7th Grade Point of View/Purpose Enrichment

"The BP Oil Spill"

1 In April of 2010, a British Petroleum oil rig exploded. The blast caused a horrific oil spill in the Gulf of Mexico. Known to many as the "Disaster in the Gulf," this tragic event killed not only workers, but innocent wildlife as well. It also assaulted the environment. BP knew an event like this was possible, but the reckless company refused to take the threat seriously.

2 Months before the explosion, BP's David Rainey had assured members of the U.S. Senate that deep-water oil drilling was safe. Rainey had also remarked that drilling had, "been going on for the last 50 years...in a way that is both safe and protective of the environment."

3 The spill leaked millions of barrels of oil into the ocean. It then took five months for the company to seal the underwater well properly. Doug Suttles, a BP executive, claimed that the company worked, "around the clock to stop the flow of oil, protect the shore, clean up the damage, and restore the Gulf Coast. We also want to ensure that a tragedy like this never happens again."

4 Those five months took a terrible toll on beaches, animals, and the fishing industry. Although the words of Suttles sounded noble, BP did not act quickly or thoughtfully to control the disaster. Experts also feel that an ounce of prevention could have avoided the disastrous spill altogether. Furthermore, there is evidence suggesting that the oil industry was aware of drilling dangers but carelessly dismissed them.

5 Many reports had also warned of the difficulty of capping a deep water spill. BP ignored these warnings and continued to drill as planned. Robert Bea, an expert in offshore engineering, called BP's practices, "a recipe for disaster," but BP willfully refused to listen. At least we know they're listening now.

What is the author's point of view in the text?

• The explosion leaked millions of barrels of oil into the Gulf Coast, but BP responded quickly and responsibly.

• The oil spill disaster was a result of BP's thoughtless actions and its refusal to listen to experts.

• The rig explosion is a tragedy, but events like this are a problem that the oil industry can learn how to control.

• BP has been drilling safely in the Gulf of Mexico for over fifty years, and no one accident should not be held against the company.

"The BP Oil Spill"

1 In April of 2010, a British Petroleum oil rig exploded. The blast caused a horrific oil spill in the Gulf of Mexico. Known to many as the "Disaster in the Gulf," this tragic event killed not only workers, but innocent wildlife as well. It also assaulted the environment. BP knew an event like this was possible, but the reckless company refused to take the threat seriously.

2 Months before the explosion, BP's David Rainey had assured members of the U.S. Senate that deep-water oil drilling was safe. Rainey had also remarked that drilling had, "been going on for the last 50 years...in a way that is both safe and protective of the environment."

3 The spill leaked millions of barrels of oil into the ocean. It then took five months for the company to seal the underwater well properly. Doug Suttles, a BP executive, claimed that the company worked, "around the clock to stop the flow of oil, protect the shore, clean up the damage, and restore the Gulf Coast. We also want to ensure that a tragedy like this never happens again."

4 Those five months took a terrible toll on beaches, animals, and the fishing industry. Although the words of Suttles sounded noble, BP did not act quickly or thoughtfully to control the disaster. Experts also feel that an ounce of prevention could have avoided the disastrous spill altogether. Furthermore, there is evidence suggesting that the oil industry was aware of drilling dangers but carelessly dismissed them.

5 Many reports had also warned of the difficulty of capping a deep water spill. BP ignored these warnings and continued to drill as planned. Robert Bea, an expert in offshore engineering, called BP's practices, "a recipe for disaster," but BP willfully refused to listen. At least we know they're listening now.

How does the author’s word choice of the BP executives help develop the point of view/purpose?

• to show the contrast between the evidence and the company's official position

• to emphasize that the oil company executives are truthful but inimaginative

• to explain why BP's actions were understandable

• to defend the company's actions both before and after the deep water oil spill

"The BP Oil Spill"

1 In April of 2010, a British Petroleum oil rig exploded. The blast caused a horrific oil spill in the Gulf of Mexico. Known to many as the "Disaster in the Gulf," this tragic event killed not only workers, but innocent wildlife as well. It also assaulted the environment. BP knew an event like this was possible, but the reckless company refused to take the threat seriously.

