OPINION ?
a. I think it is great Ms. Howland made valentines in 1847.
b. Ms. Howland saw British valentines before making her own.
c. Ms. Howland took orders from stores for her valentines.
d. None of these
4. Which of the following is NOT true?
a. School children celebrate Valentine’s Day in many ways.
b. People in Denmark send flowers called snowdrops to their friends.
c. All valentines are funny or humorous.
d. None of these
5. How do people in England celebrate Valentine’s Day?
a. sing special songs
b. receive gifts of fruit, candy and money
c. make special buns with caraway seeds, plums or raisins
d. all of these
6. Why is it important to celebrate Valentine’s Day ?
a. because you can have a dance or party
b. because we need to take time to tell people we love them
c. because you can buy or make them
d. none of these
7. One of the first valentines in America was made in ____.
a. Oregon
b. Massachusetts
c. Michigan
d. Florida
8. How do people in America celebrate Valentine’s Day ?
a. send flowers
b. send candy
c. send valentine cards
d. all of these