All about Penguins- RPS #1
When one makes an inference, or logical guess about the types of Antarctic wildlife, they often think about
penguins. Indeed these graceful, yet comical; hardy yet elegant creatures are considered by many to be the
signature species of the polar south because there are so many of them, or abundance.
At first there was a controversy, or dispute with early Antarctic explorers, because some actually thought
penguins were fish and classified them accordingly. Yet through their constant studying and diligence, they
came to the acceptance that they were birds. In fact, as birds, they are superbly designed for their job, flying
underwater with great skill. Their compact bodies have a breastbone that makes an excellent keel and they have
massive paddle muscles to propel them at speeds up to 25 miles per hour. Their heads retract to create a perfect
hydrodynamic shape, and they have no deficiency, or lack of swift movements. When traveling quickly,
penguins will leap clear of the water every few feet -- an action called 'porpoising.' This enables them to
breathe, and decreases their chances of being taken by a predator. Antarctic penguins have also developed the
ability to leap out of the water to a substantial height on land with great accuracy, or precision, enabling them
to quickly reach the safety of raised ice edges or rock ledges, in the case of urgency, or immediate attention and
response. Penguin legs are set far down on their bodies, so they walk with a very straight posture. Ashore they
are often awkward, waddling and hopping over rocks, or on snow they sometimes push themselves along on
their stomachs.
Penguins are true flightless birds. Some species spend as much as 75% of their lives at sea, yet they all breed on
land or sea-ice attached to land. To withstand the harsh conditions of the Antarctic, their bodies are insulated by
a thick layer of blubber and a dense network of waterproof plumage. Penguins' bones are solid and heavy,
which help them to remain submerged and reduce the energy needed for pursuit diving. Some species can reach
depths of 1000 feet or more and stay submerged for up to 25 minutes, though most prefer shorter, shallower
dives. These birds require little if no maintenance, or upkeep, due to their well designed bodies.
Natural enemies of the penguin include seals, Killer whales, and, in the case of young chicks and eggs, several
species of seabirds. Healthy adult penguins have no predators on land, so they have no natural fear of humans.
While they don't like to be approached directly, these naturally curious birds will sometimes come quite close to
a quiet observer to get a better look. And since there is no conspiracy, or evil plan, by humans to harm
penguins, this type of encounter is rather pleasant.
http://www.antarcticconnection.com/antarctic/wildlife/penguins/index.shtml
Using your context clues, determine the meaning of this week’s RPS words, and write their definitions below:
Word
Maintenance
Diligence
Deficiency
Conspiracy
Urgency
Abundance
Inference
Controversy
Acceptance
Accuracy
Definition
caring or up keeping
constant effort to accomplish
a goal
the state of being
incomplete, or lacking
The act of creating an evil or
manipulative plan or plot
The state of being required
or quickly or immediately
needed
Having more than enough,
an over sufficient amount or
supply
The act of coming to a
logical conclusion
a debate, dispute, or
argument
The act of being received or
approved
The quality of being correct,
precise, or exact
Context Clues
upkeep
constant
No, lack
Evil plan
Immediate attention
So many
Logical guess
Dispute
They came to/ they believed
Precision
What background knowledge did you use to help you better understand this text? Answers will vary
What text structure is this passage? Description
how do you know? It describes the penguin, its size, enemies, classification, etc.
Is this a reliable source and how do you know? It is a .com, so it is not the best site to find information, but nothing about it seems
unreliable.
Summarize in one sentence what this text was about: This text was all about penguins, their lifestyle and their physical attributes.
Did the author of this article make an impact on you? Why or why not? Answers will vary
What is the author’s purpose? To inform
History of Basketball- RPS #2
Basketball was invented in December 1891 by the competent Canadian clergyman, educator, and physician James
Naismith. Naismith introduced the game when he was an instructor at the Young Men's Christian Association Training
School (now Springfield College) in Springfield, Massachusetts. He was adept, or an expert, and therefore organized a
vigorous recreation suitable for indoor winter play. The game had an involvement of elements of American football,
soccer, and hockey, and the first ball used was a soccer ball. The components, or parts of the game, were as follows:
Teams had nine players, and the goals were wooden peach baskets affixed to the walls. By 1897-1898, teams of five
became standard. The game rapidly spread nationwide and to Canada and other parts of the world, played by both women
and men.
In 1934 the first college games were staged in New York City's Madison Square Garden, and college basketball began to
attract heightened interest. By the 1950s basketball had become a major college sport, thus paving the way for a huge
accomplishment or success; the growth of interest in professional basketball.
The inducement or bringing about of two subsequent professional leagues, the National Basketball League (formed in
1937) and the Basketball Association of America (1946) merged to create the National Basketball Association (NBA).
The Boston Celtics, led by their center Bill Russell, dominated the NBA from the late 1950s through the 1960s. By the
1960s, pro teams from coast to coast played before crowds of many millions annually. Wilt Chamberlain, a center for the
Los Angeles Lakers, was another leading player during the era, and his battles with Russell were eagerly anticipated.
Kareem Abdul-Jabbar, also a center, came to prominence during the 1970s. Some believed he was a belligerent player,
because he was aggressive and sometimes inappropriate.
The NBA suffered a drop in popularity during the late 1970s, which stood as its first impediment, or obstacle, but was
resuscitated, principally through the growing popularity of its most prominent players. Larry Bird of the Boston Celtics,
and Magic Johnson of the Los Angeles Lakers are credited with injecting excitement into the league in the 1980s through
their superior skills and decade-long rivalry. During the late 1980s Michael Jordan of the Chicago Bulls rose to stardom
and helped the Bulls dominate the NBA during the early 1990s. A new generation of basketball stars, including Shaquille
O'Neal of the Orlando Magic and Larry Johnson of the Charlotte Hornets, have sustained the NBA's growth in popularity.
A small excerpt, or passage from the most famous NBA star Michael Jordan stated, "To be successful you have to be
selfish, or else you never achieve. And once you get to your highest level, then you have to be unselfish. Stay reachable.
Stay in touch. Don't isolate." Michael Jordan’s rise to fame was abrupt, or quick, and he remains one of the best
basketball players of all time.
http://library.thinkquest.org/10615/no-frames/basketball/history.html
Using your context clues, determine the meaning of this week’s RPS words, and write their definitions below:
Word
Definition
An achievement or anything that is
successfully completed.
A small quote or passage that is taken
from a book or document.
To be very skilled or talented at
something; to be an expert.
A part of something; an element that
makes up something (think
mechanical, recipes)
To have the proper or needed skill,
knowledge, and experience to
understand something.
To be included or to join something; to
be a part of something.
Context Clues
Success, growth
Sudden or unexpected; to come to a
quick end or stop.
An obstacle or obstruction in
something or someone (i.e. speech).
Quick
Belligerent
To be offensive and aggressive; to act
angry or inappropriate.
Aggressive, inappropriate
Inducement
The state of persuading, causing, or
bringing about something.
Bringing about
Accomplishment
Excerpt
Adept
Component
Competent
Involvement
Abrupt
Impediment
Passage
Expert
Parts of
Educator, expert, adept,
invented
Elements
Obstacles
What background knowledge did you use to help you better understand this text? Answers will vary
What text structure is this passage? Chronological How do you know? There are time words and dates listed in the order that the
history of the sport occurred.
Is this a reliable source and how do you know? It is a .org site, and those are the most reliable sites, so yes.
Summarize in one sentence what this text was about: The text was about the history of basketball, how it was invented, and what it has
developed into today.
Did the author of this article make an impact on you? Why or why not? Answers will vary
What is the author’s purpose? To inform
Vincent van Gogh- RPS #3
Vincent van Gogh (March 30, 1853 - July 29, 1890) is generally considered the greatest Dutch painter after Rembrandt,
though he had little success during his lifetime. Van Gogh produced all of his work (some 900 paintings and 1100
drawings) for little compensation, or money, during a period of only 10 years before he succumbed to mental illness
(possibly bipolar disorder) and died in 1890.
Vincent was born in Zundert, The Netherlands; his father was a protestant minister, a profession that Vincent had
admiration, or high respect for, and to which he would be drawn to a certain extent later in his life.
In 1880, Vincent van Gogh followed the suggestion of his brother Theo and took up painting in earnest, and in spring
1886 Vincent van Gogh went to Paris, where he moved in with his brother Theo; they shared a house on Montmartre. At
this convention, or gathering, he met the painters met Edgar Degas, Camille Pissarro, Bernard, Henri de ToulouseLautrec and Paul Gauguin, who became his competition, or rivalry. He discovered impressionism, whose clear and
simple description is the use of light and color, more than its lack of social engagement. He enjoyed this, especially the
technique known as pointillism (where many small dots are applied to the canvas that blends into rich colors only in the
eye of the beholder, seeing it from a distance) made its mark on Van Gogh’s own style.
In 1888, only Paul Gauguin, whose simplified colour schemes and forms attracted van Gogh, followed his invitation. The
admiration was mutual, and Gauguin painted van Gogh painting sunflowers. However their encounter ended in a quarrel
because of some unnamed corruption, or dishonesty. Van Gogh suffered a mental breakdown and cut off part of his left
ear, which he gave to a startled friend. Needless to say, that friend was devastated and extremely upset when she
received it. She tried to offer Van Gogh some consolation by spending time with him, and supporting him through his
hard time.
The only painting he sold during his lifetime, The Red Vineyard, was created in 1888. It is now on display in the Pushkin
Museum in Moscow, Russia. Vincent van Gogh's mother threw away quite a number of his paintings during Vincent's life
and even after his death. But she would live long enough to see her son become a world famous painter. Many people
made the assumption that Van Gogh’s parents never supported his love of art, but that has never been proven.
Several paintings by Van Gogh rank among the most expensive paintings in the world. On March 30, 1987 Van Gogh's
painting Irises was sold for a record $53.9 million at Sotheby’s, New York. On May 15, 1990 his Portrait of Doctor
Gachet was sold for $82.5 million at Christie's, thus establishing a new price record (see also List of most expensive
paintings). The conservation or preserving of these paintings is very important and costly.
Using your context clues, determine the meaning of this week’s RPS words, and write their definitions below:
Word
Admiration
Definition
The state of looking up to someone with great
pleasure or approval.
Context Clues
High respect for
Assumption
To take something for granted or to draw
conclusions without enough information.
Made…but never been
proven
Compensation
Something that is given or received as a result of a
service, loss, injury, death, etc.
Money
Description
The state of giving a clear image of an event or
person through the use of words.
Convention
A meeting or formal assembly to which people,
usually in politics, get together to discuss ideas.
Clear, simple, light,
color
Gathering
Conservation
The act of preserving something, such as wildlife,
human rights, etc.
Preserving
Consolation
To give support, relief, or assistance; to attempt to
bring cheer.
Corruption
The state of being dishonest and acting in an evil and
untrusting way.
Spending time with,
supporting through hard
time
Dishonesty
Competition
A rivalry between two or more people, businesses,
etc.
The state of being upset or let down; to destroy or
destruct.
Devastated
Rivalry
Extremely upset
What background knowledge did you use to help you better understand this text? Answers will vary
What text structure is this passage? Chronological How do you know? There are dates, and a timeline of events
Is this a reliable source and how do you know? We would have no idea because there is no source given.
Summarize in one sentence what this text was about: This article is about the life of Vincent Van Gogh and his accomplishments.
