Articles Social Issues (2)

8/13/2019 Articles Social Issues (2)

1/27

Component A:

1. Collect three articles of at least 1000 word s, each related to on e of

the fol lowing themes:

i . Social Issues

i i . Travel / Tourism / Leisure

i i i . Natural World / Enviro nment

Article Social Issues

Social Issues Are Not Going Away in 2012

As America hurtles toward an economic cliff, concerned citizens are --

understandably -- thinking about the financial crisis: the debt, deficit, lack of jobs,

out-of-control spending, unsustainable government expansion, and outrageous

new regulations choking business development. On a more personal level, we

all have friends and relatives who are facing bankruptcy and/or home foreclosure;

all of us have seen our retirement funds and investments diminish precipitously

and our home values plummet. These are very uncertain economic times, and

the future seems very bleak if things continue as they are.

Frankly, how the government spends taxpayer money comes down to moral

issues. Many Americans see Social Security, Medicare, Medicaid, and other

entitlements as essentially moral issues that revolve around the question of how

best to address poverty and take care of the most vulnerable of the nation's

citizens. Also, government waste and corruption are essentially matters involving

the character and integrity of politicians, who conveniently forget that they're

public servants shortly after being elected.

Every poll that puts economic issues at the top of the nation's worries also notes

that the vast majority (77 percent) of Americans believe that the nation is on the

"wrong track." Most Americans are also deeply concerned about the moral

disintegration and family breakdown that are equally threatening to the nation's

well-being. As Allan Bloom and Gertrude Himmelfarbpithily summed up,
http://www.nytimes.com/2011/09/13/opinion/if-it-feels-right.htmlhttp://www.nytimes.com/2011/09/13/opinion/if-it-feels-right.html


2/27

America's "sturdy virtues are being diluted into shallow values." In short, for

many Americans, our values deficit is as troubling as our financial deficit. The

liberal media and many politicians appear to have no comprehension of how

passionately the general public feels about defending traditional morality and

understands that Judeo-Christian virtues nurtured American exceptionalism and

are the foundation for Western civilization.

Regardless of the surface issues that dominate the conversations of the

chattering class, I doubt that the deeply held worldviews of the general public

have changed significantly in the decade since the Washington Post reported

that 88 percent of voters made their voting decisions based on their "moral

values." At that time, the Post noted that most voters were "dissatisfied with the

moral values" prevalent across the nation and that most of those voters (74

percent) viewed government policies as contributing to the problem. Further,

many of those voters (64 percent) cited religion as "the most important thing" or

an "extremely important thing" in their lives.

As we look toward the pivotal 2012 election, I note five signs that the issues that

are important to social conservatives will be influential in terms of political

victories.

1. In contrast to the mainstream media myths, social conservative values

have a strong winning record. Most recently, in the NY-9 election to

replace disgraced former Rep. Anthony Weiner (D), Republican Bob

Turner won handily over the Democratic candidate in a district that no a

Republican has won since 1923. His opponent's vote in favor of same-sex

"marriage" in the New York legislature played an important role in the

Republican's victory. Every significant GOP candidate for president is pro-life; most are opposed to same-sex "marriage"; and most oppose taxpayer

funding for abortion and its champion Planned Parenthood, the nation's

largest abortion provider, which is currently receiving federal funding

through Title X. Clearly, the legacy media's domination of the political

debate has been broken, and social conservatives are finding ways to use


3/27


4/27

related to reproduction during the first quarter of 2011. While the strong

campaign to block same-sex "marriage" in New York failed, traditional

marriage referendums have prevailed in 29 of the 31 states where laws

now define marriage as a union between one man and one woman.

5. Republican politicians who advocate moving beyond "controversial" social

issues have found their position to be a political "kiss of death." When

Indiana Gov. Mitch Daniels (R) called on conservatives to declare a

"truce" on social issues and "agree to disagree," he clearly "shot himself in

the foot" and ended his presidential prospects. Daniels' early demise was

a stern warning to GOP presidential hopefuls that they cannot thumb their

noses at social conservatives' concerns.

