Pizza

The first pizzeria was opened in Naples, Italy, in 1830. It must have done pretty well, too, because it’s still serving pizza today. The taste of pizza soon caught on through the rest of Europe, with Italy leading the way.

In 1905, with a growing number of Italian immigrants moving to America, the first pizzeria fired up its oven in New York City. But it wasn’t until forty years later—during World War II—when pizza chains started popping up all over the United States. It happened when the soldiers stationed in Europe tasted the pizza firsthand. They developed a craving that stuck with them when they returned home.

Reading Comprehension Questions

1) What was the author’s purpose in writing this passage?

a. to compare the first pizza chains with modern ones

b. to explain the health benefits of eating pizza

c. to give a short history of the rise of pizza chains

d. to predict the future of pizza chains

2) According to the above passage, which of the following is true?

a. the best pizza can be found in Naples, Italy

b. the first pizzeria is still in business

c. most pizzerias are owned by Italian immigrants

d. pizza was "invented" during World War II

3) According to the above passage, most pizza chains started "popping up all over the United States" at which time?

a. a little over a decade ago

b. a little over 50 years ago

c. a little over a century ago

d. a little over 5 centuries ago

4) In the above passage, the start of the 2^nd paragraph refers to "immigrants." Based on the context, what is the meaning of the word “immigrants”?

a. an Italian cook or chef

b. an American cook or chef

c. a newcomer to a country

d. someone who was born in the country

5) In the 2^nd paragraph of above passage, which phrase would work well to replace the phrase “fired up its oven”?

a. became a legend

b. moved across town

c. turned up the heat

d. opened for business

Answer Key

1) What was the author’s purpose in writing this passage?

a. to compare the first pizza chains with modern ones

b. to explain the health benefits of eating pizza

c. to give a short history of the rise of pizza chains

d. to predict the future of pizza chains

2) According to the above passage, which of the following is true?

a. the best pizza can be found in Naples, Italy

b. the first pizzeria is still in business

c. most pizzerias are owned by Italian immigrants

d. pizza was "invented" during World War II

3) According to the above passage, most pizza chains started "popping up all over the United States" at which time?

a. a little over a decade ago

b. a little over 50 years ago

c. a little over a century ago

d. a little over 5 centuries ago

4) In the above passage, the start of the 2^nd paragraph refers to "immigrants." Based on the context, what is the meaning of the word “immigrants”?

a. an Italian cook or chef

b. an American cook or chef

c. a newcomer to a country

d. someone who was born in the country

5) In the 2^nd paragraph of above passage, which phrase would work well to replace the phrase “fired up its oven”?

a. became a legend

b. moved across town

c. turned up the heat

d. opened for business