Did the author of this article make an impact on you? Why or why not? Answers will vary
What is the author’s purpose? To inform
Facts of The Koala Bear- RPS #4
* Koala's fur is thick soft and pleasant to touch. Ears have long white hairs on the tips. Many illustrations have been
done of Koalas because they are quite pleasant to draw.
* Koalas can live as long as 17 years, however males life expectancy is less than 10 years (due to injuries during fights,
dogs and cars at intersections or crossing roads.). Females generally live longer. Koalas living in an undisturbed habitat
would have a greater life expectancy than those living in suburbia.
* Koalas prefer to move around just after sunset spending daytimes asleep in the fork of a tree. Koala sleeps 75% of its
time. They do not put forth much exertion, or effort during this time. Just after sunset koalas move around and can often
be heard "barking" aggressively at other koalas.
* Fossil remains of koala-like animals have been found dating back to 25 - 40 million years ago. These fossils can be
found on enumeration lists in many museums.
* Koalas, like all Australian animals, are an important part of Aboriginal culture and featured in many myths and
legends. The motivation of these stories is to entertain the reader. Some of these stories have become an inspiration for
children to write their own myths.
* John Price was the first European who described koalas 1798. Price experienced an occupational mutation, changing
jobs to become a scientist. In 1816, the koala was given its scientific name, phascolarctos cinereous, meaning 'ash grey
pouched bear'. The implication of the name suggests the description of the Koala itself.
* European settlers identified the koala as a source of fur to trade, and millions of koalas were shot for their pelts. By
1924 koalas were extinct in South Australia, severely depleted in New South Wales and estimates for Victoria go as low
as 500 animals. Public forced governments in all states to declared the koala a 'Protected Species' by the late 1930's. The
“Protected Species” list is an organization for listing and monitoring endangered animals.
* Presently, up to 4,000 koalas are being killed each year by cars and dogs.
* The friction over the state or condition of the koalas has resulted in scientific study and discovery.
http://www.giftlog.com/pictures/koala_fact.htm
Using your context clues, determine the meaning of this week’s RPS words, and write their definitions below:
Word
Implication
Organization
Illustrations
Motivation
Friction
Enumeration
Exertion
Intersection
Mutation
Inspiration
Definition
The state of suggesting
something to be naturally
understood; to infer.
A group or structure that works
for specific actions or goals.
Context Clues
Suggest
The use of pictures, drawings,
etc. to give comparisons or
examples.
To get someone to do something;
to entice someone.
The rubbing of two surfaces to
which causes a reaction.
To name one by one; to list
separately or count, like a list.
The state of putting in a lot of
tough action or effort, such as
exercising.
Action when two or more things
come together or meet, i.e.
roads.
The process of changing or
altering.
An influential act, writing, etc.
Something or someone that
brings about admiration.
Draw
Listing, monitoring
Entertain, inspiration
Resulted in
Lists
Effort
Crossing roads
changing
Motivation….write their
own
What background knowledge did you use to help you better understand this text? Answers will vary
What text structure is this passage? Enumeration/listing How do you know? There are bulleted items in a list
Is this a reliable source and how do you know? It is a .com source, so it is not the most reliable.
Summarize in one sentence what this text was about: This article is about Koalas, their description of character , and their lifestyle.
Did the author of this article make an impact on you? Why or why not? Answers will vary
What is the author’s purpose? To inform
The History of the First Airplanes- RPS #5
The first authentic or original airplane that was flown was a glider. A glider is a non-motorized flying machine (and very
hard to control.) Early gliders were launched from high places like cliffs and floated on the wind to the ground.
During 1890 while Orville and Wilbur Wright were working in a bicycle shop, the Wright Brothers got interested in
flying. They learned that bicycles that were closer to the ground were faster. They made a prediction or guess on what
they would need to do to make an airplane work well, and then they read all the books they could find about airplanes to
learn more. They then began building gliders near Kitty Hawk, North Carolina. The Wright Brothers improved the glider.
The gentlemen did not face much adversity or distress, and as a result In 1899 they made a large, two wing kite. After
experimenting for a while on unmanned gliders, they made a glider where the pilot would control the airplane in the air.
After working on glider experiments they found out how to steer a plane while in flight by developing a rudder (the tail of
the plane) and flaps on the wings. With the rudder and the flaps, the pilot could control the direction of the airplane and
the height, which would be the solution to solving that problem. Some people thought the Wright brothers were
eccentric and odd in their creation, but their intelligence would prove otherwise.
In December of 1903, the Wright Brothers became the first people to successfully fly a plane with a person in it. The
plane flew one hundred twenty feet and flew only about twelve seconds. They had three successful flights that day, but
Wilbur made the longest flight of 892 feet and stayed up for about 59 seconds. In 1903 the Wright Brothers made their
first powered airplane that they named the "flyer." It was a biplane (two winged plane) that had a 12 horse power engine
that they had built themselves. The wings were 40 feet wide, wooden, and covered with cotton cloth. The pilot would lay
on the lower wing on his stomach and steer the plane. In 1908 the Wright Brother’s diversity, or variety of skills, allowed
them to finally make a plane that could fly for more that one and a half hours. The brothers showed no resignation or
demonstration of giving up, and therefore succeeded in their endeavors.
Airplane travel has improved a great deal since the first efforts of the Wright Brothers. Airplanes now travel thousands of
miles at altitudes of more than 7 miles, carrying over three hundred passengers. Those passengers rest in comfortable seats
instead of on their stomachs like Orville did. The verification or confirmation of Jet engines replacing propellers and
speeds greater than 600 miles per hour goes to show not even the Wright brothers could have imagined what air travel
would be like today.
This has been a small recollection of the Wright brothers and the memories that go along with them and the first
airplanes. The link below in italics emphasizes where you can find the above information.
http://library.thinkquest.org/J0112389/airplanes.htm
Using your context clues, determine the meaning of this week’s RPS words, and write their definitions below:
Word
Recollection
Definition
The process of remembering
something; to recall something such
as an event, person, etc.
Something that is real, genuine; not
fake.
One’s fortune or fate; a situation
that brings about distress.
Context Clues
Memories
Eccentric
Italics
To be erratic, irregular, or odd.
Writing style which shows emphasis
on certain words, sayings, etc.
Odd
Emphasizes
Verification
The ability to confirm the accuracy
or truth in something.
Confirmation
Solution
The act of solving a problem,
question; giving a conclusion or
explanation.
The act of being different or having
a variety of skills, abilities, etc.
Solving that problem
The submission or giving up of a
job, position, or office.
To declare something in advance; to
foretell an event.
Giving up
Authentic
Adversity
Diversity
Resignation
Prediction
Original
Distress
Variety of skills
Guess on what they would
need
What background knowledge did you use to help you better understand this text? Answers will vary
What text structure is this passage? Chronological/Problem-Solution How do you know? It is in time order, but it can also be argued
that there was a problem with the creation of the plane, and they solved that problem and made a better product. Both of these
structures would apply.
Is this a reliable source and how do you know? Yes, it is a .org site
Summarize in one sentence what this text was about: This text was about the creation of the first airplane, and how that has developed
since.
Did the author of this article make an impact on you? Why or why not? Answers will vary
What is the author’s purpose? To inform
Edgar Allan Poe- RPS #6
Edgar Allan Poe (January 19, 1809 – October 7, 1849) was an American author, poet, editor and literary critic, considered
part of the American Romantic Movement. Best known for his tales of mystery and the macabre, Poe was one of the
earliest American practitioners of the short story and is considered the inventor of the detective-fiction genre. He initiated
“scary story writing.” He is further credited with contributing to the emerging genre of science fiction. He was the first
well-known American writer to try to earn a living through writing alone, resulting in a financially difficult life and
career. Not many people did not appreciate or were not grateful for his type of writing.
He was born as Edgar Poe in Boston, Massachusetts; he was orphaned young when his mother died shortly after his father
abandoned the family. A plan was formulated, or developed, and Poe was taken in by John and Frances Allan, of
Richmond, Virginia, but they never formally adopted him. He attended the University of Virginia for one semester but left
due to lack of money. After enlisting in the Army and later failing as an officer's cadet at West Point, Poe parted ways
with the Allans. His publishing career began humbly, with an anonymous collection of poems, Tamerlane and Other
Poems (1827), credited only to "a Bostonian". People used to congregate or come together to hear public readings of
Poe’s work during this time.
Poe switched his meditation and thoughts to writing prose and spent the next several years working for literary journals
and periodicals, becoming known for his own style of literary criticism. His work forced him to move between several
cities, including Baltimore, Philadelphia, and New York City. In Baltimore in 1835, he married Virginia Clemm, his 13year-old cousin. In January 1845 Poe published his poem "The Raven" to instant success. His wife died of tuberculosis
two years after its publication. During this time Poe was anything but elated, or happy. In fact, his soul began to
dilapidate, as he was crushed, depressed, and filled with neglect from his childhood. He began planning to produce his
own journal, The Penn (later renamed The Stylus), though he died before it could be produced. On October 7, 1849, at age
40, Poe died in Baltimore; the cause of his death is unknown and has been variously attributed to alcohol, brain
congestion, cholera, drugs, heart disease, rabies, suicide, tuberculosis, and other agents. Many people speculate to
various ways Poe might have died.
Poe and his works influenced literature in the United States and around the world, as well as in specialized fields, such as
cosmology and cryptography. Poe and his work appear throughout popular culture in literature, music, films, and
television. A number of his homes are dedicated museums today. His works are in no way obsolete or outdated. He was
a writer way ahead of his time, and annihilated the mystery fiction competition.
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Edgar_Allan_Poe
Using your context clues, determine the meaning of this week’s RPS words, and write their definitions below:
Word
Elated
Obsolete
Congregate
Annihilate
Formulate
Definition
To make very happy or
proud.
No longer in general use;
outdated.
To come together, especially
in large numbers.
To destroy or to wipe out
completely.
Context Clues
Happy
Outdated
Come together
The writer was ahead of his
time, and it is implied that he
dominated his section of lit.
Developed
Speculate
To devise or develop a
method or system.
To express thoughts or
reflect on things that may or
may not be true.
Initiate
To begin or start something.
Invented, earliest
Dilapidate
To cause or allow something
to go to waste by abuse or
neglect.
To be thankful or grateful
for; to show thanks for an
act of kindness.
To be in deep thought; to
contemplate or heavily
consider.
Crushed, depressed, neglect
Appreciate
Meditate
Death is unknown, various
ways might have
Grateful
Thoughts
What background knowledge did you use to help you better understand this text? Answers will vary
What text structure is this passage? Chronological How do you know? Dates, time order words
Is this a reliable source and how do you know? Although it is a .org site it is from Wikipedia, which can be changed/updated by its
users. Therefore, the site is not reliable.
Summarize in one sentence what this text was about: The text is about Edgar Allan Poe and his biography.
Did the author of this article make an impact on you? Why or why not? Answers will vary
What is the author’s purpose? To inform
How to Run a Successful Lemonade Stand- RPS #7
***With the help of your parents, check with the city or county laws before opening up any stands. Be courageous and
have confidence in opening up a new business. Who knows, maybe you will become famous, or even notorious!!!
1. Get a stand. Card tables are best. To attract more customers, use a vivacious, happy (but not distracting) tablecloth. (Be
sure to put your money jar or till in a safe place.) You want your lemonade stand to be conspicuous of easily seen.
2. Keep in mind that location is the key. Make sure you are in a public place with high traffic. When cars pass by raise
your hands, and get noticed. You don’t want to be anonymous.
