Key Informational Words (Organic Food Studies)

Reread the excerpt below from paragraph

"Yes, organics is a $29 billion industry and still growing. Something is pulling us toward those organic veggies that are grown without synthetic pesticides or fertilizers. But if you're thinking that organic produce will help you stay healthier, a new finding may come as a surprise. A new study published in the Annals of Internal Medicine finds scant evidence of health benefits from organic foods."

What is the meaning of the word synthetic in the text? Be sure to include the context clues that support your definition.

Tags

CCSS.L.11-12.4

CCSS.L.11-12.4A

CCSS.RI.11-12.4

Reread the excerpt below from paragraph.

"She and her colleagues collected 200 peer-reviewed studies that examined differences between organic and conventional food, or the people who eat it. A few of these studies followed people who were eating either organic or conventional food and looked for evidence that the choice made a difference in their health."

What is the meaning of the word conventional in the text? Be sure to include the context clues that support your definition.

Tags

CCSS.L.11-12.4

CCSS.L.11-12.4A

CCSS.RI.11-12.4

Reread the excerpt below from paragraph.

It's important to note, though, that such studies have a really hard time uncovering subtle effects of our environment, or what we eat, on our health. Too many other powerful influences get in the way. Also, these studies only followed people for a very short time — about two years or less. That's hardly enough time to document any particular health benefit.

What is the meaning of the word subtle in the text? Be sure to include the context clues that support your definition.

Tags

CCSS.L.11-12.4

CCSS.L.11-12.5

CCSS.RI.11-12.4

CCSS.RL.11-12.4

Reread the excerpt below from paragraph.

As you might expect, there was less pesticide contamination on organic produce. But does that matter? The authors of the new study say probably not. They found that the vast majority of conventionally grown food did not exceed allowable limits of pesticide residue set by federal regulations.

What is the meaning of the word contamination in the text? Be sure to include the context clues that support your definition.

Tags

CCSS.L.11-12.4

CCSS.L.11-12.4A

CCSS.RI.11-12.4

Reread the excerpt below from paragraph.

So there really are vegetables that are more nutritious than others, but the dividing line between them isn't whether or not they are organic. "You can't use organic as your sole criteria for judging nutritional quality," says Smith-Spangler.

What is the meaning of the word sole in the text? Be sure to include the context clues that support your definition.

Tags

CCSS.L.11-12.4

CCSS.L.11-12.4A

CCSS.RI.11-12.4

What is the potential influence of eating organic food while pregnant, according to one study?

• Increased intelligence

• Reduced risk of eczema

• Improved eyesight

• Enhanced growth

Tags

CCSS.RI.11-12.1

What is the annual value of the organic food industry mentioned in the text?

• $10 billion

• $29 billion

• $50 billion

• $100 billion

Tags

CCSS.RI.11-12.1

What is a challenge mentioned in the text regarding studies on organic food?

• Lack of funding

• Short study duration

• Too many participants

• Excessive data

Tags

CCSS.RI.11-12.1

How many peer-reviewed studies did Crystal Smith-Spangler and her colleagues collect?

• 100

• 150

• 200

• 250

What is the main finding of the studies regarding organic food and health benefits?

• Organic food is always healthier

• Organic food has no clear health benefits

• Organic food is harmful

• Organic food is cheaper

Tags

CCSS.RI.11-12.1

CCSS.RI.11-12.2

CCSS.RI.11-12.3