To summarize, Americans are deeply troubled by the financial crisis that affects

each of us and threatens our nation's economic security. We are equally

disturbed by the worsening moral climate under the radical left policies of

President Obama and the liberal elites who both deny and seek to undermine the

nation's Judeo-Christian foundation and heritage. The nation has rarely seen a

voting public more motivated to bring back fiscal stability and sound moral

principles to the public square.

Liberals, especially liberal women, appear to be so strongly focused on the single

issue of preserving the legal status of abortion that everything else is secondary

to them, so much so that they stand behind misogynist politicians as long as

those politicians sing the pro-choice song. And liberal politicians may worship at

the altar of power to the point that they will take any position that they think will

get them elected. Given the media's devotion to the moral relativism that is

foundational to the liberal worldview, it is not surprising that they do not -- indeed,

cannot -- understand social conservatives' thinking and peddle false messages to

the effect that social issues have lost their significance.

While economic concerns are at the forefront of social conservatives' thinking,

that does not mean that we are about to abandon our deeply held moral beliefs

regarding issues like the sanctity of life and marriage. We are fully capable of


5/27

balancing our immediate concern about the economy and out-of-control big

government with our longer-term commitment to the moral and spiritual concerns

that are foundational and give meaning to our lives. Political leaders who do not

understand our devotion to principle will not receive our support, without which

(as the data clearly show) they cannot be elected.

http://www.americanthinker.com/2011/09/social_issues_are_not_going_away_in

_2012.html
http://www.americanthinker.com/2011/09/social_issues_are_not_going_away_in_2012.htmlhttp://www.americanthinker.com/2011/09/social_issues_are_not_going_away_in_2012.htmlhttp://www.americanthinker.com/2011/09/social_issues_are_not_going_away_in_2012.htmlhttp://www.americanthinker.com/2011/09/social_issues_are_not_going_away_in_2012.htmlhttp://www.americanthinker.com/2011/09/social_issues_are_not_going_away_in_2012.html


6/27

Article of Travel

A List of Must-Have Items When Traveling With Baby

The process of packing what you use at home and the reality of dragging it

around with you are poles apart. From car safety to feeding, you do not want to

miss a beat. Read on to find out what you do not want to forget when traveling

with baby.

After several long trips with my son in the first nine months of his life, I have

learned a lot about what should and should not be brought along. Here is a list of

what you do not want to forget when traveling with baby.

Birth CertificateThe only form of identification most parents have of their little ones is a birth

certificate, which you need to travel. If you are traveling outside of the country,

you should make sure you get your baby a passport.

Car Seat

Most airlines check your car seat for free if you have your baby on your lap.

Since there is a fee on each checked item, it can save you about twenty-five

dollars each way. However, if you bought a ticket for your baby, then you have to

take the car seat on board to seat them safely.

Stroller

Airlines usually gate-check your stroller when you travel. That means you can

push your child from plane to plane. You leave it at the cabin door when entering

the plane for the airlines to put with the luggage for the duration of the flight.

When you arrive at your destination, it will be waiting for you.

Portable Sleeper

There are several different items you can bring for your baby to sleep in when

they are very young like a co-sleeper or travel bed. However, when your baby


7/27

starts to move around and cannot sleep unattended, it is important to have a

pack-and-play with you so they can sleep safely. You will have to check this item

under the plane.

Self-Soothing Items

Some babies use binkies or pacifiers and some use blankets. Whichever works

best for your baby, make sure you pack it in your carry-on luggage. Grab a

handful of binkies and put them in a clean zip lock bag so when one gets dirty on

the flight, you can just grab another. There are also pacifier-wipes for sale at

most big stores in case all the pacifiers make it onto the floor or you lose some

while traveling.

Baby Carrier

A baby carrier or sling work great for traveling with your baby, especially when

you are traveling alone. They help when you need both hands for eating your

own meal or going to the bathroom. It is also nice to have the carrier along if

baby gets fussy and you need to walk the aisles so that you have your hands

free in case of some turbulence.