3. Pay special attention to pricing. Often, lemonade stands are either under or over priced, and the kids running them don't
earn much money. Think of what you would pay for your item(s). You don’t want your customers to stare at you with an
incredulous gaze. If you are selling pink lemonade, what would you be willing to pay for a glass? Be sure to start out
with some coins and bills for change.
4. Plan out an advertising scheme. Even a simple flyer posted at the local supermarket can get you a steady flow of
customers. Post signs around your area. Be sure to have signs on your stand as well, showing what you are selling and the
price. Ever notice fast food ads? Red and yellow have been proven to make you hungrier--even if you don't realize it. Red
also can easily attract customers with its bright color. Make sure to write neatly and keep it simple. Be sure you keep
your prices clear, and not mysterious or puzzling to your clients.
5. Take turns. Have someone help you so you can take turns doing different jobs. It's also more fun to have someone else
there, especially when you need a break. If you are planning a long day of selling, set up shifts so that no one has to be on
duty more than two hours without some time off.
6. Be polite! Potential customers won't want to buy anything if you get irritated with them. Instead of getting irritated
with irrational guests, be humorous and try to win your customers over by being funny. Don’t be anxious or worried if
every customer you have doesn’t fall in love with your stand; you will have this!
7. Be hygienic! Be sure to wash your hand s before you handle any lemonade after dealing with money. You do not
want to transfer contagious germs from one thing to another.
http://www.wikihow.com/Run-a-Lemonade-Stand
Using your context clues, determine the meaning of this week’s RPS words, and write their definitions below:
Word
Incredulous
Conspicuous
Humorous
Courageous
Notorious
Mysterious
Anonymous
Vivacious
Anxious
Contagious
Definition
To be skeptical or
unbelieving of certain
information; to find things
to not be valid or true.
Easily seen or noticed; to
attract special attention.
To be funny or comical or to
demonstrate such.
To possess characteristics of
bravery or great confidence.
To be publicly known for a
particular trait.
To be full of mystery; to be
of puzzling nature.
To be without a name;
lacking identity; unknown
name or name is withheld.
To be lively, animated,
happy.
To be eager or have a feeling
of uneasiness; to be greatly
worried.
The ability to carry or
spread a disease from person
to person.
Context Clues
don’t want your customers to
stare at you…what would you
be willing to pay for a glass?
Easily seen
Funny
Confidence
Famous
Puzzling
Get noticed, opposite of
Happy
Worried
Transfer, germs
What background knowledge did you use to help you better understand this text? Answers will vary
What text structure is this passage? Sequential How do you know? It has a sequence that you have to follow, (First do this, then do
that) to create a lemonade stand successfully.
Is this a reliable source and how do you know? It is a wiki and a ,com source, so it is not reliable.
Summarize in one sentence what this text was about: How to create a successful lemonade stand.
Did the author of this article make an impact on you? Why or why not? Answers will vary
What is the author’s purpose? To inform
What Are Forensics?- RPS #8
The dictionary definition of forensics is the use of scientific skills and techniques used in the investigation of crimes.
The field of Forensic Science is about using science for the purposes of the law, and therefore provides imperative or
crucial impartial scientific evidence for use in the courts of law, e.g. in a criminal investigation and trial. Forensic Science
is a multidisciplinary subject, drawing principally from chemistry and biology, but also physics, geology, psychology,
social science, etc.
In criminal law cases, forensic scientists are involved in the examination of the distinctive physical traces which may be
useful for establishing or excluding a suspect of committing a crime. This evidence is gathered from the scene of the
crime or the victim and is put through a series of tests to establish its relevance to the case. Scientists need to get to the
scene of the crime fast, and collect evidence that might be temporary.
These traces include blood and other body fluids, hairs, textile fibers from clothing etc, materials used in buildings such as
paint and glass, footwear, tool and tire marks, flammable substances used to start fires and so on. Sometimes the scientist
will visit the scene itself and summarize the likely sequence of events, any indicators as to who the perpetrator might be,
and to join in the initial search for evidence. If the victim of the crime is dead, then the scientists need to work extra hard
to figure out the story of the deceased, as they cannot tell their narrative. Scientists need to be cautionary when they go
and collect the evidence from the scene, because it is important they handle those pieces with care., and not tamper with
them.
Using DNA to help solve crimes is an indisputable tool, it is not argumentative because it is always right. Forensics can
be such a supportive tool to attorneys, because it gives hard facts and helps the attorneys prove their case. By using these
forensics skills scientists are acting as preventative aids in making sure that these crimes can’t happen again without
being able to be solved.
http://clewett.net.au/forensics
Using your context clues, determine the meaning of this week’s RPS words, and write their definitions below:
Word
Definition
Context Clues
Imperative
Absolutely necessary or
unavoidable; to be crucial or
needed.
Crucial
Dictionary
A book containing the
collection of words from a
language, typically in
alphabetical order.
A brief or short conclusion
about given facts or
information previously stated.
Definition
To give or show warning; to be
careful.
Having a special quality, trait,
or attractiveness; to be notable.
Care, not tamper
Argumentative
To have a dispute; to be
controversial and fond of
verbal conflicts.
Indisputable, opposite
Supportive
Providing sympathy or
encouragement; giving
additional help or information.
Gives, helps
Narrative
A story of accounts or events as
told by the author him/herself.
Story, tell
Temporary
Not permanent; to last or exist
for a certain amount of time.
To not allow something to
happen; to restrict or stop
actions.
fast
Summary
Cautionary
Distinctive
Prevent
Sequence of events
Establishing or excluding
Making sure…can’t happen
What background knowledge did you use to help you better understand this text? Answers will vary
What text structure is this passage? Description/Process How do you know? It is describing the process of what forensic workers
accomplish.
Is this a reliable source and how do you know? Yes, it is a .net.
Summarize in one sentence what this text was about: This article is about the process of collecting forensics
Did the author of this article make an impact on you? Why or why not? Answers will vary
What is the author’s purpose? The inform
Flip Flops came from Somewhere?!- RPS #9
The chronological story of the creation of the flip flop from start to finish is as follows:
Flip-flops are an open type of outdoor footwear, composed of a flat sole held loosely on the foot by a Y-shaped strap, like
a thin thong, that passes between the first (big) and second toes and around either side of the foot. In contrast to sandals,
flip-flops do not secure the ankle.
The latest design was invented in Auckland, New Zealand by Morris Yock in the 50s and patented in 1957,.However, this
claim has recently been contested by the children of John Cowie. John Cowie was an England-raised businessman who
started a plastics manufacturing business in Hong Kong after the war. His children claim that it was Cowie that was being
experimental with shoe design, and then started manufacturing a plastic version of the sandals in the late 1940s and that
Yock was just a New Zealand importer. The children also say that their father claimed to have invented the name "jandal"
from a shortened form of "Japanese Sandal". John Cowie and his family immigrated to New Zealand in 1959. Cowie’s
family gets very emotional, or upset when the origins of flip flops are questioned.
Despite 'jandal' being commonly used in New Zealand to describe any manufacturer's brand, the word Jandal is actually a
trademark since 1957, for a long time owned by the Skellerup company. In countries other than New Zealand, jandals are
known by other names. In Australia they are known as thongs. The first pair were manufactured there by Skellerup rival
Dunlop in 1960. Thongs became popular there after being worn by the Australian Olympic swimming team at the
Melbourne Olympic Games in 1956[. In the UK and U.S. they are most commonly known as flip-flops. These athletes
encouraged the marketing of such a shoe that would allow them easy accessibility.
Flip-flops now come in a stunning, beautiful variety of shoe styles other than the traditional flat sandal, such as women's
heels, slides, and wedges.
Flip-flops are a satisfying option because they allow the foot to be out in the open but still constitute a shoe for wear in
places such as restaurants or on city streets, and can be quickly and easily removed. They are also popular because they
are easy to carry and come in an assortment of colors and patterns.
If flip flops were ever to be stopped marketed and sold, you can be sure there would be many grieving people out there,
upset that their favorite shoe is no longer available. These people would be unforgiving to the shoe market, showing no
mercy to those who took away their precious shoe.
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Flip-flops
Using your context clues, determine the meaning of this week’s RPS words, and write their definitions below:
Word
Compose
Unforgiving
Grieving
Emotional
Stunning
Definition
To make or form by combining
things; to create or make up.
Unrelenting; not able to show
mercy or sympathy.
The state of feeling grief or
great sorrow.
To be upset or easily affected;
to show great pain with
feelings.
Context Clues
Description of the two items
on the shoe
Showing no mercy
Upset, took away
Upset
Astonishing, bewildering; of
striking beauty or excellence.
The state of testing, trying out,
or going through procedures in
order to see/find results.
Beautiful
Satisfying
To fulfill the desires, needs,
and demands of someone or
something.
Allow, popular, easy
Encourage
To encourage with spirit or
confidence; to promote.
To compare in order to show
differences; to not opposite
purposes.
Allow them
To be arranged in the order of
time.
Start, finish
Experimental
Contrast
Chronological
Started, invented
Side, relation to other shoe
What background knowledge did you use to help you better understand this text? Answers will vary
What text structure is this passage? Chronological How do you know? Dates/time words
Is this a reliable source and how do you know? It is a wiki source, so it is not reliable
Summarize in one sentence what this text was about: This article is all about flip flops, where they cam from, who invented them, and
how they are used today.
Did the author of this article make an impact on you? Why or why not? Answers will vary
What is the author’s purpose? To inform
Apples vs. Caffeine- RPS #10
Caffeine
Caffeine is found in a number of common foods and drinks, including coffee, tea, chocolate, soda and energy
drinks. It's also found in most diet pills. Caffeine is said to emphasize energy. Sometimes when people have no
energy they fall into a state of dreaminess, and are not clear in what they are trying to accomplish. People
consume caffeine because it makes them feel more alert as opposed to listless, by stimulating a specific kind of
molecule in your body known as an adenosine receptor.
How Much Caffeine Is in a Typical Cup of Coffee?
A standard 16-oz. cup of home-brewed coffee has about 266 mg of caffeine in it. In comparison, a typical cup
of tea has about 50 to 100 mg of caffeine, while a typical bottled soft drink has about 100 to 200 mg. Although
it would be hard to overdose on caffeine, it can be lethal, with death reported above a dose of 150 to 200
milligrams per kilogram of body weight. One kilogram equals about 2.2 lbs., so that would be about 70 cups of
coffee for an average-sized American man. This statistic is probably demoralizing to both coffee companies
and hard core coffee drinkers, as these people would feel loveless without this wonderful drink in their lives.
How Much Caffeine Is in an Apple?
Apples are a good source of many nutrients. For example, a typical small apple has 12 percent of your daily
recommended intake of fiber, 10 percent of your daily recommended intake of vitamin C, and trace amounts of
minerals such as calcium, potassium, and manganese. However, apples do not contain any caffeine. Eating an
apple a day will bring out your playfulness however, because of the energy it will instill.
So which will wake You Up More Effectively?
In order to make this decision, both apples and caffeine had to be scrutinized, or examined in great detail.
Apples have sugar in them -- an average small apple has about 13 g of it -- and that people are equating the
energy boost they get from a cup of coffee with the energy boost they presumably get from eating an apple.
