Passage 3
Questions 11 to 15 are based on the following passage:
The idea of a special day to honor mothers was first put forward in America
in 1907. two years later a woman, Mrs. John Bruce Dodd, in the state of
Washington proposed a similar day to honor the head of the family—the father.
Her mother died when she was very young, and her father brought her up. She
loved her father very much.
In response to Mrs. Dodd’s idea that same year—1909, the state governor of
Washington proclaimed (宣布) the third Sunday in June Father’s Day. The idea was
officially approved by President Woodrow Wilson in 1916. in 1924, President
Calvin Coolidge recommended national observance of the occasion “to establish
more intimate (亲密) relations between fathers and their children, and to impress
upon fathers the full measure of their obligations.” The red or white rose is
recognized as the official Father’s Day flower.
Father’s Day took longer to establish on a national scale than Mother’s Day,
but as the idea grained popularity, tradesmen and manufacturers began to see the
commercial possibilities. They encouraged sons and daughters to honor their
fathers with small thank-you presents, such as a tie or pair of socks, as well
as by sending greeting cards.
During the Second World War, American servicemen stationed in Britain began
to request Father’s Day greeting cards to send home. This generated a response
with British card publishers. Though at first the British public was slow to
accept this rather artificial day, it’s now well celebrated in Britain on the
third Sunday in June in much the same way as in America.
Father’s Day seems to be much less important as occasion than the Mother’s
Day. Not many of the children offer their fathers some presents. But the
American fathers still think they are much better fated than the fathers of many
other countries, who have not even a day for their sake in name only.
11. When did Father’s Day officially begin to have national popularity?
A. 1907 B. 1909 C. 1916 D. 1924
12. Who first started the idea of holding the Father’s Day?
A. Mrs. John Bruce Dodd B. Mrs. John Bruce’s Mother
C. The government of Washington. D. Some businessmen.
13. What flower will be popular on Father’s Day?
A. Lily B. Water Lily C. Red rose or white rose D. Sunflower.
14. Which statement is true, a according to this passage?
A. It took even longer for Mother’s Day to gain national popularity.
B. The businessmen helped to make Father’s Day popular.
C. Father’s Day is only celebrated in America.
D. Father’s Day is only a trick of the businessmen to make money.
15. What was the first reaction of the British publishing towards Father’s
Day?
A. They thought highly of it and accepted it at once.
B. They just accepted it at once without any hesitation.
C. They just thought it a joke.
D. They thought it was too artificial and took a long time to accept.
