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
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
Context Clues
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
What background knowledge did you use to help you better understand this text? ____________________________
_____________________________________________________________________________________________
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: __________________________________________________
_____________________________________________________________________________________________
Did the author of this article make an impact on you? Why or why not? ___________________________________
_____________________________________________________________________________________________
What is the author’s purpose? _____________________________________________________________________
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.
Context Clues
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.
Sudden or unexpected; to come to a
quick end or stop.
An obstacle or obstruction in
something or someone (i.e. speech).
To be offensive and aggressive; to act
angry or inappropriate.
The state of persuading, causing, or
bringing about something.
What background knowledge did you use to help you better understand this text? ____________________________
_____________________________________________________________________________________________
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: __________________________________________________
_____________________________________________________________________________________________
Did the author of this article make an impact on you? Why or why not? ___________________________________
_____________________________________________________________________________________________
What is the author’s purpose? _____________________________________________________________________
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 Toulouse-Lautrec 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
Definition
Context Clues
The state of looking up to someone with great
pleasure or approval.
To take something for granted or to draw
conclusions without enough information.
Something that is given or received as a result of a
service, loss, injury, death, etc.
The state of giving a clear image of an event or
person through the use of words.
A meeting or formal assembly to which people,
usually in politics, get together to discuss ideas.
The act of preserving something, such as wildlife,
human rights, etc.
To give support, relief, or assistance; to attempt to
bring cheer.
The state of being dishonest and acting in an evil and
untrusting way.
A rivalry between two or more people, businesses,
etc.
The state of being upset or let down; to destroy or
destruct.
What background knowledge did you use to help you better understand this text? ____________________________
_____________________________________________________________________________________________
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: __________________________________________________
_____________________________________________________________________________________________
Did the author of this article make an impact on you? Why or why not? ___________________________________
_____________________________________________________________________________________________
What is the author’s purpose? _____________________________________________________________________
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
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
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.
What background knowledge did you use to help you better understand this text? ____________________________
_____________________________________________________________________________________________
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: __________________________________________________
_____________________________________________________________________________________________
Did the author of this article make an impact on you? Why or why not? ___________________________________
_____________________________________________________________________________________________
What is the author’s purpose? _____________________________________________________________________
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
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
To be erratic, irregular, or odd.
Writing style which shows emphasis
on certain words, sayings, etc.
The ability to confirm the accuracy
or truth in something.
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.
The submission or giving up of a
job, position, or office.
To declare something in advance; to
foretell an event.
What background knowledge did you use to help you better understand this text? ____________________________
_____________________________________________________________________________________________
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: __________________________________________________
_____________________________________________________________________________________________
Did the author of this article make an impact on you? Why or why not? ___________________________________
_____________________________________________________________________________________________
What is the author’s purpose? _____________________________________________________________________
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 13-year-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
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.
To devise or develop a
method or system.
To express thoughts or
reflect on things that may or
may not be true.
To begin or start something.
Context Clues
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.
What background knowledge did you use to help you better understand this text? ____________________________
_____________________________________________________________________________________________
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: __________________________________________________
_____________________________________________________________________________________________
Did the author of this article make an impact on you? Why or why not? ___________________________________
_____________________________________________________________________________________________
What is the author’s purpose? _____________________________________________________________________
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
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
What background knowledge did you use to help you better understand this text? ____________________________
_____________________________________________________________________________________________
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: __________________________________________________
_____________________________________________________________________________________________
Did the author of this article make an impact on you? Why or why not? ___________________________________
_____________________________________________________________________________________________
What is the author’s purpose? _____________________________________________________________________
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 migt
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
Absolutely necessary or
unavoidable; to be crucial or
needed.
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.
To give or show warning; to be
careful.
Having a special quality, trait,
or attractiveness; to be notable.
To have a dispute; to be
controversial and fond of
verbal conflicts.
Providing sympathy or
encouragement; giving
additional help or information.
A story of accounts or events as
told by the author him/herself.
Not permanent; to last or exist
for a certain amount of time.
To not allow something to
happen; to restrict or stop
actions.
What background knowledge did you use to help you better understand this text? ____________________________
_____________________________________________________________________________________________
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: __________________________________________________
_____________________________________________________________________________________________
Did the author of this article make an impact on you? Why or why not? ___________________________________
_____________________________________________________________________________________________
What is the author’s purpose? _____________________________________________________________________
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 Yshaped 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
Definition
Context Clues
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.
Astonishing, bewildering; of
striking beauty or excellence.
The state of testing, trying out,
or going through procedures in
order to see/find results.
To fulfill the desires, needs,
and demands of someone or
something.
To encourage with spirit or
confidence; to promote.
To compare in order to show
differences; to not opposite
purposes.
To be arranged in the order of
time.
