ARK ESOL Halloween Reading Comprehension

How did Halloween begin according to the text?

• It started as a Roman festival.

• It began with the ancient Celtic festival of Samhain.

• It was created by the American settlers.

• It originated from a medieval fair.

What date did the ancient Celts consider the start of the New Year?

• December 25

• January 1

• November 1

• October 31

What was the purpose of setting bonfires on October 31?

• To celebrate the harvest

• To keep evil spirits away

• To cook food for the festival

• To light up the night

What tradition is associated with children going door-to-door on All Hallows Eve?

• Singing carols

• Trick-or-treating

• Collecting flowers

• Dancing in the streets

What were Jack-o’-Lanterns originally made from?

• Pumpkins

• Watermelons

• Turnips

• Apples

Why did the tradition of using pumpkins for Jack-o’-Lanterns start in America?

• Pumpkins were easier to find and carve.

• Pumpkins were more colorful.

• Pumpkins were cheaper.

• Pumpkins were tastier.

What was the purpose of wearing masks during the Samhain festival?

• To look beautiful

• To avoid being recognized by evil spirits

• To entertain guests

• To scare animals

When did costumes become a major part of Halloween in the United States?

• 1800s

• 1920s

• 1930s

• 1950s

What imagery is associated with All Hallows Eve?

• Flowers and rainbows

• Skeletons and ghosts

• Sun and moon

• Stars and planets

What belief about black cats is mentioned in the text?

• They bring good luck.

• They are humans gone bad.

• They are guardians of the underworld.

• They are symbols of wealth.