Diapers, Wipes, and Toiletries

Make sure to pack enough diapers, wipes, and toiletries (diaper cream, baby

wash, baby lotion, gas drops, Infant Tylenol) for the day of travel and a couple of

days after you arrive. This way, you have time to find your favorite brand of

diapers, wipes, and products at the stores where you are visiting.

However, if you are traveling out of the country, you might want to stock up in

your suitcase so you do not have to worry about finding what you need abroad.

Clothing

Pack clothes according to the weather report where you are traveling. However,

make sure you pack long-sleeved clothes as well when traveling to a warmer


8/27

climate. While you might be wearing shorts and a tank top, your baby might need

a long-sleeve top in the shade. On the other hand, if you are traveling to a cold

climate, you probably only need cold weather clothing for your baby.

If you know there will be laundry facilities available, you can bring about half as

many outfits. This way, you do not have to worry about running out or packing

too many outfits. Plan to use about two outfits per day and a pair of pajamas.

Food and Drink

Whether your baby is drinking formula or breast milk, you will want to pack

accordingly. For formula feeding, pack three or four complete bottles, a

bottlebrush, and formula, and buy bottled water once you pass security for the

plane ride. Pack enough formula to last the whole trip so you do not have to

worry about finding more.

For breastfeeding mothers, you will want to pack your nursing cover, nursing

pads and a bottle to put some baby juice or water in for takeoff and landing so

their ears pop when pressure builds up. In addition, the bottle of juice and water

is great to help keep baby hydrated in between feedings.

If your baby is also eating purees and baby snacks, make sure you pack plenty

for the trip. Bring enough jars, bibs, and spoons in your carry-on for the day of

travel and the first day you arrive (in case they lose your suitcases). Make sure

you put all the baby food in one large zip lock bag so you can pull it out when

going through security. In addition, since you have to pack quite a bit of baby

food for the trip, the room it takes up in your checked bag will be great for

bringing home souvenirs and gifts.

Toys

When babies are small, they are easily amused by a cup or ball, which you can


9/27

most likely find on the other end of your flight. Do not take too many toys - just a

few favorite little ones. Plastic links are great because you can hook them onto

the car seat or stroller and the baby can play with them and a few rattles, mirrors,

or teething toys linked onto them while you are out sightseeing or visiting.

Safe Travels

While traveling can seem like a huge ordeal, it can be lots of fun with baby when

you pack right. Hopefully, you can use this list of items to help pack for your trip

and not feel that you took too much or missed something important.

Good luck with your vacation and have safe travels.

http://www.triple1.com/Travel/Content/A_List_of_Must_Have_Items_When_Trav

eling_With_Baby-601.html
http://www.triple1.com/Travel/Content/A_List_of_Must_Have_Items_When_Traveling_With_Baby-601.htmlhttp://www.triple1.com/Travel/Content/A_List_of_Must_Have_Items_When_Traveling_With_Baby-601.htmlhttp://www.triple1.com/Travel/Content/A_List_of_Must_Have_Items_When_Traveling_With_Baby-601.htmlhttp://www.triple1.com/Travel/Content/A_List_of_Must_Have_Items_When_Traveling_With_Baby-601.htmlhttp://www.triple1.com/Travel/Content/A_List_of_Must_Have_Items_When_Traveling_With_Baby-601.html


10/27

Article of Environment

OZONE DEPLETION

The ozone layer protects the Earth from the ultraviolet rays sent down bythe sun. If the ozone layer is depleted by human action, the effects on the

planet could be catastrophic.

Ozone is present in the stratosphere. The stratosphere reaches 30 miles

above the Earth, and at the very top it contains ozone. The suns rays are

absorbed by the ozone in the stratosphere and thus do not reach the Earth.

Ozone is a bluish gas that is formed by three atoms of oxygen . The form ofoxygen that humans breathe in consists of two oxygen atoms, O2. When found

on the surface of the planet, ozone is considered a dangerous pollutant

and is one substance responsible for producing the greenhouse effect.

The highest regions of the stratosphere contain about 90% of all ozone.

