READING


Reading Comprehension - Independence Day


Develop your reading skills. Read the following text " 9 Interesting facts about Independence Day". Then do the comprehension task below to check your comprehension.


History of the Independence Day

INdependence Day

The Fourth of July

Independence Day, also referred to as the Fourth of July or July 4, is an American federal holiday commemorating the Declaration of Independence of the United States, on July 4, 1776. The Continental Congress declared that the thirteen American colonies were no longer under the rule of the monarch of Britain, King George III, and were now united, free, and independent states.

Celebrations

Independence Day is the national day of the United States and is associated with many activities. Public and private events celebrating the history, government, and traditions of the United States are organized. It is also generally associated with fireworks, family gatherings, carnivals, fairs, picnics, and concerts.

9 Interesting facts about Independence Day

Here are 9 intresting facts about Independence Day:

  1. Congress had voted for the declaration of independence on July 2, but it was not declared until July 4.
  2. On June 11, 1776, Congress appointed a "Committee of Five", consisting of John Adams, Benjamin Franklin, Thomas Jefferson, Robert R. Livingston, and Roger Sherman, to draft the declaration. Jefferson wrote the first draft which was then edited by the others and then edited again by the whole Congress.
  3.  Fifty-six members of Congress signed the declaration. 
  4. By a striking coincidence, Thomas Jefferson and John Adams, the only two signatories of the Declaration of Independence later to serve as presidents of the United States, died on the same day: July 4, 1826, which was the 50th anniversary of the Declaration.
  5. Although not a signatory of the Declaration of Independence, James Monroe, another Founding Father who was elected as president, also died on July 4, 1831, making him the third President who died on the anniversary of independence.
  6.  The only U.S. president to have been born on Independence Day was Calvin Coolidge, who was born on July 4, 1872
  7. Almost 100 years after the Declaration of Independence, in 1870, July 4 was made an official holiday by Congress.
  8. Every 4th of July, the Liberty Bell in Philadelphia is tapped thirteen times in honor of the original 13 American colonies.
  9. Fireworks are an important part of the holiday because the first Independence Day celebration on July 4, 1777, witnessed Americans meeting to watch as the sky illuminated to commemorate the new nation.

Comprehension:

  1. Congress had voted to declare independence two days before the fourth of July
    a. True
    b. False
  2. Jefferson wrote the first draft of the declaration.
    a. True
    b. False
  3. Two signatories of the Declaration of Independence died on the same date as Independence Day.
    a. True
    b. False
  4. Independence Day was made an official holiday by Congress in 1776.
    a. True
    b. False

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