Should We Switch to the Metric System

How does the author’s use of the word derailment in describing the roller coaster mishap affect the reader’s understanding of the text?

• Derailment shows the reader that the roller coaster coming off the tracks was an accident that could have been avoided if there was a common measurement system.

• • Derailment shows the reader that it was a horrific occurrence that only happened because of the use of two measurement systems.

• • Derailment shows the reader that the roller coaster being closed impacted the business of the theme park.

• • Derailment shows the reader that the roller coaster being closed impacted the business of the theme park.

• How does the author’s word choice in describing the roller coaster mishap affect the reader’s understanding of the text?

• The word choice allows the reader to understand that we must all use the metric system or major mistakes will continue to happen.

• • The word choice allows the reader to understand the mishap was an accident that could have been avoidable if we all used the same system. 

• • The word choice allows the reader to understand the mishap wasn’t that big of a deal, but we should still use the same system of measurement.

• • The word choice allows the reader that the author is angry that the United States does not use the same system of measurement as the rest of the world.  

• Which sentence contributes most to the idea of the difficulties Canada faced when converting to the metric system?

• “We only have to look to Canada to get a sense of what switch would take.”

• “It took 15 years and more than $1 billion to update everything.”

• • “Switching can be dangerous too.”

• “The calculations for how much fuel was needed was accidentally made using pounds instead of kilograms.” 

• Which text feature in the article most effectively helps the reader understand how many speed limit signs will need to be changed?

• The title

• The picture

• The headings

• The illustration

Based on the excerpt, what is the author’s attitude about the two systems of measurements:  “Humans need a standard system of weights and measures so we can understand each other when we talk about how much things weigh or how far one place is from another.”

• Based on the excerpt, what is the author’s attitude about the two systems of measurements:  “Humans need a standard system of weights and measures so we can understand each other when we talk about how much things weigh or how far one place is from another.”

• The author believes that we should switch to the metric system because it will lead to less confusion and make things easier for everyone in the long run. 

• The author believes that we need to switch to the metric system because the science and health care system already use it.

How does the author introduce and develop the idea of the necessity of switching to the metric system?

• • The author provides examples and explains how two different systems can cause confusion.

• The author compares it to the customary system.

• The author uses strong word choice.

• The author takes the time to provide examples for the reader to read.