This Father’s Day reading exercise helps you practice your reading skills while learning about a popular holiday in the English-speaking world.
Read the article and answer the questions below.
Father’s Day
Father’s Day is celebrated around the world. It is a day to honour Dad. Similar to Mother’s Day, Father’s Day is a day to say thank you to the fathers.
Father’s Day is on different days in a variety of countries, but the most common day is the third Sunday in June. This is true for the majority of countries, including English speaking countries like Canada, the United States, and the United Kingdom.
There are several historical instances of Father’s Day. The Catholic tradition started as St. Joseph’s Day. Joseph was the father of Jesus, so this day was as a day to honour fathers. In the United States, the day was first celebrated independently of the church in June 1910. Sonora Smart Dodd is credited with initiating the day after she argued that fathers deserve a day of recognition like mothers.
However, the day did not become popular immediately. Many thought Father’s Day was not necessary, and it was seldom taken seriously. While it was celebrated each June, it wasn’t until 1972 that it was an official holiday in the U.S.A.
Similar to Mother’s Day, Father’s Day was promoted by the retail industry. Through marketing, the day became more commercialized and prominent. Today, people buy many gifts on Father’s Day. Traditionally, these gifts include “father” type things such as ties, men’s personal care items, sports-related gifts, or tools.
On Father’s Day, families usually spend time together and have a small party or dinner. It is not as common to go out to a restaurant as Mother’s Day. However, it is usual for the family to make Dad’s favourite food. This often means “man food” like steak or bbq.
Although traditions are different in many countries, around the world people celebrate Father’s Day. It is an important holiday, just as fathers are an important part of families.
Now that you have read the article, complete the questions.
Choose the correct option from information from the reading.
Father's Day Reading Exercise