2 Months before the explosion, BP's David Rainey had assured members of the U.S. Senate that deep-water oil drilling was safe. Rainey had also remarked that drilling had, "been going on for the last 50 years...in a way that is both safe and protective of the environment."

3 The spill leaked millions of barrels of oil into the ocean. It then took five months for the company to seal the underwater well properly. Doug Suttles, a BP executive, claimed that the company worked, "around the clock to stop the flow of oil, protect the shore, clean up the damage, and restore the Gulf Coast. We also want to ensure that a tragedy like this never happens again."

4 Those five months took a terrible toll on beaches, animals, and the fishing industry. Although the words of Suttles sounded noble, BP did not act quickly or thoughtfully to control the disaster. Experts also feel that an ounce of prevention could have avoided the disastrous spill altogether. Furthermore, there is evidence suggesting that the oil industry was aware of drilling dangers but carelessly dismissed them.

5 Many reports had also warned of the difficulty of capping a deep water spill. BP ignored these warnings and continued to drill as planned. Robert Bea, an expert in offshore engineering, called BP's practices, "a recipe for disaster," but BP willfully refused to listen. At least we know they're listening now.

What is the author's purpose in writing this text?

• to inform readers that BP was a truthful organization that made a large mistake.

• to persuade readers that BP neglected to establish and follow safe procedures for deep-sea drilling.

• to inform readers that BP's procedures were safe, but lead to a disastrous scenario.

• to persuade readers to stop using BP products due to their irresponsible behavior and failure to listen to experts.

from "Civil Disobedience" by Henry David Thoreau

Is a democracy the last improvement possible in government? Is it not possible to take a step further towards recognizing and organizing the rights of man? There will never be a really free and enlightened State until the State comes to recognize the individual as a higher and independent power, from which all its own power and authority are derived, and treats him accordingly.

What is the author's point of view in the text?

• The government is more important than the individual, and the government must change that.

• The government is acting in the best interests of the individuals, the people who make up the government.

• The individual is more important than the government, and the government must change that.

• The government is not acting in the best interest of the people, and the government must not change that.

"The First Female President"

History remembers Edith Wilson as far more than just a first lady. In fact, she's been hailed as the "first female president of the United States." Though most of her contributions to the presidency took place "behind the scenes," they are a testament to this remarkable woman's strength and intelligence. They demonstrate that her unofficial title is well deserved.

As wife to President Woodrow Wilson, Edith bravely assumed nearly all of the president's routine daily activities when her husband suffered a debilitating stroke in October 1919. Rather than allow him to step down, she continued his presidency by acting in his place. She became the sole point of communication between Woodrow and his Cabinet. In fact, the American people believed their president only suffered from temporary exhaustion . Edith decided which issues to bring to her ailing husband's attention and which ones she could deal with herself. Edith Wilson met these extraordinary challenges head-on and proved herself an admirable leader.

What is the author's primary point of view in the text?

• Edith Wilson was the first elected, female President of The United States in 1919.

• Edith Wilson bravely assumed nearly all of her husband's daily routine activities.

• Edith Wilson conducted herself as the actual President of The United States in 1919 after her husband had a stroke.

• Edith Wilson was a remarkable woman and leader for helping and leading in a difficult time.

"The First Female President"

History remembers Edith Wilson as far more than just a first lady. In fact, she's been hailed as the "first female president of the United States." Though most of her contributions to the presidency took place "behind the scenes," they are a testament to this remarkable woman's strength and intelligence. They demonstrate that her unofficial title is well deserved.

As wife to President Woodrow Wilson, Edith bravely assumed nearly all of the president's routine daily activities when her husband suffered a debilitating stroke in October 1919. Rather than allow him to step down, she continued his presidency by acting in his place. She became the sole point of communication between Woodrow and his Cabinet. In fact, the American people believed their president only suffered from temporary exhaustion . Edith decided which issues to bring to her ailing husband's attention and which ones she could deal with herself. Edith Wilson met these extraordinary challenges head-on and proved herself an admirable leader.

Select a sentence that supports the author's purpose.

• History remembers Edith Wilson as far more than just a first "lady."

• "Though most of her contributions took place "behind the scenes," they are a testament to this remarkable woman's strength and intelligence.

• "In fact, the American people believed their president only suffered from temporary exhaustion."

