S1

Reading for Understanding,

Analysis and Evaluation

IntroductionBook 1: Using own words, context clues, purpose and audience

Use your own wordsMany RUAE questions ask you to use your own words. In fact, unless you are told to down the actual words, to quote from the passage or use evidence from the passage: You should always try to answer in your own words. There are good reasons why you are asked to use your own words in your answers, the most important being:

a) To show that you understand what you have readb) To show your knowledge of vocabulary

ExampleThe small female child waited pathetically in the filthy alleyway

Question: Who waited?Answer: A little girl waitedThe answer is correct because it changes the words: small female child into other words which means the same.

Question: What did the small female child do?Answer: She cried miserably.This is a good answer: wailed has been replaces by cried, and pathetically has been replaced by miserably.

Now you try:1. Silently, in the hours of darkness, dazzling snow drifted earthwards.

Answer the following questions in your own words.

a) In what way did the snow fall?b) When did the snow fall?c) Where did the snow land?d) What did the snow look like?

2. The classroom was crowded. The row grew louder and louder. Their usual teacher was off ill and no-one had been sent as a replacement for her.

Answer the following questions in your own words.

a) What was the classroom like?b) What was happening in the classroom?c) Why was the usual teacher not there?

Context cluesWhen reading unfamiliar texts, sometimes you come across words that you are not familiar with. You can use context clues to help you determine the meaning of the word.

Inference cluesA word’s definition is not explained you need to look for clues before or after sentences.

Example: You don’t want to work with Colin, unless you want to hear him talk about himself. He is so arrogant.

Definition cluesThe word’s meaning is explained in the sentence.

Example:Colin is so arrogant. He thinks he is more important that everyone else.

Example cluesAn example of a word is given following the sentence or within the sentence

Example:Colin is so arrogant. He is always boasting about how great he is at sports.

Antonym cluesThe word is clarifies by giving the opposite meaning. Signalled by words: whereas, unlike, as opposed to.

Example:Colin is so arrogant. He needs to learn to be humble like his little brother Kieran.

Synonym cluesOther words are used in the sentence that have a similar meaning to one you are unfamiliar with.

Example:Colin is so arrogant, proud, self-centred, and over- bearing

Now you try1. Her locks were as golden as the sun. They shimmered like gold with every

brush stroke.In this context, what does the word locks mean? Explain what context clues helped you with the definition

2. I was petrified. The beast had cornered me in its pen. Its hair was matted and it smelled foul.

In this context, what does the word petrified mean? Explain what context clues helped you with the definition

Purpose and AudiencePurpose The purpose of the article is the reason why it has been written. It might be one of the following:

To persuade you (the reader)- to agree with the writer, or to buy a product

To entertain you- maybe make you laugh or think To criticise –complain about, or find fault with something or somebody To inform- to give facts about a topic, or educate the reader To present a point of view- to discuss a topic, and give their own

viewpoint

Audience

The audience of the article is the group of people that it has been written for. It can be helpful to think about gender, age bracket, interests/hobbies the audience may have.

Example

A shirt, tie and blazer may not be the ingredients for my favourite outfit, but if I were given the choice, I wouldn't throw away the idea of school uniform. Wearing a uniform is a badge of pride, creates an identity for a school and is an important part of being a school student. https://www.theguardian.com/education/mortarboard/2013/oct/03/why-wear-school-uniform

The purpose of this text is to debate the topic of school uniform, and persuade the reader that school uniform is positive in a school. I know this because the writer is making their own view known throughout the text- they are in favour of school uniform.

The intended audience would be school aged children because the text is about school children, and anybody who is against school uniform as the writer is trying to persuade the reader the benefits of wearing one.

Now you try

When Case-IH chose to bolt four track units to one of its articulated prairie monsters it created a new tractor concept that had no direct rivals for more than 15 years. At its launch in the mid 1990s, the Steiger-based 9000-series Quadtrac carved itself a new niche, offering lower ground pressure and narrower working widths than its wheeled ancestors. Its smooth headland turns and impressive grip also won over many twin-track tractor fans http://www.fwi.co.uk/machinery/drivers-view-versatile-delta-track.htm

1. What is the purpose of the text? Give a reason for your answer2. Who is the intended audience? Give a reason for your answer.

Passage 1: Adorable Pooch Fired From Police Force For Being Too Friendly Lands A Better Job

By Sona Dolasia on July 2, 2017https://www.dogonews.com/2017/7/2/adorable-pooch-fired-from-police-force-for-being-too-friendly-lands-a-better-job

1. When six-week-old Gavel arrived at the Government House, the official residence of the Governor of Queensland, in April 2016, everyone thought it would be for just a short period. The adorable purebred German Shepherd was, after all, being trained to become a Queensland Police Service (QPS) dog to help officials chase down criminals. Given that five members of his extended family are currently in the

force, there was little doubt of his success.

