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Learning English with CBC

Calgary

Monthly feature story:

West Nile Gamer

September 2013 Learning plan created by Barbara Edmondson and Justine Light

http://www.cbc.ca/calgary/learning‐english/ www.alberta.ca


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Feature Story Objectives

West Nile Gamer

CLB competency outcomes Listening: Reading: Speaking: Writing:

L: Identify factual details and some implied meanings in extended narration; identify situation, purpose of speech, and relationship between speakers. R: Access, locate, integrate, interpret, and analyze information contained in a two or three page moderately complex text on a familiar or work related topic; draw conclusions. S: (knowledge and strategies) Produce intelligible and communicatively effective pronunciation using tongue twisters W: Write an email giving advice

Language skills Vocabulary: Use vocabulary words in context

Grammar: Understanding word families; the role of suffixes and prefixes

Pronunciation: Pronunciation practice using tongue twisters

Language Activities (in order of appearance in materials)

Answering discussion questions about a short background text Completing pre‐listening activities to build vocabulary and prepare learners for audio Listening to the audio to identify facts and details Listening to audio to develop note taking skills Understanding prefixes and suffixes to learn word families Learning how tongue twisters can help pronunciation Completing pre‐ reading vocabulary activity Reading for meaning – recognize facts and details from a reading Using a dictionary to learn new words Writing an email to offer suggestions or advice


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Background Reading

Here is some information about the West Nile virus from the Alberta Health website: http://www.health.alberta.ca/health‐info/WNV‐reduce‐risk‐tips.html

West Nile virus

West Nile virus (WNv) is a mosquito‐borne virus that can cause mild symptoms or, in rare cases, a more serious West Nile neurological syndrome. Mosquitoes become infected with WNv when they feed on infected birds. Only three of the 43 species of mosquitoes present in Alberta are likely to carry the virus. WNv is not known to be spread by birds or other animals to people, or by direct person‐to‐person contact.

The risk of getting WNv in Alberta remains low. Even in other provinces where the virus is present, only a small percentage of mosquitoes will carry the virus, and only a small number of people bitten by an infected mosquito will develop serious illness.

The symptoms ‐ Most people who become infected with West Nile virus will experience no symptoms, or a mild fever.

• Very few individuals will experience the more severe symptoms of West Nile neurological syndrome.

• The Provincial Laboratory of Public Health will provide results on tests of human samples within one week.

West Nile fever ‐ West Nile fever is a mild illness. Symptoms occur three to 15 days following the bite of an infected mosquito, and can include: fever; headache; body aches; skin rash; and swollen glands.

West Nile neurological syndrome ‐ In some individuals, particularly the elderly, WNv can cause serious disease that affects the brain, either in the form of encephalitis or meningitis. This syndrome can cause permanent neurological damage, and can be fatal. Symptoms related to the syndrome include: high fever; coma and tremors; headache and neck stiffness; stupor and disorientation; sudden muscle weakness; and paralysis;

The risk of getting WN neurological syndrome is limited to persons in areas where the virus is present, and is higher in persons 50 years of age or older, or in those with weakened immune systems.

Illnesses related to mosquito bites are rare, but you should see a doctor immediately if you develop these symptoms.

While there is no specific treatment for West Nile neurological syndrome, doctors will treat individual symptoms as they occur.

Food for thought 1. Have you noticed how many mosquitos there are in Alberta? 2. Are there more mosquitos in Alberta than in your country? 3. What do you do to protect yourself from mosquito bites?


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The Audio

In this audio, you will hear CBC journalist Sally Haney speaking with Rob McCrady, a man

who got the West Nile virus six years ago and has been slowly recovering ever since.

CBC file photo

Before you listen:

What do you think are the most difficult aspects of caring for someone with a chronic (long term) illness?

Appendix – Transcript

SPEAKER WEST NILE GAMER

Sally Haney This is Infinity Control. The creation of 30‐year‐old Rob McCrady. Rob demonstrates the

game using his finger to dock spacecraft before they collide with one another. The

graphics are slick, the reviews in the gaming world are good. But anyone who knows Rob

will tell you they would expect nothing less.

Janet McCrady Well for starters, he’s very, very smart and very, very inspiring.

Sally Haney He’s also very determined.

Rob McCrady I have to push myself even though my hands hurt. I’d still push through without them

being…


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Pre‐listening vocabulary

The words below are from the audio. The definitions are next to the words. Read the definitions then complete the sentences on the following page.

Extra definitions to help you understand the listening: immune system – our body’s system to protect us from getting sick migraine – a severe headache tongue twisters – a group of words or short rhymes that are difficult to pronounce, especially when spoken quickly. Grizzly Adams – the name of a man famous for training wild animals. He never shaved, so he had a long, bushy beard. To ‘go Grizzly Adams’ means to not shave; to go natural outfitted with – to have all the equipment for something pass away – to die indie – an independently owned or operated business

WORD DEFINITION

A. slick (adjective) very well designed

B. contracted (verb) to get usually by exposure to something that can spread

C. rare (adjective) not commonly seen or found

D. severe (adjective) strong; extreme

E. comeback (noun) recovery

F. briskly (adverb) quickly

G. squats (noun) an exercise where you bend your knees so you are almost in a sitting position, and then stand up again.

H. drown (verb) to die in water because you cannot get air to breathe

I. progress (noun) improvement; movement towards achieving a goal

J. purpose (noun) a reason for living

K. collaborate (verb) working together with others to achieve a goal; to cooperate

L. critical (adjective) very important; greatly needed

M. enthusiasm (noun) energetic interest in something

N. contagious (adjective) spreads easily to others

O. sensitive (adjective) painful to touch

P. interface (verb) communicate or interact with others

Q. stroke (noun) When a blood vessel in the brain is damaged, causing a person to lose consciousness and later suffer some brain damage or lack of mobility.


