Inside Language, Literacy, and Content [Level E]

Practice Together

Read this passage aloud. Look at each underlined word. Find the word parts. Put their meanings together to figure out the meaning of each underlined word.

Suffix	Meaning
*-ful*	“full of”
*-able, -ible*	“can be” or “can do”
*-ion, -tion*	“act of”
*-less*	“without”

Your Brain: The Mind-Body Connection

You know that you use your brain to make decisions. You also know that your brain is part of your body. The connection between the brain and the rest of the body is one that scientists study carefully.

Your brain is a powerful organ. Your brain helps you make decisions about what to do with your body. For example, suppose you choose to stay up late. Then you skip breakfast.

The next morning your mind may not be as sharp as usual. You might feel dizzy and act careless.

Rest, food, exercise, stress, and even the air around you affect your brain. The understanding that taking care of your body takes care of your brain can be remarkable. Those choices may affect how well you make other decisions.

Try It!

Read this passage aloud. What is the meaning of each underlined word? How do you know?

The Decision

I have an important decision to make. Should I stay on the volleyball team or join the speech and debate team? I don’t know what to do. I feel helpless and can’t make a decision. I love playing volleyball and don’t want to give it up. It’s one of the most enjoyable sports to play. I want to join the speech and debate team to improve my speaking skills. I think the experience will be useful for me. The only problem is that they both have weekly practice at the same time. I can’t do both at the same time. Which selection should I make? Do I try something new, or should I stick with what I do best?