2. However, just weeks into the puppy’s 16-week-long training, the enforcement agency decided he was too sociable to be a crime fighter and “fired” him. But as it turned out, Gavel was destined for bigger things. For when Paul de Jersey, the governor of Queensland, heard about the situation, he instantly “hired” the friendly pup to be the state’s first Vice-Regal dog (VRD).

3. The newly created position, for which Gavel had to sign a special contract, is perfect for the friendly dog. His duties include welcoming tour groups and hobnobbing with famous guests alongside the governor and his wife at official functions. When on duty, the VRD sports a custom-made Government House coat emblazoned with the Governor's Personal Standard, the St Edward's Crown, and the brolga, the official bird emblem of Queensland!

4. During his free time, Gavel, whose tale has gone viral on social media, solicits belly rubs from adoring staff members and explores the Government House’s 10 acres of bushland! Sounds like the perfect dog’s life to us!

Passage 2: “I have a dream”

Questions

Write answers in your own words unless asked to quote from the passage.

1. What is the purpose of this article? Give a reason for your choice.a) To give information about police dogs in Australia b) To persuade the reader to adopt Gavelc) To entertain the reader with a positive story about dogs

2. In your own words what job was Gavel initially trained for?

3. In your own words why did the police force think he would be good at this job?

4. Look at paragraph 2. Quote one word that explains why Gavel was unable to be successful in his job.

5. In your own words what does Gavel have to do as a VRD?

6. What does the word “emblazoned” mean? Explain the context clues that helped you decide the definition.

7. Who is the most likely to read this article? Think about gender, age, nationality, interests or anything else that is suitable in your answer.

8. Look at paragraph 4. The writer uses a pun “Gavel, whose tale has gone viral on social media”. What effect does this pun have on the reader?

9. What is the writer’s opinion of Gavel the dog?

10.Quote a word or phrase from the passage that demonstrates this opinion.

by Robert Newhouse on August 28, 2017

http://www.teenvogue.com/story/3-dr-martin-luther-king-jr-speeches-that-are-little-known-but-important

1. Exactly 54 years ago today, Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. stood at the steps of the Lincoln Memorial in Washington, D.C., and delivered one of the most influential speeches in American history. Over 200,000 people had gathered on the National Mall for the March on Washington for Jobs and Freedom, where King spoke of a dream in which "sons of former slaves and sons of former slave-owners will be able to sit down together at the table of brotherhood." While many will be familiar with the climactic refrain

King used to conclude his climactic speech, few will recall the unique circumstances by which the Atlanta-born minister arrived at those famous four words, "I have a dream." In fact, King was midway through his planned remarks when gospel singer Mahalia Jackson urged the reverend to "tell them about the dream."

2. He obliged, improvising the remarks that would go on to become firmly planted within the collective American consciousness: "I have a dream," Dr. King declared, "I have a dream that my four little children will one day live in a nation where they will not be judged by the colour of their skin but by the content of their character."

3. It's been over five decades since King's historic speech, but as increased racism, rampant criminal justice inequality, and affronts to voting rights continue to dominate the headlines, the civil rights leader's words continue to seem as troublingly aspirational as they did in August 1963.

Passage 3: Cyberbullying

Questions

Write answers in your own words unless asked to quote from the passage.

1. What does the word “influential” mean? Explain the context clues that helped you decide the definition.

2. What is the purpose of this article? Give a reason for your choice?a) To give the writer’s opinion of Dr Martin Luther King Jrb) To give information about the speechc) To advertise a book of speeches

3. Look at paragraph 1. In your own words what was the dream that he had?

4. What does the word “climactic” mean? Explain the context clues that helped you decide the definition.

5. What job did Dr Martin Luther King Jr usually do?

6. Quote a word or phrase from the passage that tells you he did not plan to tell the crowd about “the dream”

7. Who is the most likely to read this article? Think about gender, age, nationality, interests or anything else that is suitable in your answer.

8. “To become firmly planted within the collective American consciousness” The writer makes this remark about the speech. What does the writer mean?

9. In your own words how long has it been since this speech was delivered?

10. In your own words why does the writer think his speech is as important today as it was in 1963?

This advice was given on the website: www.bbc.co.uk/newsround a children’s news site.

1. Cyberbullying is when children or teenagers use the web, or mobile phones or any other technology to threaten, tease or embarrass another young person. Nasty messages are just one form of cyberbullying.

2. Often bullies set up a website or group on a social media website like Facebook and then ask other people to join in and comment about a person or images of them. But it can also include things like emailing someone a virus on purpose, posting personal information where it shouldn't be or calling them names when playing a game together online.

3. Cyberbullies can't cause physical pain, but because of the way we now live our lives - with mobile phones and lots of internet use - they can be very hard to avoid.

4. Another big difference between normal bulling and cyberbullying is that it's often difficult to work out who the cyberbullies are, as they can hide behind fake names.

What can you do to stop it?

5. The best advice is to avoid the methods used by cyberbullies. That means staying away from websites they use and blocking email addresses or mobile numbers that send nasty messages. Regularly check and clean your 'friends' lists on social networking sites too. Find the 'report abuse' or 'block sender' options on your favourite websites. Changing your username may also help and don't give out personal details such as your mobile number, address or email online. Protect your password too to keep your files and information safe.