Based on the discussion above, a more appropriate question might be "Does an apple have more sugar than a
typical cup of coffee?" Presuming you put one to two sugar packets in your typical cup of coffee, and that each
sugar packet contains -- as most do -- about 4 g of sugar, the answer is yes, a typical apple contains more sugar
than a typical cup of coffee. So if you're looking for a quick energy kick, a cup of coffee is likely to get you
there faster. However, an apple is probably your healthiest option, which you probably already know, so I won’t
patronize you. If everyone in the world would simply switch to apples, we could revolutionize the planet, and
bring about a healthy change. However, if we all did this, I’m sure the doctors would be put into a state of
loneliness, not having anyone to see according to the old proverb: an apple a day keeps the doctor away!
Read more: http://www.livestrong.com/article/276790-does-an-apple-have-more-caffeine-than-coffee/#ixzz1N7PSDdOb
Using your context clues, determine the meaning of this week’s RPS words, and write their definitions below:
Word
Loneliness
Dreaminess
Revolutionize
Listless
Demoralize
Scrutinize
Patronize
Emphasize
Loveless
Playfulness
Definition
The feeling of being alone; to
be without company.
The state of being vague,
dim, unclear.
To bring great change to a
job, field, etc.; to make
tremendous advances.
Having or showing very little
interest in someone or
something.
To deprive of spirit, courage,
discipline; to destroy the
morals or beliefs of.
To examine in detail with
great, careful attention; to
ridicule.
To behave in an offensive
manner towards someone or
something.
To lay stress upon; to give
attention to or focus on.
Context Clues
Not having anyone
Not clear
Bring about change
More alert, opposite
Feel loveless
Examined in great detail
Which you probably already
know, so I won’t…opposite of
Feel more, stimulating
Without
Feeling no appreciation or
self-worth; without
affection.
The state of being full of fun; Energy
joyful, excited.
What background knowledge did you use to help you better understand this text? Answers will vary
What text structure is this passage? Compare/Contrast How do you know? The text is comparing the caffeine benefits from apples to
coffee.
Is this a reliable source and how do you know? It is a .com source, so it may or may not be reliable.
Summarize in one sentence what this text was about: Comparing/contrasting caffeine coming from an Apple vs. Coffee
Did the author of this article make an impact on you? Why or why not? Answers will vary
What is the author’s purpose? To inform
Harmful Effects of Smoking Cigarettes- RPS #11
Have you ever heard of the expression or saying, “Those things will kill you!”?
Well, Envision the following statistics in your mind:
It is not improbable or unlikely that one in two lifetime smokers will die from their habit. Half of these deaths will
occur in middle age.
This can cause heart attacks and stroke. It slows your blood flow, cutting off oxygen to your feet and hands. Some
smokers end up having their limbs amputated, which could lead to your loved ones having a feeling of revulsion or
dislike towards you.
Tar coats your lungs like soot in a chimney and causes cancer. A 20-a-day smoker breathes in up to a full cup (210 g)
of tar in a year.
Changing to low-tar cigarettes does not help because smokers usually take deeper puffs and hold the smoke in for
longer, dragging the tar deeper into their lungs.
Smoking causes disease and is a slow way to die. The strain of smoking effects on the body often causes years of
suffering. Emphysema is an illness that slowly rots your lungs. People with emphysema often get bronchitis again and
again, and suffer lung and heart failure.
Lung cancer from smoking is caused by the tar in tobacco smoke. Men who smoke are ten times more likely to die
from lung cancer than non-smokers.
It is inevitable or unavoidable that smoking will cause fat deposits to narrow and block blood vessels, which may
lead to a heart attack.
In younger people, three out of four deaths from heart disease are due to smoking.
Cigarette smoking during pregnancy increases the vulnerability of the fetus, leaving it at risk of low birth weight,
prematurity, spontaneous abortion, and perinatal mortality in humans, which has been referred to as the fetal tobacco
syndrome.
In conclusion, while cigarettes may seem desirable and indispensible, they will have a remarkably negative
effect on your life.
http://www.quit-smoking-stop.com/harmful-smoking-effects.html
Using your context clues, determine the meaning of this week’s RPS words, and write their definitions below:
Word
Desirable
Vulnerability
Inevitable
Improbable
Envision
Revulsion
Definition
Worth having or wanting;
pleasing; excellent.
Capable of being hurt; open to
assault or moral attack.
Unable to be avoided or
escaped; certain or necessary.
Unlikely to be true or to
happen; not likely.
To picture previous and future
events mentally.
A strong feeling of distaste or
dislike; sudden change in
feeling or response.
Context Clues
Indispensible
Risk
Unavoidable
Unlikely
Mind
Dislike
Remarkably
Worthy of notice or attention;
notably unusual or
extraordinary.
Effect
Conclusion
The ending or closing; the final
part; the outcome.
Absolutely necessary or
essential; can not be
disregarded or forgotten.
The final paragraph
A certain word, phrase, or set
of words; to set forth ideas or
goals in words.
Saying
Indispensible
Expression
Desirable
What background knowledge did you use to help you better understand this text? Answers will vary
What text structure is this passage? Cause and Effect How do you know? It talks about the effects of smoking cigarettes
Is this a reliable source and how do you know? It is a .com source, so it may or may not be reliable.
Summarize in one sentence what this text was about: The effects of smoking cigarettes, and all of the consequences that go along with
that choice.
Did the author of this article make an impact on you? Why or why not? Answers will vary
What is the author’s purpose? To inform/persuade
Football Inspirational Report- RPS #12
There is a story in college football that is known by every fan base. It does not discriminate based on program
prestige, character or individuals it involves, or coaching discretion. It is when a superstar high school player
becomes the celebrity of his small town or when a highly rated prospect from a powerhouse high school
program fails to live up to collegiate expectations. Four and five star players go from the buzz of a prominent
college town to a FCS transfer and afterthought. The bright lights, bigger cities, and king-like praise clouds a
player’s mind and enables him to lose focus on why he is actually playing football and trying to obtain an
education. Unfortunately, the player begins to meander from their real goal in life, straying away from getting
a degree.
It was only two years ago that Washaun Ealey made his UGA debut against LSU. He was great and provided
copious amounts of energy, enthusiasm, and optimism to Bulldog fans who were excited about the possibilities
of having a running back in the program that broke some of Herschel Walker’s high school records. Fans began
to inquire or seek information about this player.
That is when Washaun Ealey made his climb that would eventually lead to his plummet as a viable option for
UGA. He was the most popular person in Twin City, Georgia. He remained a symbol for success, representing
all the young boys in his town. Emanuel County Institute never had another player that could stir up so much
buzz and hype. They even wanted to use expenditures to secure Ealey to come to their school, although they
were not allowed to. Ealey committed to Georgia before his senior football season even started. It seemed like
a perfect fit. The small town kid and superstar would be going to one of the most successful college athletic
departments in the country. He seemed like he had his head on straight and was primed to usurp Caleb King and
the other running backs already at UGA. That was all wrong.
The news came last week that Washaun Ealey had transferred to Jacksonville State after Mark Richt had
previously announced that Ealey would no longer be a part of the University of Georgia. This news was
received with much criticism and judgment. That is when the kid who went from small town Georgia to
prestigious university took a wrong turn making his journey to NFL prominence much more difficult and
possibly even impossible. The possibility of him ending up in the NFL began to dwindle, or shrink away.
Ealey and even most players like him do not have the same drive to be successful as their peers that grace the
magazine covers and highlight reels. It is not that they never had the will to succeed. They did. It is impossible
to make it to such a high level of play without having some personal drive of some sort. The problem is that
some players lose their passion for being the best, being endangered by various amounts of distractions.
This is the sad story of college football that is not told because fans are always smothered in false hopes about
what will happen next in their favorite team’s program, and they become hostile when things don’t go their
way. With so many rising stars constantly forcing their ways into the SEC, it is easy to miss the shooting star
that is making his exit.
http://www.holyturf.com/2011/06/the-heartbreaking-side-of-college-recruiting/
Using your context clues, determine the meaning of this week’s RPS words, and write their definitions below:
Word
Dwindle
Hostile
Criticism
Optimism
Symbol
Endangered
Meander
Character
Expenditures
Inquire
Definition
To shrink or waste away, to
get smaller.
Feeling of being unfriendly
or mean against others.
Judging or evaluating
something/someone
negatively or in order to
improve
The feeling of finding the
good in things rather than
focusing on the negatives
Representing words or
phrases by the use of
symbols
To expose something or
someone to danger
To wander, ramble, or walk
around aimlessly
Traits or features that make
up the nature of someone
The process or act of
spending money or making
money transactions
To seek or get information
by questioning
Context Clues
Shrink away
Smothered, things don’t go
their way
Judgment
Enthusiasm
Representing
Problem
Straying
Individual
Secure
Seek information
What background knowledge did you use to help you better understand this text? Answers will vary
What text structure is this passage? Chronological How do you know? Time words
Is this a reliable source and how do you know? It is a .com source, so it may or may not be reliable.
Summarize in one sentence what this text was about: This article is about one man’s journey through sports.
Did the author of this article make an impact on you? Why or why not? Answers will vary
What is the author’s purpose? To inform
How to Make Breakfast in Bed- RPS #13
There is a simple way to become renowned, or celebrated, by your loved ones. This simple task can also be quite influential in getting
you something you want. All you have to do is make them a delicious breakfast in bed!
The following are the sequential steps you should take in order to do so!
Step 1: Get a tray that has small sides on it. This will contain the food securely, and keep any spillage from falling onto the bed.
There are specially made small tables intended for this very purpose. If you can't find one, use a laptop desk.
Step 2: Decide what you'll make for breakfast. Try to remain unbiased when making the food. Make sure to include foods that
BOTH you and the recipient will like. Here are some ideas:
Make a Tropical Breakfast. This is both healthy and refreshing.
Make One Egg Waffles. These are a little healthier than most waffles, but if you really want to spoil someone, make French toast
waffles.
Serve a Bagel Breakfast. Be sure to include a variety of delicious condiments as well as a choice of bagels.
Cook a Full English Breakfast. An English muffin with some eggs, and orange juice, coffee, or tea on the side is good. (make
sure that the foods that you choose make financial sense for you. You don’t want to lose all your money on one breakfast!)
Step 3: We implore and ask that you prepare the breakfast as quietly as possible, if there's a chance you might wake the
person up. If you wake them up, even unintentionally, it is likely you will not enjoy the outcome. If you can chop or mix any
ingredients the night before, do so. If you're making coffee, put a towel along the crack at the bottom of the bedroom door so that
they don't smell it. (This is assuming that you want to surprise and flabbergast the recipient) Be sure to clean up after yourself,
too. If the person you're treating comes into the kitchen to find a pig sty, that might kill their delight over what you just did for
them.
Step 4: Pour any liquids only 3/4 of the way. This is especially important with hot liquids, as you don't want them to spill onto the
person or the bed linen when the tray is moved
Step 5: Add some nice, carefree, and lighthearted touches:
Lay a single flower down on the tray, or sprinkle flower petals across the tray.
On the plates, around the food, add some edible flowers (perhaps some candied violets).
If using a cloth napkin, fold it into a pyramid shape.
You can also fold a paper napkin into a rose (not the one they will be using, just an extra one for decoration).
Make a card with a nice note written in it.
