Quiz on "Untangling the History of Christmas Lights"

What is the central idea of the text?

• After inventing the Christmas tree in 1882, Edward Hibberd Johnson became a key figure in holiday celebrations

• Edward Hibberd Johnson helped pioneer the tradition of electric Christmas lights at a time when electricity was still rare.

• Like most Christmas traditions, decorating trees with electric Christmas lights is an ancient custom with its origins in Europe

• The practice of using electric lights on Christmas trees began with President Cleveland putting the first set on the White House tree in 1894.

Tags

CCSS.RI.6.2

CCSS.RI.7.2

CCSS.RI.8.2

CCSS.RL.7.2

CCSS.RL.8.2

Which best describes the relationship between Thomas Edison and Edward Hibberd Johnson?

• Johnson and Edison were rivals who competed to invent successful new products.

• Johnson supported Edison's inventions by finding ways to make them well-known

• Johnson was a journalist who reported on some of Edison's most famous inventions.

• Johnson was an inexperienced inventor who turned to Edison for advice and mentorship

Tags

CCSS.RI.6.2

CCSS.RI.7.2

CCSS.RI.8.2

CCSS.RL.7.2

CCSS.RL.8.2

Which detail from the text demonstrates the popularity of Christmas tree lights?

• "Johnson turned his stunt into a tradition; he also pioneered the practice of doing more each year: An 1884 New York Times article counted 120 bulbs on his dazzling tree." (Paragraph 5)

• "Johnson's lights were indeed ahead of their time — electricity was not yet routinely available — and they weren't cheap." (Paragraph 6)

• "A string of 16 vaguely flame-shaped bulbs sitting in brass sockets the size of shot glasses sold for a pricey $12 (about $350 in today's money) in 1900." (Paragraph 6)

• "Today an estimated 150 million light sets are sold in America each year, adding to the tangled millions stuffed into boxes each January." (Paragraph 7)

Tags

CCSS.RI.6.2

CCSS.RI.7.2

CCSS.RL.6.2

CCSS.RL.7.1

CCSS.RL.7.2

What was the purpose of Johnson taking the phonograph on tour in 1877?

• To sell it

• To drum up excitement

• To give it away

• To test it

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CCSS.RI.6.2

CCSS.RI.7.2

CCSS.RL.6.2

CCSS.RL.7.2

CCSS.RL.8.2

What is the author's main purpose in the text?

• The author demonstrates the economic and environmental impact of Christmas tree lights since their invention.

• The author emphasizes Edison's work ethic and passion for Christmas to show how Christmas lights became popular.

• The author emphasizes Edison's work ethic and passion for Christmas to show how Christmas lights became popular.

• The author discusses the reasons electric lights are a safer alternative to fire by detailing the risks of putting candles on Christmas trees.

Tags

CCSS.RI.6.9

CCSS.RI.7.6

CCSS.RI.7.9

CCSS.RL.7.6

CCSS.RL.8.6

What does the term "tannenbaum" refer to in the text?

• A type of light bulb

• The Christmas tree

• A musical instrument

• A holiday song

Tags

CCSS.RI.6.4

CCSS.RI.7.4

CCSS.RL.6.4

CCSS.RL.7.4

CCSS.RL.8.4

What did Johnson recall about Edison's work habits?

• Edison worked only during the day

• Edison ate at his desk and slept in a chair

• Edison took frequent breaks

• Edison preferred working outdoors

Tags

CCSS.RI.6.3

CCSS.RI.7.3

CCSS.RI.8.3

CCSS.RI.9-10.3

CCSS.RL.5.3

What did Johnson use to light up his Christmas tree?

• Candles

• Gas lamps

• Red, white, and blue light bulbs

• Flashlights

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CCSS.RI.6.3

CCSS.RI.7.3

CCSS.RI.8.3

CCSS.RI.9-10.3

CCSS.RL.5.3

What was the cost of a 16-foot string of Christmas lights in 1914?

• $1.00

• $1.75

• $2.50

• $3.00

Tags

CCSS.6.RP.A.3B

By the 1930s, what had become common in Christmas decorations?

• Candles

• Colored bulbs and cones

• Tinsel

• Paper ornaments

Tags

CCSS.RI.6.2

CCSS.RI.7.2

CCSS.RL.6.2

CCSS.RL.7.2

CCSS.RL.8.2