6. You should also report the bullying to the people running the website, technology service or your mobile phone service provider.

7. Keep evidence - callers and mailers can be traced. But also remember that sites you've created and emails you've sent can be traced back to you months or years later too.

8. And as with all bullying, telling an adult it's happening is REALLY important too.

Questions:

Write answers in your own words unless asked to quote from the passage.

1. What is the purpose of this article? Give a reason for your choice.

a) To inform people how they can become cyberbulliesb) To give advice on how to get help if you are being bullied onlinec) To educate young people on the dangers of cyberbullying

2. In your own words explain what it means to cyberbully someone.

3. Look at paragraph 4. The writer has used two dashes (parenthesis) to add in extra information. What information have they added?

4. In your words what two differences are there between cyber bullying and other types of bullying?

5. Look at paragraph 6. Why do you think the writer placed inverted commas around the word ‘friends’?

6. Who is the most likely to read this article? Think about gender, age, nationality, interests or anything else that is suitable in your answer

7. What is the tone of this article?

a) Humourousb) Angryc) Serious

8. Write down a word or phrase that exhibits this tone.

9. Identify three things you should you do if you are being cyber bullied?

10.Look at paragraph 9. Why do you think the word ‘REALLY’ in capital letters?

Passage 4: Anonymous Harry Potter Fan Pays An Astounding $394,000 For J.K. Rowling's ChairBy Meera Dolasia on April 7, 2016

https://www.dogonews.com/2016/4/7/anonymous-harry-potter-fan-pays-an-astounding-394-dollars-000-for-jk-rowlings-chair

1. On April 6, an anonymous donor paid an astounding $394,000 USD for a rickety old wooden chair. This, of course, was no ordinary chair, but the one J.K. Rowling sat on when she wrote the first two Harry Potter books — Harry Potter and the Philosopher’s (Sorcerer's in the US) Stone and Harry Potter and the Chamber of

Secrets..

2. What makes the chair unique is that before donating it to a charity in 2002, J.K. Rowling transformed it into a piece of literary memorabilia. Along the apron of the chair she painted, “I wrote/Harry Potter/while sitting/on this chair." The famous author's signature is scribbled on the headrest, while the word "Gryffindor" is written on the bar under the seat.

3. Of course, no Harry Potter memorabilia is complete without the wizard's famous lightning bolts which feature prominently on the chair's front legs. On the seat bars are the words “You may not/find me pretty/but don’t judge/on what you see."

4. The author also wrote a personal note that outlined the chair's history and significance. It said:"Dear new-owner-of-my-chair / I was given four mismatched dining room chairs in 1995, and this was the comfiest one, which is why it ended up stationed permanently in front of my typewriter, supporting me while I typed out "Harry Potter and the Philosopher’s Stone" and "Harry Potter and the Chamber of Secrets." My nostalgic side is quite sad to see it go, but my back isn’t. JK Rowling.”

5. This is the third time the 1930's oak chair has been auctioned since J.K. Rowling donated it in 2002 when it fetched $21,000 USD. In 2009, Gerald Gray paid $29,000 USD in an online auction.

6. Though both the amounts were impressive, they were nothing compared to what the latest owner, who wishes to remain anonymous, paid on April 6. Even Gray expressed surprise at the final price which was substantially higher than the initial bid price of $45,000 USD. The English native who now lives in

the USA plans to donate 10% of the proceeds to Lumos, Rowlings' children's charity. He hopes that the new owner will put this famous chair on display for everyone to see and admire!

Questions:

Write answers in your own words unless asked to quote from the passage.

1. In your own words what was special about this chair?

2. Look at paragraph 1. What does the writer point out about the condition of the chair?

3. What is the purpose of this article? Give a reason for your choice. Look back at the beginning of the booklet if you are unsure.

4. Look at paragraph 2. Quote one word from the paragraph that explains that the chair went through a change.

5. What does the word “memorabilia” mean? Explain the context clues that helped you decide the definition.

6. Why do you think the author wrote the personal note on the chair?

7. In your own words why JK Rowling write her books in this chair?

8. What does the word “anonymous” mean? Explain the context clues that helped you decide the definition.

9. In your own words why did the previous owner sell the chair at auction?

10.Who is the most likely to read this article? Think about gender, age, nationality, interests or anything else that is suitable in your answer

Passage 5: Bright lights, big ideasBy Rebecca Katzmanhttps://www.timeforkids.com/g56/bright-lights/

1. Imagine a world where everyday objects produce their own light. Glowing trees illuminate city streets. Crops gleam to signal that they need water or they are ready to be picked. Street signs blaze with the light of millions of tiny organisms. It could happen!

2. Innovators are looking to nature’s bright lights for ideas. Hans Waldenmaier studies fungi deep in the forests of

Brazil. According to Waldenmaier, the fungi produce a glow that is just like the light from a flashlight or a lightbulb. “But without electricity and from something that’s alive,” he told TFK.