Step 6: When they're done, clean up, you don’t want to leave your house disheveled. Take the tray from them and clean the
dishes. Another excellent touch is to run a luxury bath and while they're enjoying it, make the bed!
http://www.wikihow.com/Make-Breakfast-in-Bed
Using your context clues, determine the meaning of this week’s RPS words, and write their definitions below:
Word
Financial
Influential
Intentionally
Sequential
Flabbergasted
Definition
Term that pertains to
money, and dealing with
money
Having or demonstrating
influence to others, having
an impact on others
When things are said and or
done on purpose to either
help or harm someone
When events follow in order,
following, subsequent
Context Clues
Money
Getting, make them
Unintentionally, opposite
Steps
To be overcome with
complete surprise or to be
astounded
To beg urgently for
Surprise
Carefree
Renowned
Carefree, cheerful, or full of
joy
Hanging loosely or in
disorder; messy
Celebrated or famous
Unbiased
Not partial, fair
Both
Implore
Lighthearted
Disheveled
Ask
Messy, opposite
Celebrated
What background knowledge did you use to help you better understand this text? Answers will vary
What text structure is this passage? Sequential/Process How do you know? There are numbers, and steps
Is this a reliable source and how do you know? It is a wiki source, so no.
Summarize in one sentence what this text was about: This text is about how to make breakfast in bed
Did the author of this article make an impact on you? Why or why not? Answers will vary
What is the author’s purpose? To inform
A True Life Hero- RPS #14
One frigidly cold morning Kathie Vaughan was driving the used truck she had purchased that morning when it
suddenly began acting erratically and started to fishtail. She finally managed to bring the vehicle to a stop with
a loud screech by furiously slamming on the brakes over and over. But she felt safe prematurely because her
troubles had just begun. The cabin interior was filling fast with noxious fumes and black smoke.
Most people could have simply jumped out of the vehicle, but sadly and sorrowfully Kathie is a paraplegic–
paralyzed from the waist down by multiple sclerosis. Her truck was on fire and she knew she could be blown up
at any moment. Kathie shoved her Rottweiler Eve out the door, along with her wheelchair. But due to the thick
black smoke, she could not find the wheels to the chair.
A throbbing panic overwhelmed her. She had to get out immediately, before the truck exploded. That’s when
Eve, her dog, proved herself to be a true hero.
In danger of blacking out, Kathie suddenly felt Eve, refusing to desert her, grab her leg with her jaws. Eve
firmly grasped Kathie by the ankle and dragged her ten feet to relative safety. Then the truck burst into flames.
Ignoring the terrifying fire, Eve quietly and, discreetly, stealthily dragged Kathie to a nearby ditch.
A police car arrived on the scene. “You’ve got to get further away!” the policeman shouted to Kathie. The truck
was on fire, the flames were approaching the gas tank; there was danger of a terrific explosion.
Kathie struggled to pull herself away from the truck and toward the police car. Her head and body ached with
pain and she found she could hardly move. Eve bent close to her human friend, offering Kathie her collar. Then
Kathie held tight as the determined dog radically and thoroughly dragged her forty feet to safety.
The firemen eventually extinguished the blaze. A few weeks later the city respectfully offered to award Eve
the prestigious Stillman Award for bravery. Eve graciously accepted the honor with pride.
Read more: http://www.care2.com/greenliving/the-dog-hero-a-true-animal-story.html#ixzz1S6sFOhmT
Using your context clues, determine the meaning of this week’s RPS words, and write their definitions below:
Word
frigidly
Furiously
Graciously
Discreetly
Erratically
Definition
Very cold in temperature
Very angry; violent, full of
rage
Pleasantly kind or
courteous, very friendly
To be very sly or quiet about
things, to keep silent or give
little information
Different, shaky, eccentric
Context Clues
Cold
Slamming on the brakes over
and over
Accepted with pride
Quietly, stealthily
started to fishtail
Prematurely
Coming or done to soon
just begun
Radically
Respectfully
Sorrowfully
Stealthily
Basic or fundamental; being
thorough
Being full of or showing
politeness or kindness
Being sorry or remorseful
for actions or words
thoroughly
Offered the award
Sadly
Acting in a secretive or quiet
manner
Quietly, discreetly
What background knowledge did you use to help you better understand this text? Answers will vary
What text structure is this passage? Chronological How do you know? Transition words: A few weeks alter,
Then, One, had just begun
Is this a reliable source and how do you know? When one clicks on the link you can see that it is indeed from a
reputable news source, not from a place, such as, Wikipedia.
Summarize in one sentence what this text was about: Answers will vary
Did the author of this article make an impact on you? Why or why not? Answers will Vary
What is the author’s purpose? Inform
Lil Wayne’s Troubles- RPS #15
Rapper Lil Wayne traded lavish lifestyle for stainless- steel cuffs as he turned himself in to begin a year long
stint behind bars for the gun cops seized from his pot-smoke-in fused tour bus.
With good behavior, he'll serve just eight months in protective custody at Rikers Island.
Lil Wayne -- nickname "Weezy," real name Dwayne Carter, age 27 -- will continue making music in jail, and
his popularity will flourish not suffer or diminish said his lawyer, Stacey Richman who interceded between
Wanye and the Judge.
"He's an unstoppable musician and creator," she said.
Lil Wayne's surrender date had been postponed three times over the past month -- once by major dental surgery,
and twice after a fire in the court house basement.
Meanwhile, he provided fans with a seemingly end less, farewell-filled multi media soundtrack to his stop-andgo journey to jail. It is possible that he was trying to replenish and re-fuel his ego before heading off to jail.
He said goodbye to fans on Twitter, in print interviews and in YouTube videos, only to see the surrender date
come and go, each time necessitating renewed goodbyes. All the gibberish didn’t translate to the courtroom
because once in court yesterday, he said nothing.
Asked by Manhattan Supreme Court Justice Charles Solomon if he wanted to speak before sentencing, the
rapper shook his head.
"Nothing at all?" repeated the judge. “Don’t let your pride, or self worth precede, or go before, your ability to
apologize to the state” The rapper shook his head again and when he refused to speak the judge decided to
proceed, or go forward, with the hearing.
But prosecutors took a hard line -- insisting that "possession," under the strict legal sense of the word, means
having control or "dominion" over the gun, and doesn't necessarily mean outright ownership.
Cops who boarded Lil Wayne's tour bus said they saw him toss the .40-caliber Springfield Armory
semiautomatic handgun into a Louis Vuitton knapsack. There was no question the knapsack was his, even if he
tried to persuade cops otherwise. It had his stuff in it, including a prescription bearing the name Dwayne
Carter.
Read more:
http://www.nypost.com/p/news/local/manhattan/cuffluckwaynexst8YpRcejUkZsi9cZjfeI#ixzz1S6soQDsN
Using your context clues, determine the meaning of this week’s RPS words, and write their definitions below:
Word
Intercede
Persuade
Preceded
Proceed
Pride
Definition
To act on someone’s behalf
or reconcile differences
between two people
To advise or urge someone
to do something; to change
their stance or decision
To go before, as in rank,
seniority, importance, etc
To move on or go forward;
to continue or progress
One’s feeling of importance,
self-worth, dignity, etc.
To thrive or to be successful
Context Clues
Between
He tried to [] the cops
otherwise
Go before
Go forward
Self-worth
Not suffer
Flourish
Gibberish
Replenish
Diminish
Meaningless or useless talk
or writing
Twitter, in print, and youtube
To make complete; to refuel; to supply
To make smaller or lessen;
to reduce
Re-fuel
Not suffer
Traded lifestyle for cuffs
Using or giving in great
amounts; deals usually with
money
What background knowledge did you use to help you better understand this text? Answers will vary
Lavish
What text structure is this passage? How do you know?
Is this a reliable source and how do you know?
Summarize in one sentence what this text was about: Answers will vary
Did the author of this article make an impact on you? Why or why not? Answers will Vary
What is the author’s purpose?
Not the Buzz they were hoping for- RPS #16
Here is a short anecdote of what happened in Idaho:
ISLAND PARK, Idaho — Cleanup crews have finished clearing honey and an estimated 14 million bees that
got loose after a dilemma or situation occurred where a delivery truck overturned on an Idaho highway.
Authorities say the semi-truck was hauling the bees from California to North Dakota when the driver veered off
the shoulder, tipping more than 400 hive boxes and honey. Some say he was trying to excel and pass other cars
dangerously. Others say they saw the driver reading an atlas, or book of maps. This accusations could not be
proved by the evidence, and it is thought it may just be someone trying to exploit the truth to end up in the
newspaper and be famous.
Whatever the case, Authorities reportedly began receiving 911 calls late Sunday afternoon.
Fremont County Sheriff deputies say several workers were stung during the first few hours of the cleanup
Sunday. There was conflict everywhere as the workers had to try to fight off the buzzing critters. The smell of
honey in the air could be attributed to the spill, and was quite pleasant.
According to KPVI, officials had to spray fire foam on the truck and bees before responders could join the
effort. The spill, which also unleashed a torrent of honey, reportedly required crews from numerous agencies, as
it began to adhere to the road.
Some observers told The Post-Register they saw a strange black cloud and heard a roaring noise above the spill
area before realizing it was a massive swarm of bees. Apparently the bees wanted to be rather cosmopolitan, or
free from the restraints of the truck.
Crews worked all day Monday before removing all the honey from the roadway, though deputies say a
significant number of bees were still buzzing. In fact, some reported that this event will go into next year’s
almanac, because of how it affected the area.
MSNBC – Odd News
Using your context clues, determine the meaning of this week’s RPS words, and write their definitions below:
Word
Adhere
Almanac
Atlas
Anecdotes
Attribute
Conflict
Cosmopolitan
Definition
To stay attached or cling
Yearly publication/book that
has information on events,
countries, weather,
geography, etc.
A collection of detailed maps
A short account of an event,
usually historical or dealing
with nature
A high characteristic in a
person, group, or place
To fight or to contend either
physically or verbally
To be free from all
attachments
Context Clues
Honey is sticky and it is on the
road
Next year’s…how it affected
the area
Book of maps
Short, what happened
The smell was in the air
because of the spill
Fight off
Free from the restraints
Situation
A difficult situation or
problem
Pass other cars
To surpass others or be
Excel
superior to others in a
certain way
To use selfishly for one’s
Trying to [] the truth to end up
exploits
own personal gains by
in the newspaper
exposing secrets or truths
What background knowledge did you use to help you better understand this text? Answers will vary
Dilemma
What text structure is this passage? Chronological How do you know? The article discusses the honey spill
from beginning to end. Transition words: All day Monday, First few hours, also
Is this a reliable source and how do you know? This is from MSNBC which is a well respected news outlet
Summarize in one sentence what this text was about: Answers will vary
Did the author of this article make an impact on you? Why or why not? Answers will Vary
What is the author’s purpose? Entertain and Inform
History of the School Uniform- RPS #17
Many believe that school uniforms, an icon or representation of belonging to a specific school, came from the
Brits. The reason that Britain's great public schools began instituting uniforms was much the same reason that
educators in America's dreadful urban schools have begun to require uniforms, and prohibit wearing individual
or personal clothing. The English public school in the 18th and early 19th century had become anarchic,
dangerous places in which boys from aristocrats and wealthy families as they wished and played voluntary
games in whatever worn and battered gear was to hand. Interestingly many of our most popular modern sports
(rugby, soccer, football, cricket, and baseball) originated in the informal, off rough and chaotic play of English
school boys. Conditions were so bad that many parents refused to send their boys and instead had them
educated at home until they were ready for university. The uniformity in clothing was one of the measures
designed to replace strife and conflict with disciplined order. Along with compulsory games, stricter
supervision of the pupils' lives and morals, and a broadening of the classical curriculum, school uniform was an
essential characteristic of the reformed clean public schools that emerged by the late 19th Century as some of
the most effective, prestigious, and pristine schools in Europe.