In recent years, the ozone layer has been the subject of much discussion. And

rightly so, because the ozone layer protects both plant and animal life on theplanet.

The fact that the ozone layer was being depleted was discovered in the mid-

1980s. The main cause of this is the release of CFCs, chlorofluorocarbons.

Antarctica was an early victim of ozone destruction. A massive hole in the ozone

layer right above Antarctica now threatens not only that continent, but many

others that could be the victims of Antarctica's melting icecaps. In the future,the ozone problem will have to be solved so that the protective layer can be

conserved.


11/27

Only a few factors combine to create the problem of ozone layer depletion . The

production and emission of CFCs, chlorofluorocarbons, is by far the

leading cause.

Many countries have called for the end of CFC production because only a

few produce the chemical. However, those industries that do use CFCs do not

want to discontinue usage of this highly valuable industrial chemical.

CFCs are used in industry in a variety of ways and have been amazingly useful

in many products. Discovered in the 1930s by American chemist Thomas

Midgley, CFCs came to be used in refrigerators, home insulation, plastic foam,

and throwaway food containers.

Only later did people realize the disaster CFCs caused in the

stratosphere. There, the chlorine atom is removed from the CFC and attracts

one of the three oxygen atoms in the ozone molecule. The process continues,

and a single chlorine atom can destroy over 100,000 molecules of ozone.

In 1974, Sherwood Rowland and Mario Molina followed the path of CFCs. Their

research proved that CFCs were entering the atmosphere, and they concluded

that 99% of all CFC molecules would end up in the stratosphere.

Only in 1984, when the ozone layer hole was discovered over Antarctica,

was the proof truly conclusive. At that point, it was hard to question the

destructive capabilities of CFCs.

Even if CFCs were banned, problems would remain. There would still be no way

to remove the CFCs that are now present in the environment. Clearly though,

something must be done to limit this international problem in the future.

Even minor problems of ozone depletion can have major effects. Every time

even a small amount of the ozone layer is lost, more ultraviolet light from

the sun can reach the Earth.


12/27

Every time 1% of the ozone layer is depleted, 2% more UV-B is able to reach the

surface of the planet. UV-B increase is one of the most harmful consequences of

ozone depletion because it can cause skin cancer.

The increased cancer levels caused by exposure to this ultraviolet light could be

enormous. The EPA estimates that 60 million Americans born by the year 2075

will get skin cancer because of ozone depletion. About one million of these

people will die.

In addition to cancer, some research shows that a decreased ozone layer will

increase rates of malaria and other infectious diseases. According to the EPA,

17 million more cases of cataracts can also be expected.

The environment will also be negatively affected by ozone depletion. The

life cycles of plants will change, disrupting the food chain. Effects on

animals will also be severe, and are very difficult to foresee.

Oceans will be hit hard as well. The most basic microscopic organisms such

as plankton may not be able to survive. If that happened, it would mean that

all of the other animals that are above plankton in the food chain would also die

out. Other ecosystems such as forests and deserts will also be harmed.

The planet's climate could also be affected by depletion of the ozone

layer. Wind patterns could change, resulting in climatic changes

throughout the world

The discovery of the ozone depletion problem came as a great surprise. Now,

action must be taken to ensure that the ozone layer is not destroyed.

Because CFCs are so widespread and used in such a great variety of products,

limiting their use is hard. Also, since many products already contain components

that use CFCs, it would be difficult if not impossible to eliminate those CFCs

already in existence.


13/27

The CFC problem may be hard to solve because there are already great

quantities of CFCs in the environment. CFCs would remain in the

stratosphere for another 100 years even if none were ever produced again.

Despite the difficulties, international action has been taken to limit CFCs. In the

Montreal Protocol, 30 nations worldwide agreed to reduce usage of CFCs and

encouraged other countries to do so as well.

However, many environmentalists felt the treaty did "too little, too late", as the

Natural Resources Defense Council put it. The treaty asked for CFC makers to

only eliminate half of their CFC production, making some people feel it was

inadequate.

