Home Economics

From "American Cookery Magazine"

Published in 1921

Miss Isabel Bevier retired this year from her work in Home Economics at the University of Illinois. She entered the service of the University in 1900. During the twenty-one years of its existence, Professor Bevier has given herself unsparingly to the department of Home Economics. The field was almost entirely new as a university subject. The courses have been outlined and conducted with a double purpose in mind. First, the presenting of home economics as a part of a liberal education; and second, the development of courses leading to a profession in teaching, dietetics, and cafeteria management.

The first graduating class in 1903 numbered three. The number rapidly increased, reaching ninety-four in 1918. The total number of students coming under the instruction of the staff of teachers for the last twenty-one years is approximately 5,000.

If efforts are to be judged by their results, it is not too much to say that the purposes of this department have been accomplished. The department has trained hundreds of competent executives and teachers, and many women who are not teachers or professionals of any kind, but the heads of American homes. To achieve this double purpose has been the great ambition of the department, in which it has highly succeeded.

It is not too much to say that at present, no department of the university enjoys more of the confidence and respect of the institution than does the department of Home Economics.

At the Recognition Service in honor of Professor Bevier, in May, 1921, the alumni presented the University with an excellent portrait of Miss Bevier.

Reading Comprehension Questions

1) The above passage was written for which purpose?

a. to provide a detailed biography of Miss Bevier's life

b. to recognize Miss Bevier's accomplishments at the university

c. to list the achievements of the university's first graduating class

d. the describe the courses in the home economics department

2) Which of the following adjectives describes the author’s tone when writing about Miss Bevier?

a. harsh

b. annoyed

c. critical

d. respectful

3) According to the 2^nd paragraph of the above passage, the first graduating class of the Home Economics department "numbered three." How much larger was the graduating class fifteen years later?

a. a dozen students larger

b. over ninety students larger

c. several hundred students larger

d. nearly 5,000 students larger

4) The opening paragraph of the above passage states that "Professor Bevier has given herself unsparingly to the department..." Based on the context, what is the meaning of the word “unsparingly”?

a. frugally

b. generously

c. strictly

d. reluctantly

5) Based on the information in above passage, which of the following statements is true?

a. Miss Bevier has worked at the university since 1921.

b. The graduating class of the department is one of the largest in the country.

c. Nearly 5,000 students have been a part of the Home Economics Department.

d. Miss Bevier is still working part time for the University.

6) When conducting an "Internet search," which keywords would most likely return the above passage?

a. University of Illinois class of 1903

b. Home Economics

c. liberal education

d. Professor Bevier University of Illinois

Answer Key