Main Idea
What is this passage mostly about?
Hispanic Heritage Month and why/how it is celebrated.
Name two areas in which the passage says Hispanic Americans have contributed to American life.
Any two: music, art, science, sports, education, business, or public service.
When does Hispanic Heritage Month begin?
September 15.
Why do you think the celebration lasts longer now than it did when it first began?
A longer celebration gives people more time to recognize and learn about different Hispanic cultures, people, and contributions.
Hispanic Heritage Month begins September 15, and Mexico celebrates its independence on what nearby date?
September 16.
What is the main idea of the first paragraph?
Hispanic Heritage Month recognizes the cultures, history, and contributions of Hispanic Americans.
Give one detail that supports the idea that Hispanic Heritage Month has changed over time.
It began as a one-week celebration in 1968 and expanded to 30 days in 1988.
When does Hispanic Heritage Month end?
October 15.
Why might a school include music, art, and literature in its Hispanic Heritage Month activities?
They are ways to learn about Hispanic cultures, experiences, and contributions.
How many years passed between the beginning of Hispanic Heritage Week and its expansion to a 30-day celebration?
20 years.
What is the main idea of the third paragraph?
September 15 was chosen because it connects to the independence celebrations of several Latin American countries.
What detail explains why September 15 is important?
Five Latin American countries celebrate the anniversary of their independence on September 15.
What was the celebration called when it began in 1968?
Hispanic Heritage Week.
The author says the month is about “more than festivals or food.” What does the author mean?
It is also about learning about Hispanic history, cultures, accomplishments, and contributions to the United States.
Why is September an especially meaningful time to begin Hispanic Heritage Month?
Several Latin American countries celebrate their independence during this time.
Which statement best describes the main idea of the final paragraph?
A. Hispanic Heritage Month is mostly about eating different foods.
B. Hispanic Heritage Month provides many ways to learn about and recognize Hispanic cultures and contributions.
C. Schools are required to hold Hispanic Heritage Month festivals.
B. Hispanic Heritage Month provides many ways to learn about and recognize Hispanic cultures and contributions.
Give two examples from the passage of how a school could celebrate Hispanic Heritage Month.
Any two: learn about important Hispanic Americans, study art and literature, listen to music, explore foods and traditions, or hold cultural events.
In what year was the celebration expanded to a 30-day period?
1988
What can you infer about Hispanic culture from the passage?
A. It comes from only one country.
B. It includes people and traditions from many different places.
C. It is mainly connected to food.
B. It includes people and traditions from many different places.
What connection does the passage make between history and modern Hispanic Heritage Month celebrations?
The month begins around important historical independence dates, while modern celebrations recognize Hispanic cultures and contributions today.
Give one sentence that summarizes the entire passage.
Hispanic Heritage Month recognizes Hispanic history, cultures, and contributions and explains why the celebration takes place from September 15 to October 15.
Which two details best support the idea that Hispanic Heritage Month represents many different cultures and experiences?
The passage mentions people with roots in several different regions and describes many different people, countries, traditions, and experiences.
Name the five countries in the passage that celebrate the anniversary of their independence on September 15.
Costa Rica, El Salvador, Guatemala, Honduras, and Nicaragua.
Why might learning about Hispanic Americans help students better understand the United States as a whole?
Because Hispanic Americans and their cultures have contributed to many parts of American society.
The author says people can “celebrate the past, recognize contributions in the present, and learn more about the communities around them.” Give one example from the passage of celebrating the past and one example of recognizing the present.
Past: Learning about independence days, history, or important Hispanic Americans.
Present: Recognizing Hispanic Americans’ contributions, cultures, art, music, and traditions today.