The English state schools followed the lead of the prestigious public schools also began requiring uniforms. The
initial public schools to require uniforms were boarding schools, but many private and state day schools also
began requiring uniforms. Even today, comprehensive (non-selective secondary school) schools that wish to be
associated with the grammar school tradition adopt blazers in a plain silhouette, or shape, in the school colors.
It is ironic that originating as a badge of poverty, school uniforms came to represent high social status.
The social revolution of the 1960s ended much of the English obsession with school uniforms. There had been
schoolboy rebellions against uniform in the past, and the school mood was a feeling of displeasure. World War
II had ended some of the more expensive or ludicrous uniform items, but it was the widespread youth revolt of
the late-1960s that had the greatest impact. In most schools, uniform remained, though modified in the direction
of informality. A few public schools abolished uniform altogether. Most later regretted it. They had the fantasy
of a school encouraging individuality, and ended up with a mess. Those school leaders became very solemn,
and tried to think of how to fix the upsetting result.
School uniform remains an issue between pupils and school authorities with indefinite concerns. It would be
odd indeed if this were not the case. But it is wrong to imagine that the adolescent rebel really wants uniform to
be abolished or that abolition would put a stop to the arguments. Most American schools have dress codes.
Often parents and students participate in setting the code. But that is not to say there are fewer disagreements
over clothes at American schools than at British schools. In fact, far from reducing disputes about what could or
could not be worn, the dress code was open to more conflicting interpretations than the uniform regulations had
ever been. Enforcing a uniform is a relatively simple matter compared to the constant small issues arising from
a never ending decisions that have to be made on the never ending appearance of new clothing styles and looks.
http://histclo.com/schun/hist/schun-hist.html
Using your context clues, determine the meaning of this week’s RPS words, and write their definitions
below:
Word
Fantasy
Icon
Indefinite
Mood
Naïve
Pristine
Prohibit
Silhouette
Solemn
Strife
Definition
Imagination, using mental
images or both real and
unreal events
A picture, image, or some
form of representation
Without a fixed limit;
unlimited
State or quality of feeling at
a specific time
Having or showing one’s
artificiality; being
inexperienced or judgmental
Being original and pure;
extremely clean
To not allow or restrict an
action
Context Clues
Encouraging but ended up a
mess
Representation
Feeling
None
Prestigious
Cannot wear individual or
personal clothing
The outline or general shape
of something
Feeling grave, somber,
alone, or upset
Bitter conflict, a clash or
rivalry
Plain shape
Upsetting
Conflict
What background knowledge did you use to help you better understand this text? Answers will vary
What text structure is this passage? Chronological How do you know? HISTORY of school uniform from start
to finish with dates in order
Is this a reliable source and how do you know? The website does not appear to have any credentials that would
make them a reputable source. More research would have to be done.
Summarize in one sentence what this text was about: Answers will vary
Did the author of this article make an impact on you? Why or why not? Answers will Vary
What is the author’s purpose? Inform
Texting in Our Lives- RPS #18
If one wanted to look up the dangers of constant texting, one would only need to look in the thesaurus for
synonyms of anxiety to find their answer.
MIT researcher says constant texting is causing anxiety, sleep, turmoil and relationship problems in teenagers.
According to the Nielsen Company which appraises or estimates that, teenagers sent or received an average of
2,272 text messages a month in the fourth quarter of last year, more than double the year before, and are
expected to surpass that soon.
On "Here and Now" she explained how the "always on technology" affects kids. She reinforces, or backs up
this idea, by stating, "When you ask kids, 'are you texting all the time?' They kind of looking at you a little
blankly because from their point of view, it's just always there and they'll do it while they're doing other things.
They'll answer you with things like, 'oh but it's only two words' -- and they're right, it's only two words. The
issue is, what happens to a life, what happens to concentration, and what happens to the developmental issues
that teens need to deal with -- when they're texting all the time.
She has sympathy for children of this day and age because she feels that they are missing out of some of the
most important childhood rituals. "Adolescence is a time when teens are supposed to define their boundaries
and to have a certain autonomy. If you're constantly looking for validation from other people -- getting that
message out, needing an immediate response -- teens move from 'I have a feeling, I want to send a text' to 'I
want to have a feeling, I need to send a text.' In other words the validation comes so much from other people
that it's almost like you lose the sense of feeling your own feelings. There is no suspense or uncertainty in teens
lives because everything is so automatic and instant.”
Turkle says intimacy is also hampered by texting behavior: "Intimacy requires that you really become a kind of
expert in the face-to-face, and teens use texting as a way to avoid the risks of face-to-face. The risks of being
turned down, and if you do that, you see that when you interview them they sort of don't know the difference
between an apology and a confession.
"Their idea of apologizing is to send a confession in a text. But an apology is really different. An apology is
when you face someone, you see that you've hurt them, you feel bad, and you try to make it right in a kind of
delicate negotiation of a conversation. If you're texting all the time, you're not learning how to do those kinds of
things."
Sleep problems are also a result of over-texting, and there are also physical problems says Turkle back up her
argument by getting testimonies, or statements, from pediatricians: "I talk to pediatricians all the time who tell
me that their thumbs are in danger. Pediatricians are seeing ... repetitive stress injuries with thumbs."
Turkle suggests that some teens may feel trapped by the technology: "I talked to a lot of teens who feel that
there is no choice because if they don't have it, people will think there's something wrong with them, people will
think that they don't want to get back to their friends. And I think the social morays are going to start to move in
a direction where you'll to see some push-back, both from grownups and teenagers."All of this is the
framework, or backbone, for Turkle’s research on the affects of teenage texting.
To read more: http://www.pri.org/health/texting-affects-teenagers-development1467.html
Using your context clues, determine the meaning of this week’s RPS words, and write their definitions below:
Word
Appraise
Framework
Reinforce
Surpass
Suspenseful
Definition
To determine or estimate the
value of an item
The structure or
construction of any story or
idea
To strengthen or to make
more solid
To go beyond in amount,
extent; to go above and
beyond
A state or mental condition
that involves uncertainty or
questioning
To mention or introduce
Suggest
Sympathy
Testimony
Thesaurus
Turmoil
A feeling a person has
towards another person;
feeling of love and respect
Statements that are given by
citizens under oath for
affirmation
Book to which words are
defined and given other
words that mean the same
thing
The state of great
commotion or confusion
Context Clues
Estimates
Backbone
Backs up this idea
Double the year before
Uncertainty
Turkley offers advice in a
quote
Feels they are missing out
Statements
Synonyms
Anxiety
What background knowledge did you use to help you better understand this text? Answers will vary
What text structure is this passage? Cause and Effect How do you know? Texting causes teens to have health
issues.
Is this a reliable source and how do you know? This is from Public Radio International. When you go to their
website they site all of there sources which come from medical professionals and is considered reliable.
Summarize in one sentence what this text was about: Answers will vary
Did the author of this article make an impact on you? Why or why not? Answers will Vary
What is the author’s purpose? Persuade and Inform
How did we get Nintendo?- RPS #19
Nintendo started as a small Japanese business by Fusajiro Yamauchi near the end of 1887 as Nintendo Koppai.
Based in Kyoto, Japan, the business produced and marketed a playing card game called Hanafuda. Eventually
down the line, Hiroshi Yamauchi gradually took over the business, taking the place of Yamauchi.
In 1956, Hiroshi Yamauchi visited the U.S and realized the limitations of the playing card business, and how
minimal the intended profit would be. In 1959, Nintendo struck a deal with Disney with the proposal of
Nintendo using Disney's characters on Nintendo's playing cards. The tie-in was a success and the company sold
at least 600,000 card packs in a single year. Due to this success, in 1962, Yamauchi took Nintendo public.
During the period of time between 1963 and 1968, Nintendo set up a taxi company, food company (trying to
sell instant rice, similar to instant noodles) and several other things (including a vacuum cleaner). All these
ventures were glumly and eventually failed, except toy making.
In 1977, Nintendo at this time saw how successful video games were and began to promptly work on creating
their own to quickly join in the fad. Their first video arcade game was 1975's EVR Race a large handful of
others followed in the next several years, Radar Scope and Donkey Kong being among the most famous of
these.
In 1985, Super Mario Bros. was confidently released for the Famicom in Japan and became a large success.
The last major blockbuster game for the NES, Super Mario Bros. 3, was released in early 1990. The game went
on to sell over 18 million units. People today still occasionally play this game from time to time. This game
became an essential game for Nintendo players, and everyone had to have it!
On June 23, 1996, the Nintendo 64 (N64) was released in Japan and became a huge hit, selling over 500,000
units on the first day of its release. On September 29, 1996, Nintendo released the Nintendo 64 in North
America, and it too was a success. The 64 was a true portrayal and demonstration of advancements in
tecnhology.
In 1996, Pocket Monsters (known internationally as "Pokémon") was released in Japan to a huge following. The
Pokémon franchise, created by Satoshi Tajiri, was proving so popular in America, Europe, and Japan, that for a
brief time, Nintendo took back their place as the supreme power in the games industry. On October 13, 1998,
the Game Boy Color was released in Japan, with releases in North America and Europe a month later. In May
2004, Nintendo announced plans to release a new brand of handheld, unrelated to the Game Boy, featuring two
screens, one of which was touch-sensitive. The Nintendo DS, released on November 21, 2004, received over
three million pre-orders. In mid-September 2006, during press conferences, Nintendo announced launch details
for its Wii console, as well as demonstrated features of the "Wii Menu" GUI. The Retail price was going for
US$249.99 and was released on November 19, 2006. The console sold fast and was a big breakthrough for
Nintendo. Nintendo made no fatal business decisions in its later existence, and therefore they have been
thriving as a game super power. And that brings us basically up to speed!
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/HistoryofNintendo
Using your context clues, determine the meaning of this week’s RPS words, and write their definitions below:
Word
Gradually
Confidently
Promptly
Glumly
Occasionally
Fatal
Essential
Definition
Taking place of; moving;
increases in small degrees
The state of showing or
having strong belief in
someone
The state of something that
is done quickly, fast, or
without delay
The state of being sudden or
dejected
At times, now and then,
from time to time
Causing or capable of
causing death; deadly,
mortal
Absolutely needed or
required
Context Clues
Took over
Became a large success
Quickly join in the fad
Failed
People today still
Made NO business decisions
and have still been thriving
Everyone had to have it
Proposal
Portrayal
Minimal
The process of offering
someone or something
money, clothes, food, etc.
The act of being portrayed;
a word or picture of a
character
Barely adequate or the least
amount possible
Struck a deal
True demonstration
Limitations
What background knowledge did you use to help you better understand this text? Answers will vary
What text structure is this passage? Chronological How do you know? The dates follow timelines order and it
tells about the creation of Nintendo from start to finish.
Is this a reliable source and how do you know? This is not considered a completely reliable source because it is
taken from Wikipedia.com. More research would need to be done
Summarize in one sentence what this text was about: Answers will vary
Did the author of this article make an impact on you? Why or why not? Answers will Vary
What is the author’s purpose? Inform
Christmas Facts- RPS #20
When thinking about Christmas facts one cannot overlook the number of traditions that surround the holiday. In
fact, Christmas in itself, is a tradition. It is a tradition based in the ideology, or idea, of celebrating the birth or
incarnation of the Lord Jesus Christ. Overtime, the way in which people have celebrated this day has evolved
from culture to culture. However, the one thing each unique cultural celebration has in common is tradition.
