Stamps

Stamp collectors don’t stop at stamps. They are usually interested in pretty much anything that is “stamp related.” That includes post-cards, printed envelopes, and even items with pictures of stamps. In fact, one of the most prized possessions of a stamp collector may be a counterfeit stamp that isn’t even the real thing.

In the end, however, stamp collecting is only a passion—not a career. Because the hobby became so popular during the 1920s, most stamps issued after the 1930s aren’t worth much today. Even the world’s first stamp—the “One Penny Black” (issued in England in 1840)—isn’t too difficult to come by today. If you have one, it’s worth somewhere between $25 and $100. Of course, if you manage to find one that’s never been used and is in mint condition… well, that’s a different story.

Reading Comprehension Questions

1) In the above passage, the main idea of the first paragraph is which of these?

a. Stamp collectors are very hard to please.

b. Stamp collecting can be a great career choice.

c. Stamp collecting is more popular today than ever before.

d. Stamp collectors are fascinated by anything “stamp related”.

2) Based on the 1^st paragraph of the above passage, which of these would be one of the "most prized possessions" of a stamp collector?

a. a fake stamp

b. a modern stamp

c. a rare post-card

d. pictures of stamps

3) According to the above passage, which of the following took place in the 1920s?

a. the world's first stamps were invented

b. the price of postage stamps skyrocketed

c. many people started collecting stamps

d. stamp collecting became an illegal activity

4) The last sentence of the above passage talks about stamps in "mint condition." In the context, what is the meaning of the word “mint”?

a. genuine

b. perfect

c. worn

d. bogus

5) If you were doing an internet search, the above passage would most likely be found in a “key word search” containing which two words?

a. "stamps" and "postage"

b. "stamps" and "hobbies"

c. "stamps" and "pictures"

d. "stamps" and "England"

Answer Key

1) In the above passage, the main idea of the first paragraph is which of these?

a. Stamp collectors are very hard to please.

b. Stamp collecting can be a great career choice.

c. Stamp collecting is more popular today than ever before.

d. Stamp collectors are fascinated by anything “stamp related”.

2) Based on the 1^st paragraph of the above passage, which of these would be one of the "most prized possessions" of a stamp collector?

a. a fake stamp

b. a modern stamp

c. a rare post-card

d. pictures of stamps

3) According to the above passage, which of the following took place in the 1920?

a. the world's first stamps were invented

b. the price of postage stamps skyrocketed

c. many people started collecting stamps

d. stamp collecting became an illegal activity

4) The last sentence of the above passage talks about stamps in "mint condition." In the context, what is the meaning of the word “mint”?

a. genuine

b. perfect

c. worn

d. bogus

5) If you were doing an internet search, the above passage would most likely be found in a “key word search” containing which two words?

a. "stamps" and "postage"

b. "stamps" and "hobbies"

c. "stamps" and "pictures"

d. "stamps" and "England"