CAASPP Success - Grade 4 Reading Comprehension - Argumentative #1

Why We Should Skip Giving Gifts on Birthdays

[1] Birthdays are exciting, but the tradition of giving gifts can sometimes add more stress than joy. Imagine a birthday where the focus is on having fun and enjoying time with friends, rather than stressing over presents. While gifts are often seen as a way to show you care, skipping them can make birthdays more enjoyable and less stressful for everyone.

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[2] The tradition of giving gifts on birthdays dates back centuries and varies across cultures. It originally started as a way to bring good luck and protect the birthday person from evil spirits. Over time, the custom evolved into a celebration of love and appreciation, where gifts became symbols of affection and care. Today, giving presents is one of the most common ways people show they care, but it has also become a source of stress and pressure.

[3] Take Finn, for example, who always worries about what to get his best friend for her birthday. He spends hours trying to find the perfect gift, but he’s never sure if she’ll like it. On her last birthday, instead of giving a gift, Finn planned a fun day at the zoo with her. They both had a blast, and Finn didn’t have to worry about whether she liked what he bought.

[4] But it’s not just about stress—gifts can sometimes distract from what really makes a birthday special. Birthdays should be about celebrating the person, not the stuff they get. Imagine how much more memorable a birthday could be if, instead of presents, everyone focused on creating fun experiences or making great memories together. Think about Mia, who asked her friends not to bring gifts but to help her with a special birthday project instead. They all spent the afternoon building a treehouse in her backyard, and it turned out to be her favorite birthday ever.

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[5] Another thing to think about is the environment. Many birthday presents, especially toys, are used for only a short time before they’re forgotten or thrown away. This creates a lot of waste that isn’t good for the planet. By not giving gifts, we can help reduce this waste. Instead, offering the gift of time—like spending a day together at the park or helping out with a cool project—can be much more meaningful and better for the environment.

[6] And here’s a cool thought: Not giving gifts can help us appreciate what we already have. In a world where we’re always being told to want more, skipping the presents helps us focus on what really matters—our friendships and the time we spend together. It’s a great reminder that happiness doesn’t come from things but from the people we care about and the fun we have with them.

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[7] So next time a birthday comes around, think about trying something different. Forget the gifts and focus on making the day special with experiences and time spent together. After all, the best present you can give someone is your time, and that doesn’t need to be wrapped up in a box.

And here’s a cool thought: Not giving gifts can help us appreciate what we already have. In a world where we’re always being told to want more, skipping the presents helps us focus on what really matters—our friendships and the time we spend together. It’s a great reminder that happiness doesn’t come from things but from the people we care about and the fun we have with them.

But it’s not just about stress—gifts can sometimes distract from what really makes a birthday special. Birthdays should be about celebrating the person, not the stuff they get. Imagine how much more memorable a birthday could be if, instead of presents, everyone focused on creating fun experiences or making great memories together. Think about Mia, who asked her friends not to bring gifts but to help her with a special birthday project instead. They all spent the afternoon building a treehouse in her backyard, and it turned out to be her favorite birthday ever.