Halloween History Skills Test

1. Which definition for evolved is most accurate for how it is used in the article? By the 1950’s, Halloween had evolved into a secular, or nonreligious, holiday for children.

• a. to give off gas or heat

• b. develop gradually, especially from a simple to a more complex form

• c. develop over many eras in time, especially as a result of natural selection

• d. The changing of the physical features of a person or animal over time

Tags

CCSS.L.6.4A

CCSS.RI.6.4

2. Which statement below best describes one difference between Samhain and Halloween?

• a. Samhain included bonfires and disguises; Halloween does not include bonfires.

• b. Samhain was celebrated from sunset to sunset; Halloween is celebrated for one evening.

• c. Samhain was a Christian holiday; Halloween is a pagan holiday.

• d. Samhain began in Ireland by the Celts, Halloween began in the Catholic church.

Tags

CCSS.RI.6.9

3. Read this sentence from the article: “The dark night howls a spooky tune “ What type of figurative language is used here ?

• a. personification

• b. onomatopoeia

• c. metaphor

• d. alliteration

Tags

CCSS.L.6.5A

CCSS.RL.6.4

4. Read this sentence from the article: In fact, All Souls’ Day was celebrated in a similar way to Samhain long ago. Which statement below is true about the author’s use of this phrase?

• a. The author wanted to show where the name Samhain probably originated.

• b. The author wanted to show that Samhain and Halloween are nothing alike.

• c. The author wanted to show that Samhain and Halloween are the same holiday.

• d. The author wanted to show that the Catholic church may have been trying to replace Samhain with a more Christian holiday.

Tags

CCSS.RI.6.1

CCSS.RI.6.4

CCSS.RI.6.6

5. Which excerpt from the article best supports your answer to the previous question?

• a. This holy day could commemorate the dead in a more Christian manner.

• b. The faithful Christians had bonfires as big as the sky.

• c. They called this holy day All Hallows Day

• d. As time went on, these celebrations grew in popularity.

Tags

CCSS.RI.6.1

CCSS.RL.6.1

CCSS.W.6.9A

6. Read this phrase from the article: “hay-filled wagons rumble down the road..” What type of sound device is used here?

• a. alliteration

• b. assonance

• c. onomatopoeia

• d. consonance

7. Treats of food and drink were set out to placate the spirits

• a. figurative language

• b. literal language

Tags

CCSS.L.6.4A

CCSS.L.6.5A

CCSS.RI.6.4

CCSS.RL.6.4

8. It is a night when children are like crazed animals looking for a treat.

• a. figurative language

• b. literal language

Tags

CCSS.L.6.5A

CCSS.RL.6.4

9. All Souls’ Day could commemorate the dead in a more Christian manner.

• a. figurative language

• b. literal language

Tags

CCSS.L.6.4A

CCSS.L.6.5A

CCSS.RL.6.4

10. The Christians had parades that danced through the streets.

• a. figurative language

• b. literal language

Tags

CCSS.L.6.5A

CCSS.RL.6.4