Read the passage.

“Independence Day! Everyone has the day off! I can’t wait to hang out with my friends,” Jeremy exclaims as he drinks his juice at the kitchen table.

He looks up as his father enters the kitchen dressed for work. “Dad, uh . . . you’re looking rather formal this morning,” Jeremy frowns as he looks his father up and down.

“Really? You know that I always dress professionally for work.”

“Yeah. Sure, Dad.” Jeremy says, rolling his eyes.

His father quickly takes the milk out of the refrigerator, pours it into a bowl of cereal, and begins eating. “I’d better hurry, or I’ll be late for work! Hey, aren’t you supposed be getting ready for soccer practice?”

“No, Dad. Today’s July 4th. It’s a holiday, remember?”

Jeremy’s father abruptly stops munching his cereal. “Oh, goodness! And I even got up early today!” After a few moments of silence, he shouts, “Hey, I’ve got a great idea! Since we have the day off, why don’t you help me mulch the yard and weed the garden? I’d love to show you a few things about gardening.”

“Oooo, that sounds like fun.”

“Come on, I’m serious. It’ll be good for you. I’ll show you what hard work means. You know, when I was your age, I loved helping my dad out around the yard. You teenagers just don’t know what it means to work . . .” Jeremy’s father begins to lecture.

“Yeah. I know, Dad. You’ve told that story a million times,” Jeremy interrupts, losing his patience.



In this selection, the theme is _____.