3. Bioluminescent organisms produce light through a chemical reaction. About 80% of the planet’s bioluminescent organisms are found in the ocean.The ability to glow serves a variety of purposes. Some creatures use their light to communicate, others to hunt, to mate, or for self-defense. The vampire squid, for example, squirts a cloud of light to confuse predators.

4. Gary and Kathy Luker are research scientists at the University of Michigan. They use bioluminescence as a tool in cancer research. The Lukers have turned to glowing arthropods like fireflies and click beetles to understand how some cancer cells work. In one experiment, the scientists make healthy cells glow one color and harmful cells another. “The click beetle has two light organs—a green and a red one,” Kathy Luker says. “We just copy what the beetle does and put that into the cells [we are studying].”

5. Bioluminescence doesn’t exist naturally in plants. But a company called Gleaux is creating plants that light up. “People have dreamed about this stuff for many generations,” says the company’s founder, Alexander Krichevsky. He is working toward a future in which gleaming plants replace indoor lamps and glowing trees line highways. The future of farming looks bright too, says Krichevsky. Crops might glow to let farmers know when they are ready for nourishment or harvesting.

6. The French company Glowee is lighting the way with bioluminescence. The company has developed technology to illuminate store windows and street signs using lab-grown bioluminescent bacteria. It is the same type of bacteria that causes Hawaiian bobtail squid to shine. Glowee hopes its inventions will one day replace electric lighting. “This could be a great solution for the future of energy and light,” says Glowee’s founder, Sandra Rey. “Our impact is global.” Glowee’s installations only last about three days. Once the light fades, the company recycles the bacteria for reuse.

7. Now Rey and her team are playing with nature to improve the quality of their light. They are working to create light that shines brighter, lasts longer, and comes in a variety of colours.

8. “Nature can come up with solutions,” Rey says. “Everything works perfectly in nature—we just have to look around ourselves.”

Questions:

Write answers in your own words unless asked to quote from the passage.

1. Who is the most likely to read this article? Think about gender, age, nationality, interests or anything else that is suitable in your answer

2. Look at the title of the article. Do you think this is a suitable title for the article? Give a reason for your answer

3. What does the word “illuminate” mean? Explain the context clues that helped you decide the definition.

4. Look at paragraph 3. In your own words summarise the reasons that creatures have the capacity to glow.

5. What insects are being used to help scientists researching cancer?

6. In your own words what benefits would glowing plants have for the famers?

7. Look at paragraph 6. Write down the example of a pun that is used in this paragraph.

8. What is the purpose of this article? Give a reason for your choice. Look back at the beginning of the booklet if you are unsure.

9. What is the problem with the current Glowee light?

10. In your opinion do you think these ideas are a good idea?

Passage 6 :How we made the children's favourite Angelina Ballerina

https://www.theguardian.com/books/2013/jan/28/how-we-made-angelina-ballerina

Katharine Holabird, writer

1. In the early 1980s, my five-year-old daughter was obsessed with ballet. Her heart's desire was a pink tutu, so when my husband's publishing house, Aurum Press, wanted to commission a children's picture book, I sat at the kitchen table and wrote a story straight off about a would-be ballerina. Originally my heroine was based on my two daughters, and I called her Primrose, but as soon as I showed the story to Helen Craig, the illustrator I'd worked with on the Little Mouse counting and alphabet books, she drew the dancer as a white mouse. I immediately felt that Helen had captured the epitome of the character: any child from any culture can identify with a cute little mouse. Then we sat down with the publishers to find a suitable name. We started with the letter A, and when an editor called Angela came into the room, Angelina Ballerina was born.

2. I wrote the first book as a one-off in 1983. About six months later we got a call asking for another. It was easy to oblige because my daughters were by then going to ballet classes and I would eavesdrop on all the jealousies, upsets and dramas that erupted constantly in the class and elaborate on them. Once, when my daughter was ill in bed and threw a tantrum about missing a show, I gave in and let her perform. It was a disaster, of course, but I used the experience in Angelina and the Princess, when Angelina tiptoes off to some auditions from her sickbed and fails to win the lead role because she is unwell.

3. Many of the characters were based on real-life friends and family: Alice was the mouse version of a very loyal friend of my daughter's, and Henry was my son, who followed his two sisters everywhere. If you live with children, there are outbursts and meltdowns every day, and I wanted to write about real situations so readers knew Angelina had ups and downs just like them. Children understand Angelina because she makes a lot of mistakes – but she always picks herself up and dances on again.

4. Helen and I always talk about the book together before we start. She has a complete vision of Mouseland in her head, all based on her country childhood during the war, and this makes us an interesting combination, as I grew up in Chicago.

5. When the Angelina books were turned into a television series, I read every script beforehand, but it can be a wrench to have your character and stories handed over to a team of scriptwriters who have ideas of their own, however good – and few children's authors have the draconian power over brand development that JK Rowling does.

