Primary Source: Mother's Day Oberved All Over America
by Boston Herald Monday, May 11, 1914
Today Mother's Day is a special day around the world, but it wasn't always so. This article from the "Boston Herald" newspaper describes one of the earliest celebration of the day. Students will read the article and answer questions on the details and the language.
Reading Comprehension Passage
Primary Source: Mother's Day Oberved All Over America
by Boston Herald Monday, May 11, 1914
Reading Comprehension Questions
Vocabulary List
Vocabulary List
Each of the vocabulary words below are used in the reading passage. As you read the passage, pay attention to context clues that suggest the word’s meaning.
- lapels
- preached
- appeals
- myriad
- vied
- originated
Context Clues
Context Clues
Using context clues from the sentences in the passage, underline the correct meaning of the word in boldface.
1) “On the lapels of thousands of men and the breasts of thousands of women were carnations in her memory.”
a. collars b. hats c. pockets d. heads
2) “From many pulpits there were preached sermons glorifying her.”
a. created b. wrote c. acted out d. delivered
3) “The supply of carnations in florist shops gave out early, and appeals had to be sent to neighboring cities for more flowers for the evening trade.”
a. letters b. requests c. promises d. taxis
4) “In the Back Bay district, flags were in evidence lending a distinctly Independence Day appearance to the streets, while many of the windows contained a myriad of white flowers.”
a. basketful b. great amount c. small display d. fragrant bouquet
5) “Men vied with each other to show their devotion to mothers.”
a. competed b. shared c. toasted d. talked
6) “The movement for the observance of Mother’s Day as a world-wide holiday originated with Miss Anna Jarvis of Philadelphia, whose mother died nine
years ago.”
a. ended b. began c. multiplied d. changed