By the year 2000, the US and twelve nations inEurope have agreed to ban all

use and production of CFCs. This will be highly significant, because these

countries produce three quarters of the CFCs in the world.

Many other countries have signed treaties and written laws restricting the

use of CFCs. Companies are finding substitutes for CFCs, and people in

general are becoming more aware of the dangers of ozone depletion.

http://library.thinkquest.org/26026/Environmental_Problems/environmental_probl

ems_article.html
http://library.thinkquest.org/26026/Organizations/natural_resources_defense_coun.htmlhttp://library.thinkquest.org/26026/World_Outlook/europe.htmlhttp://library.thinkquest.org/26026/Environmental_Problems/environmental_problems_article.htmlhttp://library.thinkquest.org/26026/Environmental_Problems/environmental_problems_article.htmlhttp://library.thinkquest.org/26026/Environmental_Problems/environmental_problems_article.htmlhttp://library.thinkquest.org/26026/Environmental_Problems/environmental_problems_article.htmlhttp://library.thinkquest.org/26026/World_Outlook/europe.htmlhttp://library.thinkquest.org/26026/Organizations/natural_resources_defense_coun.html


14/27

Component A:

2. Read and ident i fy the topic sentences / main points and their

sup port ing detai ls of o ne of the s elected art ic les.

Social Issues Are Not Going Away in 2012

ByJanice Shaw Crouse

As America hurtles toward an economic cliff, concerned citizens are --

understandably -- thinking about the financial crisis: the debt, deficit, lack of jobs,

out-of-control spending, unsustainable government expansion, and outrageous

new regulations choking business development. On a more personal level, we

all have friends and relatives who are facing bankruptcy and/or home foreclosure;all of us have seen our retirement funds and investments diminish precipitously

and our home values plummet. These are very uncertain economic times, and

the future seems very bleak if things continue as they are.

Frankly, how the government spends taxpayer money comes down to moral

issues. Many Americans see Social Security, Medicare, Medicaid, and other

entitlements as essentially moral issues that revolve around the question of how

best to address poverty and take care of the most vulnerable of the nation'scitizens. Also, government waste and corruption are essentially matters involving

the character and integrity of politicians, who conveniently forget that they're

public servants shortly after being elected.

Every poll that puts economic issues at the top of the nation's worries also notes

that the vast majority (77 percent) of Americans believe that the nation is on the

"wrong track." Most Americans are also deeply concerned about the moral

disintegration and family breakdown that are equally threatening to the nation'swell-being. As Allan Bloom and Gertrude Himmelfarbpithily summed up,

America's "sturdy virtues are being diluted into shallow values." In short, for

many Americans, our values deficit is as troubling as our financial deficit . The

liberal media and many politicians appear to have no comprehension of how

passionately the general public feels about defending traditional morality and
http://www.americanthinker.com/janice_shaw_crouse/http://www.nytimes.com/2011/09/13/opinion/if-it-feels-right.htmlhttp://www.nytimes.com/2011/09/13/opinion/if-it-feels-right.htmlhttp://www.americanthinker.com/janice_shaw_crouse/


15/27



Regardless of the surface issues that dominate the conversations of the

chattering class, I doubt that the deeply held worldviews of the general publichave changed significantly in the decade since the Washington Post reported

that 88 percent of voters made their voting decisions based on their "moral

values." At that time, the Post noted that most voters were "dissatisfied with the


percent) viewed government policies as contributing to the problem. Further,

many of those voters (64 percent) cited religion as "the most important thing" or

an "extremely important thing" in their lives.

As we look toward the pivotal 2012 election, I note five signs that the issues that

are important to social conservatives will be influential in terms of political

victories.