6. This year is Angelina's 30th anniversary, but for me, she will never grow old. As a character she's so full of life that I feel I can create any situation and just sit back and watch what she does next. As a writer, I can't ask for more.

7. A 30th-anniversary edition of Angelina Ballerina will be published by Puffin in May.

Questions:

Write answers in your own words unless asked to quote from the passage.

1. Who was the inspiration behind the character of Angelina Ballerina?

2. What does the word “heroine” mean? Explain the context clues that helped you decide the definition.

Passage 7: Kids, you’re too smart to skip breakfastKids, you’re too smart to skip breakfasthttps://www.washingtonpost.comBy Casey Seidenberg May 11, 2016

1. Dear teenagers who skip breakfast . . . please stop! Studies report that about 25 percent of U.S. teens deem the first meal of the day unnecessary. I live with one of you, so I have heard your reasons. And I respect them, truly I do.

2. First of all, you are tired. I mean, really, really tired. Too tired to eat, in fact. You are growing like a weed, your homework and extracurricular activities are endless, and your internal clock is shifting — so you naturally stay up later. When you are so fatigued in the morning, the idea of eating breakfast is unappealing. You genuinely are not hungry, and some of you might actually feel nauseated.

3. Many of you choose to model yourself after your parents, who chug coffee, and coffee alone, in the morning. It’s not your fault; you thought they knew best. Others think you can maintain or lose weight by skipping breakfast. I understand this reasoning: I was a teenager once. But could you please take a few minutes to hear me out? Because skipping breakfast potentially positions you to gain weight, lower your test scores and develop heart disease. Yes, seriously.

4. Test scores of children who do not eat breakfast are generally lower than those who eat a well-balanced meal. Children who eat breakfast show improved academic performance, longer attention spans, greater attendance and decreased hyperactivity in school. So if you find yourself unable to focus in a class, think back to what you ate that morning. The reality might be that your teacher isn’t so boring after all.

5. You are growing at lightning speed, and your brain and body are built out of the foods you choose to consume. And eating breakfast has a proven relationship to what those foods are. Studies show that kids who do not eat a nutritious breakfast tend to eat more junk food during the day, whereas children who eat breakfast have better overall diets that include more vegetables, fruits and other good foods. Four out of five children do not get enough vitamins and minerals from lunch and dinner alone (especially iron, which is important for energy and blood health). They need the nutrients from a nutritious breakfast to properly grow. Skipping breakfast can make you tired, irritable and restless. The word “hangry” didn’t secure a spot in the dictionary for no reason; it is a legitimate sensation.

Questions:

Write answers in your own words unless asked to quote from the passage.

1. Who was the inspiration behind the character of Angelina Ballerina?

2. What does the word “heroine” mean? Explain the context clues that helped you decide the definition.

6. Kids, look at it this way: You get only one shot at this childhood thing, so don’t mess it up.Questions

Write answers in your own words unless asked to quote from the passage.

1. What does the word “deem” mean? Explain the context clues that helped

you decide the definition.

2. What is the purpose of this article? Give a reason for your choice.

a) To give the writer’s opinion of young people.

b) To persuade young people to eat breakfast.

b) To inform the reader about healthy eating.

3. In your own words explain why teenagers are “too tired to eat”.

Passage 8: Young people are rubbish www.guardian.comWednesday 27 June 2012 20.00 BST

By Suzanne MooreThat's how they are t

1. Back in the day – a phrase never used back in the day by anyone I ever met – we were the knees of the bees. Being young was heaven. Everything was better. Because we were just better. Sadly, young people today are just rubbish. Look at them on their meow meow, mainlining the Kardashians, doing pathetically downgraded exams and degrees in astroturfing. Look at their inability to get jobs in a recession. Look at the really lazy ones on the streets in sleeping bags, and the ones who don't even own any property. Hardly suprising when they turn up at school with no social skills and leave with fewer.

2. I am exaggerating, but not much. I hear these conversations all the time, and I feel disgusted with my generation. It is not that I am down with the youth or anything, but every day I see things I took for granted – education, housing, reasonable employment – being stripped away from younger generations. Of course, I am nostalgic for the time when you could change jobs in your lunch hour, live in a great squat and waft through a degree. But it really is different now. This is not down to our individual children's lack of ability. We need to grow up.

3. Politicians know that the younger a person is, the less the likelihood that they will vote. This is always called voter apathy. Voter anger is not registered. The lack of a stake in society that this indicates cannot be overestimated. People my age should be embarrassed by this situation. Solidarity has to be cross-generational, not dismissed as some sort of youthful protest. We have to stop blaming young people for not voting. If there is no sense of a shared future – what we called civic society – and if people feel politicians are powerless in the face of "the markets", they will not engage.

4. A phony war between those who are in work and have property and those who are shut out of that loop must be refused. Children should not bear the brunt of adult dysfunction and that is exactly what is happening. How can we not be on the side of our own children? This disturbs me.

