Question

close reading
consider the title and the words the author uses in the editorials first - paragraph. circle words and phrases that help you understand the authors point of view.
hint
how would you describe the authors feelings about ice climbing? is he simply providing information, or does he have another purpose?
read the editorial about ice climbing. use the close reading and the hint to help you answer the question.
worth the risk? by chris lau
ice climbing is a dangerous sport in which people attempt to climb frozen waterfalls and icy mountainsides. training and proper equipment, along with protective clothing, are needed but they are not enough to guarantee safety. even experienced climbers continue to be injured and killed while participating in this high - risk sport.
do the thrills outweigh the risks? when an ice climber is buried under an avalanche, emergency responders are dispatched at great expense to the community. if by luck the climber survives, it may take months or even years for him or her to recover. are such costs worth a few hours of excitement?
circle the correct answer.
what is chris laus point of view about ice climbing?
a he admires the bravery of people who participate in the sport
b he strongly encourages people to get the proper equipment and training before trying ice climbing.
c he questions the wisdom of people who think the thrill of ice climbing is worth the dangers.
d he downplays the high costs and serious risks of the sport.
show your thinking
look at the answer you chose above. explain which words and phrases in the editorial helped you identify the authors point of view.

Explanation:

The editorial starts by stating ice - climbing is dangerous, and experienced climbers still get injured or killed. It then questions if the thrills outweigh the risks, and if the costs (emergency responders' expense and long - term recovery) are worth a few hours of excitement. These elements show the author is skeptical about the wisdom of those who think ice - climbing's thrill is worth the danger.

Answer:

C. He questions the wisdom of people who think the thrill of ice climbing is worth the dangers.