Passage 1- There was perhaps no more jubilant celebration of our country than on July 4, 1976. It was our 200th birthday, or “bicentennial.” During that year, special postage stamps were issued to celebrate the date. The government also put out special quarters and other coins. They were dated “1776–1976” to honor the event. At the same time, school students learned about the birth of America with renewed enthusiasm. The idea that our nation was about to turn 200 years old got kids excited. Our country’s history suddenly seemed to have more personal meaning for them. When the big day finally came, there were fireworks displays like never before. Young and old of every race and background joined together that day. We all seemed to carry our heads a little higher, too. We were feeling especially glad to call ourselves Americans.
Passage 2- I was visiting my friend Matt in Washington, D. C., during the week of America’s 200th birthday. Back in Germany, of course, this date does not have special meaning, but in Washington it was a very big deal. The fireworks display on July 4th was huge and colorful. There were also parades and lots of people waving American flags. Some people even painted flags on their faces. It was good to see people of different backgrounds all celebrating together. I asked Matt why this was such an important day. He told me that it was a celebration of freedom. It was a reminder of the struggle it took for America to become a free country. This made sense, but I still couldn’t get very excited about it. My country’s history dates back to the fourth century, so to us, 200 years is not much time at all.
In what ways do the two passages differ?
options:
The passages talk about celebrations on different dates
The speaker in passage 1 is just visiting the United States
The speaker in passage 2 did not grow up in America
The passages talk about different times in U. S. History
4
Passage 1- There was perhaps no more jubilant celebration of our country than on July 4, 1976. It was our 200th birthday, or “bicentennial.” During that year, special postage stamps were issued to celebrate the date. The government also put out special quarters and other coins. They were dated “1776–1976” to honor the event. At the same time, school students learned about the birth of America with renewed enthusiasm. The idea that our nation was about to turn 200 years old got kids excited. Our country’s history suddenly seemed to have more personal meaning for them. When the big day finally came, there were fireworks displays like never before. Young and old of every race and background joined together that day. We all seemed to carry our heads a little higher, too. We were feeling especially glad to call ourselves Americans.
Passage 2- I was visiting my friend Matt in Washington, D. C., during the week of America’s 200th birthday. Back in Germany, of course, this date does not have special meaning, but in Washington it was a very big deal. The fireworks display on July 4th was huge and colorful. There were also parades and lots of people waving American flags. Some people even painted flags on their faces. It was good to see people of different backgrounds all celebrating together. I asked Matt why this was such an important day. He told me that it was a celebration of freedom. It was a reminder of the struggle it took for America to become a free country. This made sense, but I still couldn’t get very excited about it. My country’s history dates back to the fourth century, so to us, 200 years is not much time at all.
Choose the feeling about the bicentennial that is expressed in both passages.
4 options:
People of all types came together to celebrate
Special coins and stamps were issued for the event
Some countries have a longer history than America
American History had more meaning for school kids
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