1. In contrast to the mainstream media myths, social conservative values

have a strong winning record. Most recently, in the NY-9 election to

replace disgraced former Rep. Anthony Weiner (D), Republican Bob

Turner won handily over the Democratic candidate in a district that no a

Republican has won since 1923. His opponent's vote in favor of same-sex

"marriage" in the New York legislature played an important role in the

Republican's victory. Every significant GOP candidate for president is pro-

life; most are opposed to same-sex "marriage"; and most oppose taxpayer

funding for abortion and its champion Planned Parenthood, the nation's

largest abortion provider, which is currently receiving federal funding

through Title X. Clearly, the legacy media's domination of the politicaldebate has been broken, and social conservatives are finding ways to use

the Internet and talk radio to counter the false messages and myths of the

liberal commentariat that, in the past, went unchallenged.

2. Being passionate for -- and willing to work and sacrifice for -- their values

is characteristic of social conservative voters. Social conservatives make


16/27

up a significant percentage of the Tea Party movement that has been at

the forefront of the political process in recent months. Such a voting bloc

cannot be ignored because of the certainty of our passionate get-out-the-

vote participation in primary and general elections, but also because we

are willing to work and sacrifice for what we believe. With 33 Senate

seats up for grabs in 2012, the Democrats will have to defend 23 while the

Republicans must defend only 10, giving conservatives the hope that,

come 2012, a Republican majority is possible. Such information is

powerfully motivating when it means increased conservative power on

Capitol Hill.

3. Social conservatives are important for our sheer numbers. The former

pollster for ABC, Gary Langer, reported in 2008 that "self-identified

evangelical Christians constituted 44 percent of all Republican presidential

primary voters." Further, evangelicals were decisive in numerous states:

we represented a majority of the primary voters in 11 out of 29 states that

conducted exit polls; we were 60 percent of the vote in Iowa and South

Carolina; and, in 10 other states, evangelicals were between 33 and 46

percent of the vote. Similar turnouts can be expected in 2012.

4. Social conservative issues are pivotal -- thehot-button issues -- in today's

political debates. While everyone is talking about the depressed condition

of the economy, and polls show social issues much lower on voters'

hierarchy of issues,there is no question that abortion, so-called same-sex

"marriage," and the potential for the next president to appoint at least one

Supreme Court justice (four of the seven current justices are over 70)

loom large in the news, in legislation, and in people's concerns. Dozens of

states have pending legislation regarding abortion, with the Guttmacher

Institute reporting that 49 states introduced close to 1,000 measures

related to reproduction during the first quarter of 2011. While the strong

campaign to block same-sex "marriage" in New York failed, traditional

marriage referendums have prevailed in 29 of the 31 states where laws

now define marriage as a union between one man and one woman.


17/27

5. Republican politicians who advocate moving beyond "controversial" social

issues have found their position to be a political "kiss of death." When

Indiana Gov. Mitch Daniels (R) called on conservatives to declare a

"truce" on social issues and "agree to disagree," he clearly "shot himself in

the foot" and ended his presidential prospects. Daniels' early demise was

a stern warning to GOP presidential hopefuls that they cannot thumb their

noses at social conservatives' concerns.

To summarize,Americans are deeply troubled by the financial crisis that affects

each of us and threatens our nation's economic security. We are equally

disturbed by the worsening moral climate under the radical left policies of

President Obama and the liberal elites who both deny and seek to undermine thenation's Judeo-Christian foundation and heritage. The nation has rarely seen a

voting public more motivated to bring back fiscal stability and sound moral

principles to the public square.

Liberals, especially liberal women, appear to be so strongly focused on the single

issue of preserving the legal status of abortion that everything else is secondary

to them, so much so that they stand behind misogynist politicians as long as

those politicians sing the pro-choice song. And liberal politicians may worship atthe altar of power to the point that they will take any position that they think will

get them elected. Given the media's devotion to the moral relativism that is

foundational to the liberal worldview, it is not surprising that they do not -- indeed,

cannot -- understand social conservatives' thinking and peddle false messages to

the effect that social issues have lost their significance.

While economic concerns are at the forefront of social conservatives' thinking,

that does not mean that we are about to abandon our deeply held moral beliefsregarding issues like the sanctity of life and marriage. We are fully capable of

balancing our immediate concern about the economy and out-of-control big

government with our longer-term commitment to the moral and spiritual concerns

that are foundational and give meaning to our lives. Political leaders who do not


18/27

understand our devotion to principle will not receive our support, without which

(as the data clearly show) they cannot be elected.

