CAASPP Success - Grade 4 Reading Comprehension - Argumentative #1
Read the passage and answer the questions.
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.
[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.
[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.
[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.
Class Companion
Question 1
Which detail from the passage explains why giving gifts on birthdays can be stressful?
People need to cook special meals.
People have to plan a lot of events.
People worry about finding the perfect gift.
People invite too many guests to parties.
Question 2a
Part A: Why does the author believe not giving gifts is better for the environment?
Gifts make people happier.
Fewer toys will go to waste.
People can save money.
It’s easier to plan parties.
Question 2b
Which sentence from the passage best supports your answer in Part A?
"Many birthday presents, especially toys, are used for only a short time before they’re forgotten or thrown away."
"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."
"They both had a blast, and Finn didn’t have to worry about whether she liked what he bought."
"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."
Question 3
Select the detail that supports the idea that skipping gifts can reduce stress.
People have less waste.
People don't worry about what to buy.
People have more meaningful celebrations.
People can buy more things for themselves.
Question 4
Why did Mia enjoy her birthday when her friends built a treehouse?
She received lots of gifts.
They spent the afternoon together.
They made a big dinner.
They cleaned up her backyard.
Question 5
Write one phrase from the excerpt that describes what the author values more than birthday gifts.
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.
Question 6
Write the sentence from the excerpt that explains Mia's conclusion about celebrating without gifts.
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.
Question 7
Select the sentence that best supports the idea that spending time together is the best birthday gift.
Forget the gifts and focus on making the day special with experiences and time spent together.
Imagine a birthday where the focus is on having fun and enjoying time with friends.
Think about Mia, who asked her friends not to bring gifts.
They all spent the afternoon building a treehouse in her backyard, and it turned out to be her favorite birthday ever.
Question 8
Which word best describes how Finn felt after planning a fun day instead of giving a gift?
Anxious
Relieved
Angry
Excited
Question 9
What is the main idea of the passage?
Birthdays should last all week.
Giving gifts is always stressful.
Experiences are better than gifts.
Celebrating alone is important.
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