Reading: April Fool's Day

Read the text and answer whether the statements below are TRUE or FALSE

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April Fool's Day

April Fool's Day is quite an appropriate way to begin National Humor Month. Here is some background information.

Did you know that April Fool's Day began in France in 1564? Before then, the new year was celebrated on April 1! As some Europeans continued celebrating the new year on that day, they were called April fools and their friends would play silly tricks on them.

The harmless pranks of April Fool's Day take place in the US, Germany, France, Great Britain, and other countries. In France, an April fool is a poisson d'Avril, an April fish, and chocolate fish are a special treat. In Scotland, people call you an April cuckoo.

Be sure not to play a joke after 12 noon or you will be the fool!

article written by Freda J. Glatt

About the author:
Freda J. Glatt, MS, retired from teaching after a 34-year career in Early Childhood and Elementary Education. Her focus, now, is to reach out and help others reinforce reading comprehension and develop a love for reading. Visit her site at www.sandralreading.com. Reading is FUNdamental!

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Decide if the following statements are TRUE or FALSE:

1. 1st April was originally celebrated only by the French.

   1. False
   2. True

2. In 1564 people started to celebrate New Year on 1st April.

   1. False
   2. True

3. Some people refused to change their calendar.

   1. False
   2. True

4. Only a few European countries celebrate this day.

   1. False
   2. True

5. A typical April Fool's Day dinner in France is fish.

   1. False
   2. True

6. All pranks should take place before midday.

   1. False
   2. True

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