Questions

Write answers in your own words unless asked to quote from the passage.

1. What does the word “deem” mean? Explain the context clues that helped

you decide the definition.

2. What is the purpose of this article? Give a reason for your choice.

a) To give the writer’s opinion of young people.

b) To persuade young people to eat breakfast.

b) To inform the reader about healthy eating.

3. In your own words explain why teenagers are “too tired to eat”.

Write answers in your own words unless asked to quote from the passage.1) What is the purpose of this article? Give a reason for your choice.

a) To give information about how lazy young people areb) To criticise older people’s attitudes to young peoplec) To entertain the reader with the silly behaviour of young people

2) In your own words, explain one thing the writer says young people cannot do anymore.

3) In your own words, explain how the writer feels about people who say these negative things about young people.

4) What does the word ‘nostalgic’ mean? Explain the context clues that helped you arrive at the definition.

5) In your own words, explain the three positive things the writer remembers from when she was young.

6) Why does the writer think young people are less likely to vote?

7) What does the writer think older people need to do to help?

8) What does ‘cross-generational’ mean? Explain the context clues that helped you arrive at the definition.

9) What is the tone of this article?a) Humorousb) Uncaringc) Serious

10)Who is most likely to read this article? Think about gender, age, nationality, interests or anything else that is suitable in your answer.

Extension Questions11)What does the word choice of ‘stripped away’ make you think about

the way rights are being taken from young people?12)The writer says there is a ‘war’ between older and younger people. Is

this a simile, metaphor or personification? Circle the correct answer.

Passage 9: A picture of loneliness: you are looking at the last male northern white rhinowww.guardian.com Thursday 14 May 2015 16.38 BSTBy Jonathan Jones

1. What is it like to look at the very last of something? To contemplate the passing of a unique wonder that will soon vanish from the face of the earth? You are seeing it. Sudan is the last male northern white rhino on the planet. If he does not mate successfully soon with one of two female northern white rhinos at Ol Pejeta conservancy, there will be no more of their kind, male or female, born anywhere. And it seems a slim chance, as Sudan is getting old at 42 and breeding efforts have so far failed. Apart from these three animals there are only two other northern white rhinos in the world, both in zoos, both female.

2. It seems an image of human tenderness that Sudan is lovingly guarded by armed men who stand vigilantly and caringly with him. But of course it is an image of brutality. Even at this last desperate stage in the fate of the northern white rhino, Sudan is under threat from poachers who kill rhinos and hack off their horns to sell them on the Asian medicine market – despite the fact that he has had his horn cut off to deter them.

3. Sudan doesn’t know how precious he is. His eye is a sad black dot in his massive wrinkled face as he wanders the reserve with his guards. His head is a marvellous thing. It is a majestic rectangle of strong bone and leathery flesh, a head that expresses pure strength. How terrible that such a mighty head can in reality be so vulnerable. It is lowered sadly beneath the sinister sky, as if weighed down by fate. This is the noble head of an old warrior, his armour battered, his appetite for struggle fading.

4. Human beings – we always kill the things we love. We have been doing so since the ice age. There are beautiful pictures of European woolly rhinos in caves in France, that were painted up to 30,000 years ago. These ancient relatives of Sudan share his heroic bulk, mighty power and paradoxical air of gentleness. A woolly rhino in Chauvet cave seems agile and young, a creature full of life. But the same people who painted such sensitive portraits of ice age rhinos helped to kill them off. As climate turned against the woolly megafauna with the end of the last ice age, human spears probably delivered the coup de grace.

5. Today, immense love is invested in rhinos, yet they are being slaughtered in ever greater numbers. The northern white rhino is the rarest species of African rhino. There are far greater numbers of southern white rhinos and black rhinos. But the demand in Asian countries such as Vietnam for rhino

horn as a traditional medicine believed to cure everything from flu to cancer is fuelling a boom in poaching. From 2007, when just 13 rhinos were killed by poachers in South Africa, the killings have grown horrifically. Last year 1,215 rhinos were slaughtered for their horns in South Africa. This year already looks certain to beat that dreadful record.

Write answers in your own words unless asked to quote from the passage.

1. What is the purpose of this article? Give reasons for this choice.a) To give information about the northern white rhinob) To raise awareness of how important it is to save the northern white

rhinoc) To entertain the reader with the story of Sudan

2. In your own words why is Sudan so protected by human guards?

3. In your own words why does Jonathon Jones think that Sudan’s fate is doomed?

4. Look at paragraph 3. What does the word “vulnerable” mean? Explain the context clues that helped you decide the definition.

5. Look at paragraph 4. What two reasons does the author give for the extinction of the woolly rhino, the norther white rhino’s relative?

6. Who is the most likely to read this article? Think about gender, age, nationality, or interests.

7. Why are rhino products so valued?

8. What is the writer’s opinion about the poaching of rhino?

9. Quote a word or phrase from the passage that demonstrates this opinion.

10.There are two examples of “the dash” in this text. Write them down.

