This is a reading and listening comprehension lesson to test your ability
to understand information written and spoken in English. Read the information
or listen to the video below and then answer the 10 test questions.
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Holiday:
George Washington's Birthday
Today is the actual birthday of George Washington. He was
the first president of the United States of America.
Video:
George Washington
Video Script:
George Washington
Hi. In the classroom today you will learn about George Washington.
George Washington was born on February 22nd, 1732.
He was born on the family's Pope's Creek Estate near present-day
Colonial Beach in Westmoreland County, Virginia.
He was the first son of Augustine Washington and his second wife,
Mary Ball Washington.
George Washington was introduced to Martha Dandridge Custis by
friends of Martha when George was on leave from the French and
Indian War.
George only visited her home twice before proposing marriage to her
3 weeks after they met.
George and Martha were each 27 years old when they married on
January 6th, 1759.
The newlywed couple moved to Mount Vernon.
George Washington led the Continental Army to victory over the
Kingdom of Great Britain in the American Revolutionary War from 1775
to 1783.
The Continental Congress appointed Washington commander-in-chief of
the American revolutionary forces in 1775.
The following year, he forced the British out of Boston, lost New
York City, and crossed the Delaware River in New Jersey, defeating
the surprised enemy units.
As a result of his strategy, Revolutionary forces captured the two
main British combat armies at Saratoga and Yorktown.
Negotiating with Congress, the colonial states, and French allies,
he held together a tenuous army and a fragile nation.
Following the end of the war in 1783, Washington returned to private
life and retired to his plantation at Mount Vernon.
He presided over the Philadelphia Convention that drafted the United
States Constitution in 1787 because of general dissatisfaction with
the Articles of Confederation.
George Washington became President of the United States in 1789.
George Washington served as the President of the United States of
America from 1789 to 1797.
He sought to create a great nation capable of surviving in a world
torn asunder by war between Britain and France.
His unilateral Proclamation of Neutrality of 1793 provided a basis
for avoiding any involvement in foreign conflicts.
He supported plans to build a strong central government by funding
the national debt, implementing an effective tax system, and
creating a national bank.
Washington avoided the temptation of war and began a decade of peace
with Britain via the Jay Treaty in 1795.
Washington's farewell address was a primer on republican virtue and
a stern warning against partisanship, sectionalism, and involvement
in foreign wars.
Washington is seen as a symbol of the United States and
republicanism in practice.
His devotion to civic virtue made him an exemplary figure among
early American politicians.
Until next time.
From
YOUR Teacher:
George Washington's Birthday
Since Washington was the first president of the United
States of America, he is a favorite among young American
kids. There is legend about Washington cutting a cherry
tree when he was a young boy.
Test:
Reading Comprehension George
Washington's Birthday
Read
the video script or watch the video above. In the test
questions below choose which is the best answer for each
question. There are 10 questions. Good luck.
1. George Washington
was born on which date?
a. February 22nd, 1732
b. February 26th, 1742
c. February 2nd, 1752
d. February 8th, 1762
2. George Washington
was born in which state?
a. Tennesee
b. West Virginia
c. Virginia
d. New York
3. Who were George
Washington's parents?
a. August and Belle
b. Augustine and Mary Ball
c. Augustus and Maryland
d. August and Mary Belle
4. Who did George
Washington marry?
a. Martha Stewert
b. Martha Vandellas
c. Martha Muffin
d. Martha Dandridge Custis
5. What age were George
and Martha when they were married?
a. 22
b. 24
c. 25
d. 27
6. Where did George and
Martha move to after they were married?
a. Mount Shasta
b. Mount McKinley
c. Mount Vernon
d. Mount Fuji
7. The American
Revolutionary War was fought during which years?
a. 1753 to 1761
b. 1768 to 1773
c. 1775 to 1783
d. 1789 to 1797
8. Where did Washington
return to in 1783?
a. Mount Vernon
b. Philadelphia
c. New Jersey
d. Saratoga and Yorktown
9. George Washington
was president during which years?
a. 1753 to 1761
b. 1768 to 1773
c. 1775 to 1783
d. 1789 to 1797
10. Washington began a
decade of peace with Britain via which treaty in 1795?
a. Trick or Treaty
b. British Alliance Treaty
c. Jay Treaty
d. French Treaty