Paragraph 1: Introduction

Paragraph 2:

Topik Sentences: how the government spends taxpayer money comes down to

moral issues.

Supporting Details: (1) Many Americans see Social Security, Medicare, Medicaid,

and other entitlements as essentially moral issues that revolve around the

question of how best to address poverty and take care of the most vulnerable of

the nation's citizens.

(2) government waste and corruption are essentially matters involving the

character and integrity of politicians, who conveniently forget that they're public

servants shortly after being elected.

Paragraph 3:

Topik Sentences: Most Americans are also deeply concerned about the moral

disintegration and family breakdown that are equally threatening to the nation's

well-being.

Supporting Details: (1) our values deficit is as troubling as our financial deficit.

(2) liberal media and many politicians appear to have no comprehension of howpassionately the general public feels about defending traditional morality and



Topik Sentences / Main Points

Supporting Details


19/27

Paragraph 4:

Topik Sentences: general public have changed significantly in the decade since

the Washington Post reported that 88 percent of voters made their voting

decisions based on their "moral values."

Supporting Details: (1) Post noted that most voters were "dissatisfied with the


percent) viewed government policies as contributing to the problem.

(2) Further, many of those voters (64 percent) cited religion as "the most

important thing" or an "extremely important thing" in their lives.

Paragraph 5:

Topik Sentences: In contrast to the mainstream media myths, social conservative

values have a strong winning record.

Supporting Details: (1)Every significant GOP candidate for president is pro-life;

most are opposed to same-sex "marriage"; and most oppose taxpayer funding

for abortion and its champion Planned Parenthood, the nation's largest abortion

provider, which is currently receiving federal funding through Title X.

(2) legacy media's domination of the political debate has been broken, and social

conservatives are finding ways to use the Internet and talk radio to counter the

false messages and myths of the liberal commentariat that, in the past, went

unchallenged.

Paragraph 6:

Topik Sentences:Being passionate for -- and willing to work and sacrifice for --

their values is characteristic of social conservative voters.

Supporting Details: Social conservatives make up a significant percentage of the

Tea Party movement that has been at the forefront of the political process in

recent months. Such a voting bloc cannot be ignored because of the certainty of


20/27

our passionate get-out-the-vote participation in primary and general elections, but

also because we are willing to work and sacrifice for what we believe.

Paragraph 7:

Topik Sentences: Social conservatives are important for our sheer numbers.

Supporting Details: The former pollster for ABC, Gary Langer, reported in 2008

that "self-identified evangelical Christians constituted 44 percent of all Republican

presidential primary voters."

Paragraph 8:

Topik Sentences: Social conservative issues are pivotal -- thehot-button issues -

- in today's political debates.

Supporting Details: While everyone is talking about the depressed condition of

the economy, and polls show social issues much lower on voters' hierarchy of

issues, there is no question that abortion, so-called same-sex "marriage,"

Paragraph 9:

Topik Sentences: Republican politicians who advocate moving beyond"controversial" social issues have found their position to be a political "kiss of

death."

Supporting Details: (1) When Indiana Gov. Mitch Daniels (R) called on

conservatives to declare a "truce" on social issues and "agree to disagree," he

clearly "shot himself in the foot" and ended his presidential prospects.

(2) Daniels' early demise was a stern warning to GOP presidential hopefuls thatthey cannot thumb their noses at social conservatives' concerns.

Paragraph 10:

Topik Sentences: Americans are deeply troubled by the financial crisis that

affects each of us and threatens our nation's economic security.


21/27

Supporting Details: We are equally disturbed by the worsening moral climate

under the radical left policies of President Obama and the liberal elites who both

deny and seek to undermine the nation's Judeo-Christian foundation and

heritage. The nation has rarely seen a voting public more motivated to bring

back fiscal stability and sound moral principles to the public square.

Paragraph 11:

Topik Sentences: understand social conservatives' thinking and peddle false

messages to the effect that social issues have lost their significance.

