Gossip

#1 table “Talking is how you spread your thoughts, ideas, and experiences to people around you.” (paragraph 3)

• A. Talk is different than gossip.

• B. Talking to an adult can be good.

• C. Rumors start with gossip.

#1 table “They start small and often blow up into something different from the truth.” (paragraph 7)

• D. Talk is different than gossip.

• E. Talking to an adult can be good.

• F. Rumors start with gossip.

#1 table “Of course, sometimes it's OK to talk about another person, especially if it involves dangerous behavior.” (paragraph 12)

• G. Talk is different than gossip.

• H. Talking to an adult can be good.

• I. Rumors start with gossip.

#2 Part A

What is the main idea of the section “Talk Versus Gossip”? (RI.1.2)

• Talking can involve sharing another person’s personal information.

• Gossiping leads to rumors while talking leads to strong friendships.

• Wondering about something can lead to new rumors being spread.

• Sharing information that may not be true leads to spreading rumors.

#2

Part B

Select two sentences that support your answer in Part A. (RI.1.2)

• A.“There's nothing wrong with telling your friends, ‘I like hanging out with Jake. He tells the funniest stories!’” (paragraph 3)

• B “Those words don't hurt anyone.” (paragraph 3)

• C “But when you say mean things, tell stories that you're not sure are true, or reveal information you know is supposed to remain private, you're spreading gossip.” (paragraph 4)

• D “There's nothing wrong with wondering that, but what if you started telling other people you think Jake's in big trouble?” (p paragraph 4)

• E. “Jake doesn't come back to class for a long time, but when he does, everyone wants to know what happened in the principal's office.” (paragraph 5)

#3 According to the text, why is it important to ask yourself if you would want other people to know certain information about you? (RI.1.3)

• to see whether or not the information is a fact

• to determine who to share the information with first

• to determine whether or not you want to embarrass yourself

• to determine if you should share the information or keep it private

#4 Fill in the circle before the sentence that explains what can happen as a result of not hearing all sides of a story. (RI.1.1)

• D.Well, the problem was that some people turned on the story in the middle, and it sounded like it was a regular news broadcast.

• Ⓔ Some people thought it was actually happening.

• Ⓕ They didn't hear the introduction, when the announcer explained that this was just a pretend story.

• Ⓖ They only heard one piece of the story and got all confused!

#5 Select a detail that explains how you can avoid being a part of the gossip mill at school. (RI.1.1)

• “Of course, sometimes it's OK to talk about another person, especially if it involves dangerous behavior.” (paragraph 12)

• “If you happen to hear a rumor, don't repeat it — and don't listen to it, either.” (paragraph 13)

• “Talking to a close friend, sister, brother, parent, or guidance counselor can help you feel better.” (paragraph 14)

• “But if someone gossips with you, he or she also might gossip about you.” (paragraph 15)

#6 Part A

What word has a similar meaning to the word blab as used in paragraph 8? (RI.2.4; L.3.5c)

• avoid

• admit

• reveal

• embarrass

#6 Part B

What words mean the opposite of the word blab as used in paragraph 8? (RI.2.4; L.3.5c)

• to hint

• to repeat

• keep private

• openly share