Keep Halloween on Our Sidewalks, Not in Parking Lots
Every October, neighborhoods across the country transform. Cardboard tombstones pop up on front lawns, stretchy fake cobwebs cling to porch railings, and the warm, flickering grin of a carved jack-o'-lantern greets people from the steps. For generations, the best part of this autumn tradition has been door-to-door trick-or-treating. On this special night, children step into the crisp evening air to walk their local streets in search of candy. In recent years, however, a modern substitute has become popular: the organized "trunk-or-treat." Held in school or community center parking lots, these events feature rows of parked cars with decorated open trunks. Costumed kids can walk through the line in just a few minutes. While the idea comes from a good place, this quick and easy event should never completely replace traditional neighborhood trick-or-treating.
- transform:
- To change completely in appearance or form.
- substitute:
- A person or thing that takes the place of another.
- convenience:
- The quality of being easy, useful, or saving time and effort.
- accessible:
- Easy for everyone to reach, enter, or use, including people with disabilities.
- independence:
- The ability to make decisions and take care of yourself without an adult doing everything for you.
- responsibility:
- Being trusted to take care of something or make good choices on your own.
- anticipation:
- A feeling of excitement while waiting for something good to happen.
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Preview questions from this passageShowHide
- 1What is the author's main opinion about trunk-or-treat events compared to traditional trick-or-treating?
- 2According to the second paragraph, why are trunk-or-treat events especially helpful for families living in country areas or children who use wheelchairs?
About this opinion piece passage for 5th Grade
“Keep Halloween on Our Sidewalks, Not in Parking Lots” is a opinion piece reading passage about Halloween Traditions, written for 5th Grade. It takes about 3 minutes to read (511 words) and comes with an interactive quiz and a printable worksheet with comprehension questions and an answer key.