Supporting Details: liberal politicians may worship at the altar of power to the

point that they will take any position that they think will get them elected.

Paragraph 12:

Topik Sentences: abandon our deeply held moral beliefs regarding issues like

the sanctity of life and marriage.

Supporting Details: We are fully capable of balancing our immediate concern

about the economy and out-of-control big government with our longer-term

commitment to the moral and spiritual concerns that are foundational and give

meaning to our lives. Political leaders who do not understand our devotion toprinciple will not receive our support, without which (as the data clearly show)

they cannot be elected.


22/27

Component B:

1. Read one of the selected art ic les and transform yo ur com prehension

into a graphic organizer .

Article of Travel

A List of Must-Have Items When Traveling With Baby

Tips

Birth

Certificate

Car Seat

Stroller

Portable

Sleeper

Self-

Soothing

Items

BabyCarrier

Diapers,

Wipes

and

Toiletries

Clothing

Food

and

drinks

Toys


23/27

If you are traveling outside of the country,you should make sure you get your baby a

passport.

Birth Certificate

if you bought a ticket for your baby, thenyou have to take the car seat on board to

seat them safely.

Car Seat

Airlines usually gate-check your strollerwhen you travel which means you can push

your child from plane to plane.

Stroller


24/27

when your baby starts to move around andcannot sleep unattended, it is important to

have a pack-and-play with you so they can

sleep safely.

Portable Sleeper

Grab a handful of binkies and put them in a

clean zip lock bag so when one gets dirty on

the flight, you can just grab another.

Self-Soothing Items

It is nice to have the carrier along if baby gets

fussy and you need to walk the aisles so that

you have your hands free in case of some

turbulence.

Baby Carrier


25/27

if you are traveling out of the country, you

might want to stock up in your suitcase so

you do not have to worry about finding what

you need abroad.

Diapers, Wipes and

Toiletries

While you might be wearing shorts and a tank

top, your baby might need a long-sleeve top

in the shade. If you are traveling to a cold

climate, you probably only need cold weather

clothing for your baby.

Clothing

Make sure you put all the baby food in one

large zip lock bag so you can pull it out when

going through security.

Food and drinks


26/27

Do not take too many toys - just a few

favorite little ones.

Toys


27/27

2. Read and summ arize one of the articles selected in NOT mo re than

350 wo rds .

The ozone layer protects the Earth from the ultraviolet rays sent down by

the sun. Ozone is present in the stratosphere. The suns rays are absorbed by

the ozone in the stratosphere and thus do not reach the Earth. Ozone is a

bluish gas that is formed by three atoms of oxygen. When found on the

surface of the planet, ozone is considered a dangerous pollutant and is one

substance responsible for producing the greenhouse effect. The ozone layer

protects both plant and animal life on the planet. In the future, the ozone

problem will have to be solved so that the protective layer can be conserved.

The production and emission of CFCs, chlorofluorocarbons, is by far the

leading cause. Many countries have called for the end of CFC production

because only a few produce the chemical. In 1984, when the ozone layer hole

was discovered over Antarctica, was the proof truly conclusive. At that point,

it was hard to question the destructive capabilities of CFCs. Every time even

a small amount of the ozone layer is lost, more ultraviolet light from the sun

can reach the Earth.

The environment will also be negatively affected by ozone depletion. The

life cycles of plants will change, disrupting the food chain. Effects on animals

will also be severe, and are very difficult to foresee. The most basic

microscopic organisms such as plankton may not be able to survive. The

planet's climate could also be affected by depletion of the ozone layer. Wind

patterns could change, resulting in climatic changes throughout the world.

The CFC problem may be hard to solve because there are already great

quantities of CFCs in the environment. CFCs would remain in thestratosphere for another 100 years even if none were ever produced again.

Many other countries have signed treaties and written laws restricting the use

of CFCs. Companies are finding substitutes for CFCs, and people in general

are becoming more aware of the dangers of ozone depletion. (330 words)

Documents

Articles Social Issues (2)