What background knowledge did you use to help you better understand this text? ____________________________
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What text structure is this passage? _______________________ How do you know? ________________________
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Is this a reliable source and how do you know? _______________________________________________________
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Summarize in one sentence what this text was about: __________________________________________________
_____________________________________________________________________________________________
Did the author of this article make an impact on you? Why or why not? ___________________________________
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What is the author’s purpose? _____________________________________________________________________
Apples vs. Caffeine- RPS #10
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-thancoffee/#ixzz1N7PSDdOb
Using your context clues, determine the meaning of this week’s RPS words, and write their definitions
below:
Word
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
Feeling no appreciation or
self-worth; without
affection.
The state of being full of fun;
joyful, excited.
What background knowledge did you use to help you better understand this text? ____________________________
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What text structure is this passage? _______________________ How do you know? ________________________
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Is this a reliable source and how do you know? _______________________________________________________
_____________________________________________________________________________________________
Summarize in one sentence what this text was about: __________________________________________________
_____________________________________________________________________________________________
Did the author of this article make an impact on you? Why or why not? ___________________________________
_____________________________________________________________________________________________
What is the author’s purpose? _____________________________________________________________________
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
Definition
Context Clues
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.
Worthy of notice or attention;
notably unusual or
extraordinary.
The ending or closing; the final
part; the outcome.
Absolutely necessary or
essential; can not be
disregarded or forgotten.
A certain word, phrase, or set
of words; to set forth ideas or
goals in words.
What background knowledge did you use to help you better understand this text? ____________________________
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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: __________________________________________________
_____________________________________________________________________________________________
Did the author of this article make an impact on you? Why or why not? ___________________________________
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What is the author’s purpose? _____________________________________________________________________
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 kinglike 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
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
What background knowledge did you use to help you better understand this text? ____________________________
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What text structure is this passage? _______________________ How do you know? ________________________
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Is this a reliable source and how do you know? _______________________________________________________
_____________________________________________________________________________________________
Summarize in one sentence what this text was about: __________________________________________________
_____________________________________________________________________________________________
Did the author of this article make an impact on you? Why or why not? ___________________________________
_____________________________________________________________________________________________
What is the author’s purpose? _____________________________________________________________________
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
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
To be overcome with
complete surprise or to be
astounded
To beg urgently for
Carefree, cheerful, or full of
joy
Hanging loosely or in
disorder; messy
Celebrated or famous
Not partial, fair
What background knowledge did you use to help you better understand this text? ____________________________
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What text structure is this passage? _______________________ How do you know? ________________________
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Is this a reliable source and how do you know? _______________________________________________________
_____________________________________________________________________________________________
Summarize in one sentence what this text was about: __________________________________________________
_____________________________________________________________________________________________
Did the author of this article make an impact on you? Why or why not? ___________________________________
_____________________________________________________________________________________________
What is the author’s purpose? _____________________________________________________________________
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
Definition
Very cold in temperature
Context Clues
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
Coming or done to soon
Basic or fundamental; being
thorough
Being full of or showing
politeness or kindness
Being sorry or remorseful for
actions or words
Acting in a secretive or quiet
manner
What background knowledge did you use to help you better understand this text? __________________
_____________________________________________________________________________________
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:_________________________________________
_____________________________________________________________________________________
Did the author of this article make an impact on you? Why or why not? _________________________
_____________________________________________________________________________________
What is the author’s purpose?
_____________________________________________________________________
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-and-go 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/cuff_luck_wayne_xst8YpRcejUkZsi9cZjfeI#ixzz1S6soQ
DsN
Using your context clues, determine the meaning of this week’s RPS words, and write their definitions
below:
Word
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
Meaningless or useless talk or
writing
To make complete; to re-fuel;
to supply
To make smaller or lessen; to
reduce
Using or giving in great
amounts; deals usually with
money
What background knowledge did you use to help you better understand this text? __________________
_____________________________________________________________________________________
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: _________________________________________
_____________________________________________________________________________________
Did the author of this article make an impact on you? Why or why not? __________________________
_____________________________________________________________________________________
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
Definition
To stay attached or cling
Context Clues
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
A difficult situation or problem
To surpass others or be
superior to others in a certain
way
To use selfishly for one’s own
personal gains by exposing
secrets or truths
What background knowledge did you use to help you better understand this text? __________________
_____________________________________________________________________________________
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: ______________________________________
_____________________________________________________________________________________
Did the author of this article make an impact on you? Why or why not? ________________________
_____________________________________________________________________________________
What is the author’s purpose?
_____________________________________________________________________
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
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
Context Clues
To not allow or restrict an
action
The outline or general shape of
something
Feeling grave, somber, alone,
or upset
Bitter conflict, a clash or
rivalry
What background knowledge did you use to help you better understand this text? ___________________
_____________________________________________________________________________________
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: ________________________________________
_____________________________________________________________________________________
Did the author of this article make an impact on you? Why or why not? ____________________
_____________________________________________________________________________________
What is the author’s purpose?
_____________________________________________________________________
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
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
Context Clues
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
What background knowledge did you use to help you better understand this text? __________________
_____________________________________________________________________________________
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: ________________________________________
_____________________________________________________________________________________
Did the author of this article make an impact on you? Why or why not? _________________________
_____________________________________________________________________________________
What is the author’s purpose?