Extension questions

11. As a piece of punctuation, “the dash” is used to provide extra information or a writers’ opinion. Explain how the dashes in this article are used?

12. A paradox is a statement or thought that contains contrasting ideas.

“Ancient relatives of Sudan share his heroic bulk, mighty power and...air of gentleness”. Rhinos like Sudan are such large, strong massive animals that we often do not think of them being gentle creatures as well.

13. Find and write down another paradox.

Passage 10: An Unlucky Day? Find out why Friday the 13th is often thought to be bring bad luckwww.timeforkids.com JANUARY 12, 2017By Stephanie Kraus

1. Beware of Friday the 13th! Many people think the day is unlucky. As legend has it, you should try not to break any mirrors, walk under a ladder, or even spill any salt. Why?

2. Folklore historians say it’s tough to pinpoint how the tradition came to be. Many believe it has religious origins. In the Christian faith, there were 13 guests at the table for the Last Supper, which was held the day before the Friday on which Jesus died. “You are reestablishing two things that were connected to that terrible event,” Dr. Phil Stevens, an associate professor of anthropology at the University at Buffalo, tells TIME. “The number 13 became a problematic number because of the number of people at that table during that fateful event,” Stevens says.

3. Now, Friday the 13th has become a cultural wonder. Many Americans avoid the number 13 all together including hotel rooms and airplane seat assignments. Some event venues even charge couples less to get married on the day. There are many other theories of how the luckless day came to be. Simon Bronner, a professor of American studies and folklore at Pennsylvania State University, believes Friday the 13th is a way for people to pin their bad luck to a certain cause. But, there’s nothing special about the date itself. After all, the number 13 is even considered lucky in some countries, like Italy. “It may be a case of religious folklore that rose to explain a belief. Psychologists treat [the fear of Friday the 13th] as real, but my sense is that…it’s something to blame. I think it was a constructed belief,” Bronner, 62, says.

4. Still, whether people choose to avoid black cats or tiptoe around sidewalk cracks on Friday the 13th, Stevens notes that it’s important not to mock other people’s beliefs about the day. “Sometimes they are deeply rooted cultural fears,” he says. “You can insult somebody by making fun of it. Some people have deep cultural taboos that you cannot change by denying them.”

Write answers in your own words unless asked to quote from the passage.

1. What is the purpose of this article? Give a reason for your choice.

A. To provide information on why Friday 13th is considered unlucky.B. To persuade the reader to avoid doing certain things on Friday 13th.C. To criticise people who consider Friday the 13th to be unlucky.

2. In your own words, explain the three examples the writer gives of things that may bring you bad luck in paragraph one.

3. Explain in your own words why the superstition around Friday 13th may have come from Christianity.

4. What does the word ‘origins’ mean? Explain the context clues that helped you to arrive at the definition.

5. In which two areas do Americans avoid using the number 13?

6. In your own words, explain why Simon Bronner thinks Friday the 13th has become so unlucky.

7. Quote a word which shows Simon Bronner thinks Friday the 13th is not naturally unlucky but has been made so by people.

8. In your own words, explain why people who believe Friday the 13th is unlucky should not be mocked.

9. Look up the meanings of ‘folklore’, ‘taboo’ and ‘anthropology’ and write the definitions in your jotter.

10.Who is most likely to read this article? Think about gender, age, nationality, interests or anything else that is suitable in your answer.

Passage 11: Australian Teen Invents "Clever GIRL" To Warn Swimmers Of Deadly Rip Currents’ https://www.dogonews.com/2017/6/14/australian-teen-invents-clever-girl-to-warn-swimmers-of-deadly-rip-currents by Sarah Benton Feitlinger on June 14, 2017

1. Every ocean lover knows the perils of getting caught in a rip current. Experienced swimmers know it is relatively easy to escape the narrow channel of fast moving water by floating and allowing it to drag you further into the ocean or by swimming alongside the shore. However, novice beachgoers often panic, and try to swim to land, placing themselves at risk of drowning due to fatigue. According to the US National Ocean Service, the currents kill about 100 Americans each year and account for 80% of all lifeguard rescues. These scary statistics may soon be a thing of the past, thanks to Clever GIRL (Global Intelligent Rip Locator), a smart buoy that alerts swimmers of the presence of deadly rip currents.

2. The ingenious device is the brainchild of Australian teenager Maddison King, who created Clever GIRL as a project for her Grade 12 Design and Technology class. The 18-year-old, who works as a lifeguard during her spare time, came up with the brilliant idea after discovering that most children were unable to detect rip currents.

3. The youngster had to overcome numerous design challenges to ensure the float was effective, safe, and environmentally friendly. She picked a red light since it is easy to see in the bright sunlight and also because the color serves as a universal warning sign for tourists that do not speak the local language. The device’s smooth surface and high handles ensure swimmers do not get hurt, while the black, white, and red striped underside, keeps sharks and other animals at bay. To prevent the turbine’s metal ball bearing from rusting, Maddison selected an environmentally-friendly waterproof marine grade lubricant. She also hopes to add a siren to Clever GIRL’s next iteration.

