Digital Learning Day 1: Author's Point of View in Informational

Excerpt from Thermometer Pills

Tracy Wilson

1 Over the past ten years more than two dozen athletes have died from the medical condition known as heatstroke. Heatstroke occurs when the body’s internal temperature becomes so elevated that its cooling system begins shutting down. Who is most at risk? Surprisingly, it is younger athletes. They often either do not recognize or ignore the warning signs until it’s too late. To make matters worse, children’s bodies are much less efficient than adults at cooling themselves. A promising new product hopes to end the all too common heatstroke trend. It is called a thermometer pill.

2 While it doesn’t look much different from the average vitamin capsule, the work it does inside the body is truly amazing. Once ingested these capsules send an internal body temperature reading to a portable device that is not much bigger than an iPhone. A coach or professional trainer monitors the device during practices or events held when temperatures and heat indexes are particularly high. If an athlete’s body temperature reaches a dangerous level, the monitor immediately transmits an alert. The player is then rushed indoors and placed in an ice bath to rapidly decrease his or her body temperature. This is important, since internal organs can begin shutting down at 105 degrees Fahrenheit.

3 While these tiny lifesavers have proven to be effective, they are quite expensive. On average the cost is $50.00 per pill. However, many parents of young athletes say that it is a small price to pay for the piece of mind it gives them on a hot, sultry day.

Which of these BEST describes the author's view about thermometer pills?

• The author thinks thermometer pills are effective but too expensive.

• The author thinks thermometer pills are need more testing to be considered safe.

• The author thinks thermometer pills are a potentially promising answer to heatstroke.

• The author thinks thermometer pills are the only way to protect young athletes from heatstroke.

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Excerpt from An American in Armenia

Keith Roslin

Dear Journal: I think that Armenia is like no other place on the planet. It is located between Europe, Asia, and the Middle East. Armenia is like the connection point between these very different cultural worlds, and it absorbs a little from each of them. The result is a land with many kinds of ideas and lifestyles.

Although I was born and raised in the United States, I am now in Armenia visiting my Aunt Peprone and Uncle Agatan. I know that the words “America” and “Armenia” look a lot alike, but the countries themselves are different in many ways. Every day I’m surprised by the little unexpected lessons I learn about life in Armenia.

Why did the author write this passage?

• to address his friends in America

• to record his personal experiences

• to critique the Armenian government

• to provide hints for international travel

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