Learning objectives

8.4.6.1(8.R6) Recognise the attitude or opinion of the writer on a growing range of unfamiliar general and curricular topics, including some extended text

8.5.2.1(8.W2) Write with minimal support  about real and imaginary past events, activities and  experiences on a growing  range of familiar general topics and some curricular  topics

8.5.5.1(8.W5) Develop with support coherent arguments supported when necessary by examples and reasons for a growing range of written genres in familiar general and curricular topics

Assessment criteria

·         Interpret the information to identify the author’s attitude and opinion

·         Write sentences about real and imaginary past events connecting sentences into paragraphs with minimal support

·         Evolve arguments, reasons, and evidence for a limited range of written genres

Level of thinking skills

Higher order thinking skills

Duration

20 minutes

Reading

Task 1. Read the text.

Smartphones: Texting, playing games and ... helping patients

1. Doctors say smartphones can help patients find out if they are sick and treat illnesses. New apps use smartphone features to help people who may be sick. Some apps use the phone's camera. Others use the microphone.

2. Shwetek Patel is a computer scientist. Patel says smartphones are becoming medical tools. They already do some of the things doctors' tools can do. Smartphones count how many steps you take. They can track what you eat. They can even count your heartbeats. Now smartphones can find illnesses, too. 

3. For example, one smartphone app checks for asthma. People with asthma have trouble breathing. The app can tell if someone is not breathing well. It uses the phone's microphone. The person breathes into the microphone. Then the app gives a result.

4. Another app can say if someone has a blood problem. It can tell if there is enough hemoglobin in the blood. The app uses the phone's camera. First, a person puts one finger over the flash. They take a picture. The app reads the picture. It says how much hemoglobin is in the person's blood! 

5. These apps are good for patients, Patel says. They help people care for themselves. They can learn about their health from home. 

6. This is useful in poorer countries. In many places, health care is limited. It is not easy to get to a doctor. Some people cannot afford a doctor's visit. Others cannot travel far to see a doctor. Smartphones can help. They make it easier to stay healthy without going to the doctor. This saves time. It can also save money.

1.    Select the sentence that BEST explains how smartphones can help people with diabetes stay healthy (What the text says).

A)Smartphones can help them keep track of everything they eat.

B)  Smartphones can help keep track of the hemoglobin in the body.

C)  Smartphones can track your steps each day.

D)Smartphones help people stay informed about their disease.

2.    Select the paragraph that suggests people can save money with healthcare apps (What the Text Says).

A)    Paragraph 1

B)    Paragraph 2

C)    Paragraph 3

D)    Paragraph 4

E)     Paragraph 5

F)     Paragraph 6

3.    What is the author’s purpose in this article?

A)to entertain

B)  to persuade

C)  to inform

D)to share feelings

Writing

Task 2. Write an article for your school newspaper. Choose ONE topic below to write it.

Topic 1. Giving advice and suggestions on the benefits of sports.

Topic 2. Giving advice and suggestions on the benefits of healthy eating.

You should

·         present a clear position with relevant and supported ideas (include example or reason);

·         use a headline that accurately describes the content;

·         link ideas logically and clearly, using basic conjunctions and linking words;

·         pay attention to spelling;

·         use appropriate topical vocabulary.