Questions 31-39

Labor Day, the first Monday in September, is a creation of the labor movement and is dedicated to the social and economic achievements of American workers. The first Labor Day holiday was celebrated on Tuesday, September 5, 1882 in New York City in accordance with the plans of the Central Labor Union. The idea for this day is attributed to a man named McGuire, but there is some controversy about which man named McGuire. This celebration was repeated the following year, then in 1884, the first Monday in September was selected, and the Central Labor Union urged similar organizations in other cities to follow the example of New York and celebrate a “workingmen’s holiday” on that date. The idea spread with the growth of labor organizations, and in 1885 Labor Day was celebrated in many industrial centers of the country.
Through the years the nation gave increasing emphasis to Labor Day. The first government recognition came through municipal ordinances passed during 1885 and 1886, leading to a movement to secure State legislation. The first bill was introduced into the New York legislature, but the first to become law was passed by Oregon in 1887. During that year four more States (Colorado, Massachusetts, New Jersey, and New York) also legislated for Labor Day. By 1894, 23 other States had adopted the holiday, and in June of that year, Congress passed an Act, making the first Monday in September of each year a legal holiday in the District of Columbia and the territories.
The form that the observance and celebration should take, was outlined to be a street parade to exhibit to the public “the strength and ‘esprit de corps’ of the trade and labor organizations”, followed by a festival for the recreation and amusement of workers and their families. By resolution of the American Federation of Labor Convention in 1909, the Sunday preceding Labor Day was adopted as Labor Sunday, and dedicated to the spiritual and educational aspects of the labor movement.

31. The phrase “this day” in line 4 refers to
(a) the first Monday in September
(b) Labor Day holiday
(c) Tuesday, September 5
(d) the workingman’s holiday

32. The author implies that which of the following is true?
(a) Labor Day has lost its importance over the years
(b) Labor Day was, in part, a religious festival
(c) there is a dispute about who thought of the idea for Labor Day
(d) celebrations were usually limited to the industrial centers

33. The word “urged” in line 7 is closet in meaning to
(a) devoted
(b) propelled
(c) speeded
(d) satisfied

34. According to the passage, Government recognition for Labor Day was first achieved in
(a) 1882
(b) 1884
(c) 1885
(d) 1887

35. The word “secure” in line 14 is closest in meaning to
(a) gain
(b) implement
(c) guarantee
(d) pass

36. According to the passage, the first State to pass legislation for Labor Day was
(a) Columbia
(b) Oregon
(c) New York
(d) Colorado

37. The word “ exhibit” in line 21 is closest in meaning to
(a) celebrate
(b) exemplify
(c) demonstrate
(d) display

38. Which of the following is NOT true
(a) by 1894, twenty eight States had passed legislation for Labor Day
(b) including families was an important part of Labor Day celebrations
(c) the first legislative bill was introduced in New York
(d) Labor Day has always been held on the first Monday in September

39. The word “preceding” in line 24 is closest in meaning to
(a) closest to
(b) following
(c) before
(d) on