Everything from stocking stuffers to Christmas trees to family gatherings has been passed down from
generation to generation. There is such a wide variety of traditions to choose from!
The Christmas Tree: Originating in Germany, a Fir tree was decorated to represent the forbidden tree in the
Garden of Eden. The great reformer Martin Luther is said to be the first to decorate the tree prior to the tradition
moving to England by way of Queen Victoria and Prince Albert. It eventually crossed the Atlantic and became
an American tradition; though it took some time as it was considered to be a pagan symbol in the earlier years.
There are approximately 30-35 million Real Christmas Trees sold in the U.S. every year.” People just need to
be sure they don’t choose flimsy trees so their ornaments don’t break off the branches!
Santa Claus: A legendary figure who represents the visual dimension of Christmas in our contemporary, or
modern, age. Santa Claus, in some ways, has over taken the image of Christ in many Christmas traditions and
celebrations. His popularity started and grew as the stories of St. Nicholas grew in legend and could only be
believed by the young at heart searching for a hero. Today the more typical image of the Santa Claus we know
today is found in shopping centers, movies, and Christmas time decorations. It is said that Santa Claus has
special powers and can tell whether a child has been naughty or nice.
Decorations:
Lights- The many bright lights found hanging on trees and homes around Christmas time means something
different for each person who hangs them. For one individual they are simply colorful and joyful -- something
to brighten up the ordinary of everyday life in a season of festivities and togetherness. To another, the lights
carry spiritual meaning.
Holly- An evergreen plant representing eternal life is used as a more appropriate Christian decoration in
comparison to its counterpart; the Mistletoe. Christians decided to use the Holly plant due to its more positive
meaning and a history not tainted by pagan beliefs.
Candles- Tradition says that candles were first used as a Christmas decoration when Martin Luther placed
candles on a tree near his home to reproduce a gleaming of light he had seen through the branches of another
such tree. Candles also represent the life and light of Christ that shines upon all men.
Stockings- Originating in stories of St. Nicholas in which he threw items for young children down chimney’s as
he passed by. Those items would fall into the stockings that were hung at the bottom of the chimney. Today,
stockings are generally hung above or placed below the fireplace were gifts are place inside for excited little
eyes to find on Christmas morning.
Carols: In just about every home around the world, Christmas carols and holiday songs, whether explicitly
Christian or secular, are heard and sung with wide acceptance. Singing during Christmas is a accompanying
event that draws loved ones together. For the individual, carols fill the heart with praise to their Savior and
provide feelings of the festive season that bring joy to the heart. Sometimes listening to people who can’t sing
carols is a hysterical event that brings out even more laughter in a happy season.
It might be hard to not take side and stay neutral about Christmas when so many people have so many ideas
about the Christmas season. But, all in all, Christmas means different things to different people, but one thing
remains the same; it is a time for celebrating, no matter what it is exactly that one is celebrating!
http://www.allaboutpopularissues.org/christmas-facts.htm
Using your context clues, determine the meaning of this week’s RPS words, and write their definitions below:
Word
Preliminary
Ordinary
Flimsy
Accompany
Variety
Ideology
Contemporary
Neutral
Hysterical
Definition
The beginning or
introduction; leads up to the
main idea or part
To be plain or bland; very
undistinguished
Weak; not effective,
inadequate
To go along with or join in
action
A different number of
things; to have several of the
same thing
Having an idea or theory on
a specific event
At the present time; modern
To not take side in a verbal
or physical altercation; to
stay unbiased on issues
Uncontrollably emotional
Basic or common, expected
Context Clues
Began
Everyday life
So ornaments don’t break
Fills the heard with praise and
family joins together
Wide to choose from
Idea
Modern
Not to take sides
Laughter
The Santa Claus we know
Typical
today
What background knowledge did you use to help you better understand this text? Answers will vary
What text structure is this passage? Concept/Definition How do you know? The article give a common thing
associated with Christmas and then defines it
Is this a reliable source and how do you know? This article is from a.org site which is generally a non-profit
educational website and can generally be considered reliable.
Summarize in one sentence what this text was about: Answers will vary
Did the author of this article make an impact on you? Why or why not? Answers will Vary
What is the author’s purpose? Inform
Sisters Sue Cemetery- RPS # 21
American sisters Evelyn and Hortense Edwards spent two decades showing their devotion and dedication by
visiting what they thought was their mother's grave only to discover it contained the remains of a stranger.
Now, the sisters are causing quite the angry commotion and are seeking $25 million in damages from the
Rosehill Cemetery in Linden, New Jersey, for emotional distress caused when they learned that their mother,
Beatrice Williams, had been buried in the wrong plot. After learning the mistake the sisters immediately
recruited a lawyer to help them in their controversial case again the cemetery that is sparking debate across
the country.
"It was devastating for them," Mark Crawford, the sisters' attorney, said regarding the burial mix-up.
He said they only recollected or remembered the mix-up after they complained to the cemetery about their
mother's grave falling into disrepair. An employee looked up the plot in question.
"She said, 'There's a man buried there,' and they said, 'What do you mean there's a man buried there?'" Crawford
said.
The complaint says the cemetery has acknowledged that the plot location in the sisters' paperwork was
incorrect. In a letter sent to the sisters last July, the cemetery said it believed their mother was in fact buried in
another section, the complaint said.
The cemetery declined to offer elaborating details to the story.
Crawford said the sisters are not convinced that the cemetery has not misplaced their mother's remains. They
want the cemetery to disinter the remains at the second grave to confirm the remains there are of their
mother.But the cemetery said it will only revise and fix the mistake if the sisters take responsibility if the
remains of someone else is disturbed and relatives decide to sue.
"They're not willing to take the risk of correcting their own mistake," he said.
The sisters had bought three plots when their mother died in the hope that they might one day be buried by her
side.
Crawford said he was not sure whether the mix-up was restricted to just two sets of remains or whether other
plots were similarly mislabeled.This serious ordeal story should show the vital importance in keeping adequate
records.
Read more: http://www.reuters.com/article/2011/07/13/us-cemetery-mixup-idUSTRE76C3MR20110713
Using your context clues, determine the meaning of this week’s RPS words, and write their definitions below:
Word
Revise
Regarding
Recollection
Definition
To change or look over
Context Clues
Fix the mistake
To think of with a particular
feeling; to look upon
The act of remembering or
recalling actions or events
Attorney said
remembered
Recruit
Vital
Controversial
To persuade one to enlist in
a service, usually the
military
Important or crucial to life
Debatable or questionable
amongst others
Elaboration
Any serious experience, test,
or trial that has been lived
through
Expanding or giving detail
to a story or account
Commotion
Violent or noisy motion;
agitation; disturbances
Ordeal
Lawyer to help them
Importance
sparking debate
Serious details
Quite angry
Showing dedication
Superior dedication or
Devotion
desire to do or finish
something
What background knowledge did you use to help you better understand this text? Answers will vary
What text structure is this passage? Cause and Effect How do you know? This article discusses the court battle
of individuals from start to finish
Is this a reliable source and how do you know? This is taken from a local newspaper that went national. It can
be considered reliable.
Summarize in one sentence what this text was about: Answers will vary
Did the author of this article make an impact on you? Why or why not? Answers will Vary
What is the author’s purpose? Inform
Tats for Grades- RPS #22
For parents and teachers, it can be an uphill battle to get kids to do well in school. Teachers can feel quite
isolated and alone in their feelings of wanting their children to do well. While other can let themselves get
deeply absorbed in the process. First it was cash for grades, now its ... tats for grades?
That's what one San Francisco teacher promised his students if they improved their performance: a tattoo. Not
for them, but for him. Stanley Richards, a science teacher at City Arts and Technology High School,
volunteered to get a tattoo of their vice principal if students raised the school's academic performance score by
50 points.
And not just any tattoo: stiff and uptight Mr. Vice Principal would be portrayed as a sumo wrestler, holding a
medallion of test scores and slaying a dragon. (Hope Mr. Richards has the number of a good tattoo-removal
doctor.)
Once he lodged his promise he was stuck because his students’ scored soared passed a 50 point increase. The
students hit the books, and true to his word, Mr. R didn’t hesitate, he ran right out and got the tattoo. He
showed up on the last day of class with the vice principal's mug on his calf. Hundreds of bewildered and
confused faculty peered at his tattoo and he exhibited it on stage.
READ: http://news.yahoo.com/blogs/newsroom/tats-grades-182931428.html
Using your context clues, determine the meaning of this week’s RPS words, and write their definitions below:
Word
Exhibited
Definition
Being separated or removed
from the other people or
things
Demonstrated or
exemplified; displayed
Hesitated
To be delayed or reluctant;
to wait with caution
Isolated
Stiffened
Lodged
Bewildered
Peered
Absorbed
Volunteered
Context Clues
Alone
On stage
he ran right out
To tense up or get stiff
Uptight
To be stuck or caught in
something
promise
Completely puzzled and or
confused
confused
Exhibited on stage
To peek out or appear
slightly
Deeply interesting or
involved; pre-occupied
To partake in work or an
activity without monetary
compensation
To fly at great height
Soared
Deeply
Get a tattoo IF students raised
money
Scores passed a 50 point
increase
What background knowledge did you use to help you better understand this text? Answers will vary
What text structure is this passage? Chronological How do you know? It details a teacher’s promise to
completion
Is this a reliable source and how do you know? This is from yahoo news and is just simply reporting facts….it is
reliable source
Summarize in one sentence what this text was about: Answers will vary
Did the author of this article make an impact on you? Why or why not? Answers will Vary
What is the author’s purpose? Entertain/inform
The Human Body Facts- RPS #23
The human body is a very complex creation. Everyday a new thing about it is discovered and revealed that you
didn’t know before and there seems to be no end to the study of the fascination of the glorious and delightful
human being. Thanks to anatomists who work 24/7 discovering new ideologies about the human body we are
able to understand how it fully operates and functions. If only the human body could write a memoir about
itself divulging all its secrets But still, they are some things that you don’t know about it and so I’m going to
enlighten you. Here are the five things most people are unaware of the human body:
1. Your eyeballs are the same size from birth – The eyeballs are the only part in the human body that doesn’t
grow or shrink. That just means that you are able to take in all of nature and its beautiful scenic views the same
way all your life.
2. You cannot lick your elbow – Even if you are a contortionist or a gymnast, it is impossible to even kiss the
end of your elbow. This is not a false fact it is 100% authentic.
3. Bending your tongue depends entirely on your genes – some people are able to bend their tongues while
others can’t. This doesn’t mean you’re talented in bending your tongue. It just means you have dominant genes
that determine the weird anecdotes you can perform with your body.
4. You cannot survive under water for longer than 4 minutes - even if you’re a tremendous triple gold medalist
Olympic swimming champion as long as you don’t have a breathing apparatus with you when you go under
water, the longest you can survive is 4 minutes.
5. You cannot sneeze with your eyes open – This is because sneezing is a form of excretion and if the sneeze
effect entered your eyes you would become blind! If you were to become blind I am sure you would be quite
frantic when trying to find your keys each day!
After learning all of these fun facts it is hard to not be enthusiastic about the human body! The human body is a
precious thing that everyone should take care of!
