Question

prepare to read: science writing
engage
directions: read through and practice the strategies below. you are encouraged to apply these strategies as you read the anchor text.
the anchor text is a science article about malaria. preview the text on the next few pages. think about your feelings towards science writing: do you find it intimidating? why or why not?
tips for reading: science writing
connect to prior knowledge whenever possible
use what you already know about the world and scientific phenomena to help you better understand what you are learning. new information is less random when you can place it among stuff you already know.
malaria: a microscopic change that altered the course of human history. can you think of another small change that has had far - reaching effects?
if there is not enough information about a new concept or scientific vocabulary, it is okay to look it up. curiosity (the need to know more) can guide you to seek out more information on challenging topics.
follow your curiosity
do additional research!
do some brief research: name 6 other deadly illnesses caused by parasites.
organize new info visually by text structure
lay out the facts visually using a graphic organizer that matches the text structure. this will help you see the connections between ideas as the author/researcher understands them.
preview the anchor text and think about the title. make a prediction: what text structure(s) will the author use?
module 2 hs - lal english 2a (2025)
lifelong english 2a

Explanation:

1. For the small change with far-reaching effects: The introduction of a single invasive species (like the cane toad in Australia) disrupted entire ecosystems, altering food webs and native species populations.
2. For parasitic deadly illnesses: These are well-documented diseases caused by parasitic organisms that can be fatal to humans.
3. For text structure prediction: Science articles about diseases commonly use these structures to explain causes, impacts, and context.

Answer:

1. Small change with far-reaching effects: The accidental introduction of cane toads to Australia, which displaced native predators, upset the food chain, and altered the local ecosystem on a large scale.
2. 6 deadly parasitic illnesses:

• Toxoplasmosis (caused by Toxoplasma gondii)
• Schistosomiasis (caused by blood flukes)
• African Trypanosomiasis (Sleeping Sickness, caused by Trypanosoma parasites)
• Chagas Disease (caused by Trypanosoma cruzi)
• Leishmaniasis (caused by Leishmania parasites)
• Echinococcosis (caused by tapeworms of the genus Echinococcus)

1. Predicted text structures: The author will likely use a cause-and-effect structure (to explain how malaria spreads and its impacts on human history) and a chronological structure (to trace the history of malaria's influence on human societies), paired with a problem-solution structure (to address efforts to combat the disease).