• "Edith decided which issues to bring to her ailing husband's attention and which ones she could deal with herself."

Another Study Highlights the Insanity of Selling Junk Food in School Vending Machines

by Karen Kaplan/Los Angeles Times

1 For many students, “back to school” means back to a vending machine diet. As you might guess, this isn’t necessarily a good thing for student health.

2 Vending machines are found in 16% of U.S. elementary schools, 52% of middle schools and 88% of high schools. About 22% of students in grades 1 through 12 buy food in vending machines each day — and those purchases added an average of 253 calories to their diets, according to a new study in the September issue of the Journal of School Health.

3 Just to be clear, those were not 253 calories’ worth of tofu, yogurt or carrot sticks. The most popular vending machine items included soft drinks, candy, chips, crackers, cookies, cakes and ice cream. On the plus side, kids also bought low-fat milk, fruit juice and even fruit, the study found.

4 But the net effect on kids’ diets was not good. Those who bought from vending machines ate an average of 156 grams of sugar per day, compared with 146 grams for those who abstained. They also consumed less dietary fiber, iron and B vitamins like thiamine, riboflavin, niacin and folate.

5 One silver lining: Vending machine customers ate 4% less sodium than other students — an average of 3,287 milligrams per day compared with 3,436 mg for those who didn’t buy from vending machines. That’s probably because the extra snacks made kids too full to eat as much at mealtime, when dishes are especially salty. In any event, kids should eat no more than 1,200 to 1,500 mg of sodium each day, according to the Mayo Clinic. (Even for adults, the government recommends a daily limit of 2,300 mg.)

6 Overall, vending machines in school appear to be taking a toll on public health. The researchers — from the University of Michigan, Michigan State University and Food & Nutrition Database Research Inc. of Okemos, Mich. — calculated that all that snacking adds up to about 14 extra pounds per child per school year.

7 “For some students this might be a serious contributor to weight issues,” they wrote. Other public health problems include Type 2 diabetes and cavities.

8 The study was based on data collected from 2,309 children nationwide for the third School Nutrition Dietary Assessment Study, which was conducted by the U.S. Department of Agriculture’s Food and Nutrition Service.

This question has two parts. First, answer part A. Then, answer Part B.

Part A: What is the author’s purpose for writing this text?

• To inform the reader of all of the positive benefits of having vending machines in schools.

• To inform the reader of all of the negative consequences of having vending machines in schools.

• To convince the reader of having vending machines in schools is a good idea because it reduces the amount of sodium intake by 4%.

• To convince the reader that having vending machines in schools is not a good idea because it is detrimental to students’ health.

Another Study Highlights the Insanity of Selling Junk Food in School Vending Machines

by Karen Kaplan/Los Angeles Times

1 For many students, “back to school” means back to a vending machine diet. As you might guess, this isn’t necessarily a good thing for student health.

2 Vending machines are found in 16% of U.S. elementary schools, 52% of middle schools and 88% of high schools. About 22% of students in grades 1 through 12 buy food in vending machines each day — and those purchases added an average of 253 calories to their diets, according to a new study in the September issue of the Journal of School Health.

3 Just to be clear, those were not 253 calories’ worth of tofu, yogurt or carrot sticks. The most popular vending machine items included soft drinks, candy, chips, crackers, cookies, cakes and ice cream. On the plus side, kids also bought low-fat milk, fruit juice and even fruit, the study found.

4 But the net effect on kids’ diets was not good. Those who bought from vending machines ate an average of 156 grams of sugar per day, compared with 146 grams for those who abstained. They also consumed less dietary fiber, iron and B vitamins like thiamine, riboflavin, niacin and folate.

5 One silver lining: Vending machine customers ate 4% less sodium than other students — an average of 3,287 milligrams per day compared with 3,436 mg for those who didn’t buy from vending machines. That’s probably because the extra snacks made kids too full to eat as much at mealtime, when dishes are especially salty. In any event, kids should eat no more than 1,200 to 1,500 mg of sodium each day, according to the Mayo Clinic. (Even for adults, the government recommends a daily limit of 2,300 mg.)

