Labor Day 2022 - readin…: English ESL worksheets pdf & doc - Free Printable

Let's solve the Reading Comprehension worksheet titled "Labor Day" step by step.

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Passage Summary: What Is Labor Day About?

- Labor Day is celebrated annually on the first Monday in September in the United States.
- It is a federal holiday honoring American workers and their contributions to the country.
- The day is not about one person or event but celebrates the achievements of workers throughout history.
- It was created during a time when many workers faced poor conditions: long hours, low pay, unsafe workplaces, and lack of job security.
- The labor movement fought for better working conditions, including:
- An eight-hour workday
- Higher wages
- Safer workplaces
- Workers' rights
- These efforts led to improvements like weekends, paid holidays, health benefits, and workplace safety laws.
- Labor Day became a national holiday in 1894 after President Grover Cleveland signed it into law.
- Today, it’s often seen as a celebration of hard work and a symbol of progress in workers’ rights.

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Now let’s answer each question based on the passage:

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Answer the Questions:

#### 1. Labor Day is celebrated annually on
> the first Monday in September.

✔ *From the text: "Labor Day is celebrated annually on the first Monday in September."*

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#### 2. No worker has an extra-long weekend when Labor Day is celebrated. (T/F)
> False (F)

✔ *Explanation:* The passage says, “The funny thing about Labor Day is that it’s the one day of the year no one expects to work.” This implies that people do get a long weekend because Labor Day falls on a Monday, giving them a three-day weekend (Friday, Saturday, Sunday). So, workers do have an extra-long weekend.

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#### 3. There is an extra-long weekend when Labor Day is celebrated. (T/F)
> True (T)

✔ *Explanation:* As above — since Labor Day is on a Monday, it creates a long weekend. This is common knowledge and supported by context.

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#### 4. We like what workers were doing if it doesn’t matter what we are doing. (T/F)
> False (F)

✘ *This sentence is confusing and poorly worded.* But from the passage:
> "We celebrate workers who did the most important work in the world... they created the quality of life we enjoy today."

So we do value what workers do — but the statement seems to say "we like what workers were doing" regardless of what we’re doing. That's vague and misleading. More importantly, the passage does not support this idea. The correct interpretation is that we respect and honor workers because of their contributions.

Thus, the statement is not true as written.

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#### 5. It doesn't matter what we are doing; we earn our salary. (T/F)
> False (F)

✘ *The passage emphasizes the importance of work and fair treatment. It doesn't say "it doesn't matter what we're doing" — rather, it highlights how all types of work (teaching, farming, hospital jobs) contribute to society.*

So, the idea that what we do doesn't matter contradicts the message of respecting all kinds of labor.

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#### 6. According to the text, who is responsible for American success?
> American workers

✔ *From the passage: "It was envisioned by the American worker... They created the quality of life we enjoy today."*
Also: "The American worker... helped create the most powerful nation in the world."

So, American workers are credited with building the nation's success.

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#### 7. When and why was the labor movement created?
> The labor movement was created in response to poor working conditions in the late 1800s. Workers faced long hours, low pay, unsafe workplaces, and lack of job security. They organized to demand better wages, shorter workdays, safer conditions, and rights.

✔ *From the passage:*
> "At the time, most workers had to work 10 to 12 hours a day... in dangerous factories... There were no laws to protect them."

So, the labor movement began to fight for workers’ rights due to harsh conditions.

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#### 8. One problem like lack of jobs is caused by...
> Economic downturns or unemployment periods, which are mentioned in the passage:
> "Work is an activity we seem to expect more than we need... In a period of unemployment, there were no jobs available."

So, economic hardship or recession leads to job loss.

But the question asks: *"One problem like lack of jobs is caused by..."*
Answer: Unemployment or economic downturns.

✔ *From the text: "In a period of unemployment, there were no jobs available."*

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#### 9. Why do we celebrate Labor Day?
> We celebrate Labor Day to honor American workers and recognize their contributions to the country's development and quality of life. It also marks the progress made in improving working conditions through the labor movement.

✔ *From the passage:*
> "It was envisioned by the American worker... to honor the American worker... who created the quality of life we enjoy today."

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#### 10. What is the explanation for not working on Labor Day?
> Labor Day is a federal holiday, so people don’t work. It’s a day off to celebrate and honor American workers.

✔ *From the text: "Labor Day is a federal holiday... no one expects to work."*

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#### 11. Labor Day was celebrated in your country?
> *(This is a personal question — answer depends on your country.)*

✔ Example answer:
> Yes, in my country, Labor Day is celebrated on May 1st. It’s known as International Workers’ Day and is a public holiday. People may go to parades, rallies, or enjoy time with family.

Or:
> No, we don’t celebrate Labor Day in my country. We have other holidays to honor workers, such as National Workers’ Day.

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#### 12. What do you do when there is an extra-long weekend?
> *(Personal answer)*

✔ Example:
> I usually spend time with family, go on a short trip, relax at home, or enjoy outdoor activities. Since it's the end of summer, I might go to the beach or have a picnic.

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#### 13. Do you think that the workers’ rights are respected in your country? Explain.
> *(Personal opinion — example answer)*

✔ Example:
> In my country, workers’ rights are generally respected, especially in formal jobs. Most workers have legal protections, such as minimum wage, overtime pay, and safe working conditions. However, in some informal sectors, like agriculture or small businesses, these rights are not always enforced. So while progress has been made, there is still room for improvement.

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✔ Final Answers (Summary):

| Question | Answer |
|--------|--------|
| 1 | the first Monday in September |
| 2 | F |
| 3 | T |
| 4 | F |
| 5 | F |
| 6 | American workers |
| 7 | Created in the late 1800s to fight for better working conditions, fair pay, and workers’ rights due to poor treatment and long hours. |
| 8 | Unemployment or economic downturns |
| 9 | To honor American workers and celebrate their contributions to society and the nation’s success. |
| 10 | Because it is a federal holiday dedicated to celebrating workers and their achievements. |
| 11 | (Personal) e.g., Yes, in my country it's celebrated on May 1st. |
| 12 | (Personal) e.g., I go on a trip or spend time with family. |
| 13 | (Personal) e.g., Yes, mostly — but some sectors still face challenges. |

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