_____________________________________________________________________
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/History_of_Nintendo
Using your context clues, determine the meaning of this week’s RPS words, and write their definitions
below:
Word
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
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
What background knowledge did you use to help you better understand this text? ___________________
_____________________________________________________________________________________
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: _______________________________________
_____________________________________________________________________________________
Did the author of this article make an impact on you? Why or why not? _________________________
_____________________________________________________________________________________
What is the author’s purpose?
_____________________________________________________________________
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
Definition
The beginning or introduction;
leads up to the main idea or
part
To be plain or bland; very
undistinguished
Weak; not effective, inadequate
Context Clues
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
What background knowledge did you use to help you better understand this text? __________________
_____________________________________________________________________________________
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: ______________________________________
_____________________________________________________________________________________
Did the author of this article make an impact on you? Why or why not? __________________________
_____________________________________________________________________________________
What is the author’s purpose?
_____________________________________________________________________
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
Definition
To change or look over
Context Clues
To think of with a particular
feeling; to look upon
The act of remembering or
recalling actions or events
To persuade one to enlist in a
service, usually the military
Important or crucial to life
Debatable or questionable
amongst others
Any serious experience, test, or
trial that has been lived
through
Expanding or giving detail to a
story or account
Violent or noisy motion;
agitation; disturbances
Superior dedication or desire
to do or finish something
What background knowledge did you use to help you better understand this text? ________________
_____________________________________________________________________________________
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: _________________________________________
_____________________________________________________________________________________
Did the author of this article make an impact on you? Why or why not? __________________________
_____________________________________________________________________________________
What is the author’s purpose?
_____________________________________________________________________
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’ scores 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
Definition
Being separated or removed
from the other people or things
Demonstrated or exemplified;
displayed
Context Clues
To be delayed or reluctant; to
wait with caution
To tense up or get stiff
To be stuck or caught in
something
Completely puzzled and or
confused
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
What background knowledge did you use to help you better understand this text? ___________________
_____________________________________________________________________________________
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: ______________________________________
_____________________________________________________________________________________
Did the author of this article make an impact on you? Why or why not? __________________________
_____________________________________________________________________________________
What is the author’s purpose?
_____________________________________________________________________
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-KNEWABOUT-YOUR-BODY
Using your context clues, determine the meaning of this week’s RPS words, and write their definitions
below:
Word
Definition
To seek advice or information
from
Very complicated or consisting
of many difficult parts
Not false or copied; genuine or
original
Context Clues
Full of enthusiasm or energy
Pertains to the scenery within
nature
Desperate or wild with
excitement
Great in size or amount
Of high price or great value
Delightful, wonderful, joyful,
beautiful, etc.
Written account of events told
by someone who has a first
hand account of those events
What background knowledge did you use to help you better understand this text? __________________
_____________________________________________________________________________________
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: ________________________________________
_____________________________________________________________________________________
Did the author of this article make an impact on you? Why or why not? _________________________
_____________________________________________________________________________________
What is the author’s purpose?
_____________________________________________________________________
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
Definition
The highest point or part
Context Clues
Persons of the highest rank or
class
To linger over or ponder in
deep thought
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
A history or order of events
To try hard or exert oneself
vigorously
Something that comes about by
reason of birth or inheritance
What background knowledge did you use to help you better understand this text? ___________________
_____________________________________________________________________________________
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: ___________________________________
_____________________________________________________________________________________
Did the author of this article make an impact on you? Why or why not? __________________________
_____________________________________________________________________________________
What is the author’s purpose?
_____________________________________________________________________
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
Definition
No longer in use; fallen into
disuse
Context Clues
To go from higher to lower in
anything
Being of poor quality and or
attitude
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
To weep or cry with sniffling
What background knowledge did you use to help you better understand this text? __________________
_____________________________________________________________________________________
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: ______________________________________
_____________________________________________________________________________________
Did the author of this article make an impact on you? Why or why not?
___________________________________
_____________________________________________________________________________________
________
What is the author’s purpose?
_____________________________________________________________________
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/article_11816fb4-96b7-11e0-9cb3-001cc4c002e0.html
Using your context clues, determine the meaning of this week’s RPS words, and write their definitions
below:
Word
Definition
Dramatically daring or
thrilling
Context Clues
An effort to secure or obtain
Quick speed; swift, urgent; to
be done fast
To give into desire or to allow
oneself to give in
To place into a certain desired
or required order
To give or provide the meaning
of
Subject to clarify or explain
something according to
memory or events
Lying near, close to, or next
Able to be changed, altered, or
flexed
Bright and intense, almost
clear, lively
What background knowledge did you use to help you better understand this text? ___________________
_____________________________________________________________________________________
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: _____________________________________
_____________________________________________________________________________________
Did the author of this article make an impact on you? Why or why not? _________________________
_____________________________________________________________________________________
What is the author’s purpose?
_____________________________________________________________________