6 Overall, vending machines in school appear to be taking a toll on public health. The researchers — from the University of Michigan, Michigan State University and Food & Nutrition Database Research Inc. of Okemos, Mich. — calculated that all that snacking adds up to about 14 extra pounds per child per school year.

7 “For some students this might be a serious contributor to weight issues,” they wrote. Other public health problems include Type 2 diabetes and cavities.

8 The study was based on data collected from 2,309 children nationwide for the third School Nutrition Dietary Assessment Study, which was conducted by the U.S. Department of Agriculture’s Food and Nutrition Service.

Part B: Select a sentence that supports this purpose.

• “On the plus side, kids also bought low-fat milk, fruit juice, and even fruit, the study found.” (Paragraph 3).

• “The researchers...calculated that all that snacking adds up to about 14 extra pounds per child per school year.” (Paragraph 6).

• “The study was based on data collected from 2,309 children nationwide for the third School Nutrition Dietary Assessment Study…” (Paragraph 8).

• “Vending machines are found in 16% of US elementary schools, 52% of middle schools, and 88% of high schools.” (Paragraph 2)

Another Study Highlights the Insanity of Selling Junk Food in School Vending Machines

by Karen Kaplan/Los Angeles Times

1 For many students, “back to school” means back to a vending machine diet. As you might guess, this isn’t necessarily a good thing for student health.

2 Vending machines are found in 16% of U.S. elementary schools, 52% of middle schools and 88% of high schools. About 22% of students in grades 1 through 12 buy food in vending machines each day — and those purchases added an average of 253 calories to their diets, according to a new study in the September issue of the Journal of School Health.

3 Just to be clear, those were not 253 calories’ worth of tofu, yogurt or carrot sticks. The most popular vending machine items included soft drinks, candy, chips, crackers, cookies, cakes and ice cream. On the plus side, kids also bought low-fat milk, fruit juice and even fruit, the study found.

4 But the net effect on kids’ diets was not good. Those who bought from vending machines ate an average of 156 grams of sugar per day, compared with 146 grams for those who abstained. They also consumed less dietary fiber, iron and B vitamins like thiamine, riboflavin, niacin and folate.

5 One silver lining: Vending machine customers ate 4% less sodium than other students — an average of 3,287 milligrams per day compared with 3,436 mg for those who didn’t buy from vending machines. That’s probably because the extra snacks made kids too full to eat as much at mealtime, when dishes are especially salty. In any event, kids should eat no more than 1,200 to 1,500 mg of sodium each day, according to the Mayo Clinic. (Even for adults, the government recommends a daily limit of 2,300 mg.)

6 Overall, vending machines in school appear to be taking a toll on public health. The researchers — from the University of Michigan, Michigan State University and Food & Nutrition Database Research Inc. of Okemos, Mich. — calculated that all that snacking adds up to about 14 extra pounds per child per school year.

7 “For some students this might be a serious contributor to weight issues,” they wrote. Other public health problems include Type 2 diabetes and cavities.

8 The study was based on data collected from 2,309 children nationwide for the third School Nutrition Dietary Assessment Study, which was conducted by the U.S. Department of Agriculture’s Food and Nutrition Service.

How does the author distinguish his or her position from that of others in the text?

• By sharing the findings of a study done by the Journal of School Health.

• By stating a positive effect of vending machines such as a reduction of sodium intake.

• By stating the negative effects the vending machines in schools are having on kids’ health, diets, and nutrition.

• By explaining why students are eating so much food from the vending machines at schools in high schools more than middle schools.

"White House Deception"

History may remember Edith Wilson as the United States' first female president, but what it fails to mention is the elaborate deception she orchestrated. When her husband, President Wilson, suffered a serious stroke, Edith swooped in to "help." She purposefully misled Congress about the seriousness of this condition. Then she used the opportunity to exercise head-of-state powers, such as signing official orders and writing decrees in her own hand. History must not look favorably upon this hijacking of the government. to speak with the president's voice is, at best, dishonest.

What is the author's point of view in the text?

• Edith Wilson did the right thing in exercising her husband's presidential powers.

• Edith Wilson is rightly remembered as the first female president of the United States.

• Edith Wilson deserves to be praised for serving her country, despite what she did.

• Edith Wilson should not be honored by history for her deception.