4. Not surprisingly, the invention has earned Maddison numerous accolades, including a finalist position at the BHP Billiton Science and Engineering Awards, one of Australia’s most prestigious student science awards.

5. Maddison, who is currently seeking funding to bring Clever GIRL to market, realizes that the current $300USD cost to make the buoy is too steep to deploy the clever contraption across beaches worldwide. She, however, estimates that the cost can be reduced to a more affordable $100 USD once the device is manufactured in larger quantities. As for the name? The witty teenager believes it is perfect given that “girls are cleverer than boys.”

Write answers in your own words unless asked to quote from the passage.1) What is the purpose of this article? Give a reason for your choice.

a) To criticise people who swim near rip currents.b) To persuade companies to buy this device.c) To give information on an invention to improve the safety of swimmers.

2) In your own words, explain what an experienced swimmer would do if caught in a rip current.

3) What does the word ‘novice’ mean? Explain the context clues that helped you arrive at the definition.

4) Quote the word from the passage which means ‘extreme tiredness.’

5) In your own words, explain what prompted Maddison King to make the device.

6) In your own words, explain the two reasons Maddison chose to use a red light as a warning.

7) What does Maddison hope to add to the next version of the device? Explain in your own words.

8) What does the word ‘accolade’ mean? Explain the context clues that helped you arrive at the definition.

9) In your own words, explain what Maddison hopes will make the device cheaper.

10) Who is most likely to read this article? Think about gender, age, nationality, interests or anything else that is suitable in your answer.

Extension Questions11) What does the word choice of ‘deadly’ make you think about the rip currents?12) What technique has been used in ‘clever contraptions’?13) Find another example of this technique elsewhere in the article.

Passage 12: Bigger Backpacks causing back pain for teenswww.timeforkids.com SEPTEMBER 02, 2015By Stephanie Kraus

Like little turtles with limbs poking out from their shells, kids shuffle their way to school every day wearing giant backpacks. Even high school students have to bend forward to lug their heavy books and binders to and from school. It’s frustrating and looks a little silly, but is it dangerous?Yes, say many experts. “Kids are saying ‘My

back hurts, my neck and my shoulders hurt,’” says Dr. Karen Jacobs, a clinical professor at Boston University. “A heavy backpack can also contribute to headaches and problems concentrating at school.”Jacobs is also a spokesperson for the American Occupational Therapy Association, which sponsors a national school backpack awareness day on September 16. She says crowded schools and less locker space may be making backpacks bigger. “Since at least 1998, we’ve noticed backpacks getting bigger and heavier, and not in proportion to the kids’ sizes,” Jacobs says.A 2010 study from the University of California, San Diego, concluded, “backpack loads are responsible for a significant amount of back pain in children.” The same study says a full third of kids ages 11 to 14 report back pain. Other research from 2011 came to a similar conclusion.Like the frame of a house, the spine is what keeps bodies sturdy and upright. Put too much weight on this frame while a young body is still developing, and it could change a child’s posture, compress the spine, and impair growth, says Rob Danoff, a doctor of osteopathic medicine with Philadelphia’s Aria Health System. “It also might contribute to back problems or injuries when the child’s older,” he says.Danoff says proper fit and design are important to relieve pressure from the spine and shoulders. You want a backpack that’s made for your size. Padded shoulder straps and a cushioned back will also prevent aches and pains. Small roller bags are an option, but some schools do not allow them because they pose tripping hazards, or may litter classroom aisles or hallways in the event of a fire.How heavy is too heavy? “As a general rule, research shows the backpack should be no more than 10 to 20 % of a child’s body weight to avoid pain or potential injury,” Jacobs says. For that reason, Jacobs says it’s important that kids are carrying only what they need. “We’ve noticed that students are taking lots and lots of water to school with them, which is a lot of extra weight,” Jacobs says. She recommends packing an empty water bottle and filling it at school. Another tip is to pack the heaviest items in the middle of the pack, closer to the back

Write answers in your own words unless asked to quote from the passage.

1. a) What is the purpose of this article? (1)b) Give a reason for your choice. (1)

2. Who would be likely to read the article? Think about gender, age, interests or anything else suitable. (1)

3. Read paragraph 1. Why are kids complaining about a sore back? Use your own words in your answer. (1)

4. Read paragraph 2. What 2 other issues can carrying a heavy backpack cause? Use your own words. (2)

5. Read paragraph 4. Explain what the word ‘compress’ means. (2)

6. Read paragraph 4. Explain in your own words the damage that

can be done to the spine from carrying too much weight. (2)

7. Read the final paragraph. In your own words write down 2 tips Jacobs gives about packing a backpack. (2)

Extension Questions (Analysis)

8. a) Look at line 1. Write down the simile. (1)b) What is being compared to what? (1)

9. What does the word ‘shuffle’ (line 2) suggest about the way the kids are walking to school?

(1)

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