If you want to read more consult: http://hubpages.com/hub/TEN-THINGS-YOU-NEVER-KNEW-ABOUTYOUR-BODY
Using your context clues, determine the meaning of this week’s RPS words, and write their definitions below:
Word
Consult
Complex
Authentic
Enthusiastic
Scenic
Frantic
Definition
To seek advice or
information from
Very complicated or
consisting of many difficult
parts
Not false or copied; genuine
or original
Full of enthusiasm or energy
Pertains to the scenery
within nature
Desperate or wild with
excitement
Great in size or amount
Tremendous
Precious
Glorious
Of high price or great value
Context Clues
Read more
Everyday a new thing is
discovered or revealed
not a false fact
After learning fun facts
(Exclamation point!)
Nature, vies
None
You can’t survive even if you
are a gold medalist Olympic
swimming champion
Everyone should take care of
Delightful, wonderful,
joyful, beautiful, etc.
Delightful
Written account of events
Could write about itself
told by someone who has a
Memoir
first hand account of those
events
What background knowledge did you use to help you better understand this text? Answers will vary
What text structure is this passage? Chronological How do you know? Number list order
Is this a reliable source and how do you know? This source appears to be knowledgeable but upon further
instruction we can see that it is just a “hubpage” which means it could contain errors and more research from
more reputable sources would be needed.
Summarize in one sentence what this text was about: Answers will vary
Did the author of this article make an impact on you? Why or why not? Answers will Vary
What is the author’s purpose? Inform
More about The Human Body Facts- RPS #24
The human body is a very complex creation. Everyday a new thing about it is discovered and revealed that you
didn’t know before and there seems to be no end to the study of the fascination of the human being. Thanks to
anatomists who are adept and very skilled, working 24/7 to discover new ideologies about the human body, we
are able to understand how it fully operates and functions. But still, they are some things that you don’t know
about it and so I’m going to enlighten you. You can dwell on these human body facts, and think about how
interesting the body really is.
6. You are likely to survive longer in a vicinity or area like the Hot Sahara Desert than on the summit or peak
of the freezing Gobi desert. This is because in hot climate, your body performs multi tasks which are needed to
keep you alive longer such as your bones stretch and you sweat excessively making it easier to maintain body
fluids which circulate around your body at a faster rate. Also, your heart beats faster, pumping more blood
faster. In cold weather, your body only concentrates on generating heat for your body; therefore most bodily
functions are dormant which make it hard for you to move. These types of circumstances can put your life in
jeopardy, and may even lead to death.
7. Your ears control your body balance – Specifically your ear drums. They control the balance of your body. If
they weren’t there, you would be wandering around like a drunkard with no balance!
8. Computers use the knowledge of only 15% of your brain! – According to scientist and anatomists, all the
technology today is only 15% of what the human being is capable of doing. The human brain remains elite, and
higher in intelligence. If you utilized a 100% of your brain, each one of us can create a modern planet of our
own and add 6 billion planets in the universe, and change the chronicles or history of events in the world!
9. You share a birthday with 10 million other people worldwide and 1 million of them were born on the exact
day, time and date as you. (And yet we strive very hard to be unique! Lol)
10.The length of your hair determines your stamina level – That’s right, it’s not just Samson that had strength
from his hair. Your hair follicles act like foundation to the fiber muscle that is attached on the scalp of your
head which in turn derives signals to your muscles and the length of the follicles which extend as hair provide
power substance for your muscles to operate on. This is why people that are bald are more likely to have a
painful headache than those with hair and usually people with hair are stronger than people without hair.
Although, the amount of hair you have could be determined by your heritage, or inheritance of genes from your
parents. And you don’t want to make fun of those people who are bald, because they will sullenly respond!
Read more: http://hubpages.com/hub/TEN-THINGS-YOU-NEVER-KNEW-ABOUT-YOUR-BODY
Using your context clues, determine the meaning of this week’s RPS words, and write their definitions below:
Word
Summit
Definition
The highest point or part
Elite
Persons of the highest rank
or class
Dwell
To linger over or ponder in
deep thought
Adept
Vicinity
Jeopardy
Sullenly
Chronicle
Strive
Context Clues
Peak
Higher in intelligence
think about
Very skilled; expert;
professional
An area or region that is
near or about a place
Hazard or at risk to loss,
injury, death, etc.
Showing irritation or ill
humor
Very skilled
area
may even lead to death
Don’t make fun of those who
are bald they will ( ) respond
A history or order of events
To try hard or exert oneself
vigorously
History of events
Very hard
Inheritance of genes
Something that comes about
Heritage
by reason of birth or
inheritance
What background knowledge did you use to help you better understand this text? Answers will vary
What text structure is this passage? Chronological How do you know? Number list order
Is this a reliable source and how do you know? This source appears to be knowledgeable but upon further
instruction we can see that it is just a “hubpage” which means it could contain errors and more research from
more reputable sources would be needed.
Summarize in one sentence what this text was about: Answers will vary
Did the author of this article make an impact on you? Why or why not? Answers will Vary
What is the author’s purpose? Inform
Kobe vs Lebron vs Jordan- RPS #25
LeBron James(notes) did everything he could, and strained to win his first NBA championship but in the end
he did not have what it takes to rank above Kobe Bryant(notes) and Michael Jordan. James said it best himself
in the post-game conference, "Sometimes you have it and sometimes you don't."
LeBron James is a great player with the potential for becoming the greatest player of all time but until he can
learn to play as a team player, his ability to graduate to the level of champion will remain obsolete. James
looked lost in the last two games of the NBA Finals and great players learn to overcome their moments of doubt
or abundance of obstacles. James did not instill the confidence of a Michael Jordan, Kobe Bryant or Jerry
West, and overlooked what it really took to be a champion player.
To be fair, Kobe Bryant has not won every NBA Finals series he has appeared in either. He lost to the Boston
Celtics in 2008 and to the Detroit Pistons in 2004, and had to await his journey to champion status. Michael
Jordan, on the other hand, played in six NBA Finals series and never lost. However, before Jordan won his first
NBA championship he was known as a great player without a ring, and was looked at as the complete opposite
of a pitiful player; as he had a great attitude while playing the game.
Back to James! James struggled to make a mark in the fourth quarter all series long and he failed miserably
with the game on the line in more than one situation. With the difference in the game down to eight points
James missed a wide open three that would have changed the game, and his skills descended from fantastic to
average. There have been other legendary figures that have failed to lead the teams to multiple NBA
Championships, and or gather his team together to harvest a championship ring.
The bottom line is until James wins his first NBA championship he is not in the same arena as Kobe Bryant or
Michael Jordan. Many NBA experts are already placing Dirk Nowitzki(notes) ahead of James. So now would
not be a good time for James to fast himself from basketball practice, or snivel with sadness and
disappointment in the outcome.
James is in the same spot Michael Jordan was before he won his first NBA championship in '91 but time is
running out for James to make his mark on history. If he fails to win an NBA title in the next two years his
window of opportunity may close and he may end up like Charles Barkley, running from team to team looking
for his elusive NBA championship.
Read more:http://sports.yahoo.com/nba/news?slug=ycn-8629051
Using your context clues, determine the meaning of this week’s RPS words, and write their definitions below:
Word
Obsolete
Definition
No longer in use; fallen into
disuse
Descend
To go from higher to lower
in anything
Pitiful
Being of poor quality and or
attitude
Overlook
Await
Strain
Abundance
Harvest
Fasting
To fail to notice, consider, or
perceive
To wait for; to look for; to
expect
To stretch or exert to the
fullest extent
A great supply; extremely
plentiful; overstock or
overflow
To gather and grow crops
during their designated
seasons
To distance oneself or reject
all food for a given time
period
Context Clues
Looked lost in the last two
games/ Until he can lear to
play as a team player
From fantastic to average
he had great attitude
(opposite)
James did not instill the
confidence of Kobe….and
[didn’t notice] what it really
took
He lost in 2004 and 2008 and
had to a[WAIT] his journey
did everything he could
Learn to overcome obstacles/
James is facing a lot of
problems
Gather his team
Now would not be a good time
for James to [distance] himself
from practice
To weep or cry with sniffling
Snivel
With sadness and
disappointment
What background knowledge did you use to help you better understand this text? Answers will vary
What text structure is this passage? Compare and Contrast How do you know? The article is comparing James
Lebron and other famous players
Is this a reliable source and how do you know? This is a semi reliable source seeing as how it is from Yahoo
News but it also seems to contain a lot of opinions.
Summarize in one sentence what this text was about: Answers will vary
Did the author of this article make an impact on you? Why or why not? Answers will vary
What is the author’s purpose? Persuade/Inform
Waiting for the inevitable- RPS #26
Water's power unleashed its spectacular dramatic torrents through parts of the Midwest as spring planting
prospects turned into summer washouts. While completely devastating, some watched as the vivid, clear waters
rushed through the river.
The Missouri River and its adjacent, near-by tributaries throughout six states poured record amounts of water,
covering their normal banks as if they never were there. The water was accountable for sinking those areas of
land, and responsible for causing this extraordinary event.
Farmers along the river could do very little - except join in a pursuit to use their efforts to move out what they
could, arrange their saved crops in a somewhat safe place, then watch and wait.
The Flood of 2011 will be known for the waiting, the destruction and the assurance that won't go away anytime
soon. Some people will interpret this time as a time of much needed rain, why others will say that the meaning
of the water is nothing more than destruction.
So much water is behind the dams in the river systems, waiting to be released downstream, that the flooding is
expected to continue at least through the summer. The dams are no longer adjustable, and cannot be changed
or fixed to prevent further flooding.
Farmers endured the mental anguish, knowing for days what was coming, seeing water cover their fields, acre
by acre, row by row. Some producers said that a near-perfect early spring provided crops as good as have been
seen in years, if not decades, with grain prices nearly as good. Farmers predicted people to indulge and buy all
desired crops at cheap prices because of the wonderful turnout, but that would all be ruined due to the flood.
Whatever the case, authorities are asking people living in the area to not use haste in moving their belongings
out of the town. They do not want the urgent chaos to bring accidents on the road.
Read more: http://www.midwestproducer.com/news/regional/waiting-for-the-inevitable-flood-watersdestroying-crops-not-expected/article11816fb4-96b7-11e0-9cb3-001cc4c002e0.html
Using your context clues, determine the meaning of this week’s RPS words, and write their definitions below:
Word
Spectacular
Pursuit
Haste
Definition
Dramatically daring or
thrilling
Quick speed; swift, urgent;
to be done fast
To give into desire or to
allow oneself to give in
Arrange
To place into a certain
desired or required order
Interpret
To give or provide the
meaning of
Adjacent
Adjustable
Vivid
Dramatic/Power/Unleashed
An effort to secure or obtain
Indulge
Accountable
Context Clues
Join, use efforts
they do NOT want urgent
chaos to bring accidents
Desired
Move out
some people, while others will
say
Subject to clarify or explain
something according to
memory or events
Lying near, close to, or next
Able to be changed, altered,
or flexed
Responsible
Near-by
Cannot be changed or fixed
Bright and intense, almost
clear, lively
Clear
What background knowledge did you use to help you better understand this text? Answers will vary
What text structure is this passage? Cause and Effect How do you know? The article discusses the devastating
flood and its effects.
Is this a reliable source and how do you know? Yes it is. The article is taken from an actual newspaper in the
Midwest.
Summarize in one sentence what this text was about: Answers will vary
Did the author of this article make an impact on you? Why or why not? Answers will Vary
What is the author’s purpose? Inform