Black History Month · Worksheet C1
Read the passage and answer the questions. (CEFR B1–B2)
1When Carter G. Woodson launched Negro History Week in 1926, he did not imagine Black history as a separate subject. He insisted that people should study the Negro in history, not Negro history, meaning that Black Americans belonged inside the national story. The special week was a tool for reaching that goal, not the goal itself.
2A century later, that distinction is at the center of a lasting debate. Critics argue that a single month can turn history into a short list of famous heroes, repeated every February and then forgotten. Others worry that the month lets people feel they have done enough, even if nothing changes for the rest of the year. In 2005, the actor Morgan Freeman called the month ridiculous, saying that Black history is American history.
3Supporters respond that, in practice, many classrooms would not cover these stories at all without a dedicated time. For them, the month works as a reminder and a starting point, encouraging schools and libraries to build resources they can use all year. Perhaps the most useful question is not whether the month should exist, but whether it leads to learning that continues in March and beyond.
What is the main idea of the passage?
According to the passage, what did Woodson mean by the Negro in history, not Negro history?
Which of the following is NOT given as a worry of critics?
What can we infer about supporters of the month?
In paragraph 3, the word dedicated in a dedicated time is closest in meaning to ...
Why does the writer mention March in the last sentence?
Black History Month · Worksheet C2
Match the words with the definitions. Then rewrite and summarize.
1. “The special week was a tool for reaching that goal, not the goal itself.”
Hint: Start with The special week was not ..., and use helped instead of a tool for.2. “Critics argue that a single month can turn history into a short list of famous heroes, repeated every February and then forgotten.”
Hint: Use Some people say and only one month, and break it into two sentences.3. “Supporters respond that, in practice, many classrooms would not cover these stories at all without a dedicated time.”
Hint: Use If there were no special time and teachers.Summarize the passage in about 50 words.
Black History Month · Worksheet C3
Prepare for a debate. Then write your opinion (100–150 words).
Add your own reason:
Add your own reason:
| Opinion | I believe / I think that … |
|---|---|
| Reason 1 | First, … For example, … |
| Reason 2 | Second, … In fact, … |
| Counter | Some people say … However, … |
| Conclusion | In conclusion, … |