Halloween: The Hidden History Skills Test

Read this sentence from the text.

By the 1950's, Halloween had evolved into a secular, or nonreligious, holiday for children.

Which word from the sentence helps the reader understand what the word secular means?

• nonreligious

• Halloween

• holiday

• children

Read the definitions for the word evolved below:

1. 1. to give off gas or heat

2. 2. to develop gradually over time

3. 3. the changing of the physical features of a person or animal over time

5. Which definition best matches the way the word evolved is used in the following sentence?

By the 1950’s, Halloween had evolved into a secular, or nonreligious, holiday for children.

• 1. 1. to give off gas or heat

• 2. 2. to develop gradually over time

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

Which statement below best describes one SIMILARITY between Samhain and Halloween?

• Both Samhain and Halloween were created by the Catholic Church.

• Both Samhain and Halloween were celebrated by the Celts.

• Both Samhain and Halloween were celebrated with bonfires and costumes.

• Both Samhain and Halloween are religious holidays.

This question has two parts. Answer Part A, then Part B.

Part A: Read this sentence from the article.

"In fact, All Souls' Day was celebrated in a similar way to Samhain long ago."

Why does the author include this sentence?

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

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

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

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

Part B: Which sentence from the article best supports your answer to the Part A?

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

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

• They called this holy day All Hallows Day.

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

Read this sentence from the article.

"The dark night howls a spooky tune" 

What type of figurative language is used here?

• personification

• onomatopoeia

• metaphor

• alliteration

Read this sentence from the article.

"Children cackle like tickled hens."

 What type of figurative language is used here?

• metaphor

• simile

• onomatopoeia

• alliteration

Is the following statement figurative language or literal language?

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

• literal

• figurative

Is the following statement figurative language or literal language?

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

• figurative

• literal

Is the following statement figurative language or literal language?

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

• figurative

• literal