Read the following passage and mark the letter A, B, C, or D on your answer sheet to indicate the correct answer to each of the questions. Mickey Mouse, an animated cartoon character created by Walt Disney and Ub Iwerks, is considered the most popular and recognizable cartoon character in the world. Mickey made his first public appearance in Steamboat Willie on November 18, 1928, which established his core characteristics: cheerful in spirit, yet roguish in complexion. Mickey was often joined by ...

Read the following passage and mark the letter A, B, C, or D on your answer sheet to indicate the correct answer to each of the questions.

Mickey Mouse, an animated cartoon character created by Walt Disney and Ub Iwerks, is considered the most popular and recognizable cartoon character in the world. Mickey made his first public appearance in Steamboat Willie on November 18, 1928, which established his core characteristics: cheerful in spirit, yet roguish in complexion. Mickey was often joined by his girlfriend, Minnie Mouse, as well as an animated gang of friends that included Donald Duck, Goofy, and Pluto. The earliest cartoons portrayed Mickey as a country boy living in the Midwest.

Mickey is easily identified by his round ears, red shorts, white gloves, and yellow shoes. Actually, throughout his existence, Mickey has undergone a few changes. In 1940, Mickey was given pupils in his eyes. Later, he would lose his trademark red pants and start wearing different clothes.

Originally, Walt Disney did Mickey Mouse's vocal expressions such as whistling, laughing, or crying. Mickey did not actually speak until 1929 and interestingly enough, Mickey's first words were "Hot dogs! Hot dogs!"

One of the reasons why Walt Disney was much more successful than other animators at that time was because of his use of sound. He created a soundtrack to match the scenes in the cartoons.

Mickey Mouse has appeared in over 130 films. “When people laugh at Mickey Mouse, it's because he's so human; and that is the secret of his popularity”, said Walt Disney.

In 1978, Mickey became the first cartoon character to receive a star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame. Today, Mickey stands as the highest-grossing animated character of all time. As its most famous character, Mickey Mouse serves as the mascot of the Walt Disney Company and is well-known all over the world.

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