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Use the vocabulary words to complete the following sentences.

(Answers can be found in the appendix.)

1. When we study another language it can be difficult to see __________________ because

there is so much to learn and remember.

2. My brother is very allergic to bees. When he gets bit he has a __________________

reaction.

3. You should always cover your mouth when you sneeze because your germs or cold may be

__________________.

4. My friend __________________ her cold from her daughter’s daycare, where many of the

kids were sick.

5. We go to the library once a week because of my daughter’s __________________ for

reading. My son is the opposite. It is __________________ to see him with a book in his

hand.

6. At work I must __________________ with my team to finish projects successfully.

7. I hate running, so for exercise I like to walk __________________ in the river valley. I also

try to do _________________ every day because they strengthen my leg muscles.

8. Two years ago my grandfather had a __________________, now he has difficulty walking

and moving the left side of his body, but his mind is still sharp.

9. We got my grandfather an iPad, so he can easily __________________ with family members

that live in other provinces.

10. Through physiotherapy and much help from doctors and family members my grandfather

has been able to make an impressive __________________.

11. In the summer many people go to the lakes for vacation. Make sure you have life jackets for

everyone and obey water safety rules so no one __________________.

12. When you get a sunburn your skin will be bright red and __________________ .

13. Wearing sunblock is __________________ to preventing sunburn. Make sure you reapply

it often, especially after swimming.

14. It is the __________________graphics in the movie that made it a hit this year.

15. Teenagers often struggle to find their __________________ in life, but once they have set

some goals they can be unstoppable.


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Listening for meaning Listen to the interview and answer the following questions.

1. What did Rob McCrady create?

2. What happened to Rob McCrady in the fall of 2007?

3. Rob likely contracted West Nile virus. What were some of the symptoms he experienced?

4. Who is Laura Wilson and how did she help Rob?

5. What were the steps / the process Laura Wilson used to help Rob learn how to speak again?

6. How has swimming helped Rob McCrady recover?

7. Why does Rob wear socks in the swimming pool?

8. What is Rob’s purpose in life now?

9. How have Rob’s parents helped and participated in his new purpose?

10. How has Rob reached out to the community?

11. What does Rob’s mother think is amazing about her son?

12. What gives Rob McCrady motivation to keep pushing forward?



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Listening strategies – Note taking with a mind map

The goal of the listening strategies section of the monthly feature lesson is to help you to improve your listening skills for all listening situations– not just this audio.

While you are listening, focus on the most important details of the story. Try to fill in the mind map with details that fit into each bubble.


Rob McCrady

West Nile virus

Rob's Recovery

His parents

Laura Wilson

Purpose in life

InLinity Control

2007


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Grammar activity – Word families When studying new vocabulary it is helpful to study word families. Word families are all the

different words that share the same root word. If you understand what the root word

means then you should be able to understand the rest of the words in the word family. We

use suffixes (endings) and prefixes (beginning letters) to change a word’s meaning or part of

speech.

Let’s take an example from the audio: “This is Infinity Control, the creation of 30‐year‐old Rob McCrady.”

The word creation is a noun, made by adding the suffix (ending) ‐tion to the root word, the verb. The verb is create. If we add the suffix –or we can make another noun, creator. By adding ‐ness we can make the noun creativeness. By adding the suffix ‐ive we can make the adjective, creative. When we add an ‐ly to the adjective we make the adverb creatively. By adding the suffix –ity to the adjective we get the noun creativity. We also can expand our vocabulary by adding prefixes to the word. For the root word creative we can see these words made by adding prefixes: recreate, uncreative, and noncreative.

Using the root word create we can easily learn 9 new words! This is how we can expand our vocabulary efficiently.

Here are the most common prefixes and suffixes we can use to expand our vocabulary:

Suffixes to make a noun: ‐acy, ‐ance/‐ence, ‐er/‐or, ‐ism, ‐ist, ‐ity, ‐ment, ‐ness, ‐sion, ‐tion

Suffixes to make a verb: ‐ate, ‐en, ‐ify, ize

Suffixes to make an adjective: ‐able/‐ible, ‐al,‐ful, ‐ic/‐ical, ‐ious, ‐ish, ‐ive, ‐less, ‐y

Suffixes to make an adverb: ‐ly

Prefix to be again: re‐

Prefixes to mean against or opposite: anti‐, de‐, dis‐

Prefixes that mean not: in‐, im‐. il‐, ir‐, non‐, un‐

Prefixes that mean under (not enough): under‐, sub‐

Prefixes that mean before: fore‐, pre‐

How you do you know which suffixes and prefixes can go on a word? You need to use a dictionary and then remember the new word as part of the word family.


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The following words are taken from the audio. Do you know the other commonly used word forms from the same family? Can you figure it out using the prefixes and suffixes listed above? If not, use a dictionary.

determined (adj) verb________________________ noun ____________________

adjective (not) _______________ adjective (before)__________

experience (verb) noun _______________________ adjective ________________

adjective (not) ________________

progress (v/n) noun _______________________ adjective _________________

adjective (not) ________________ adverb __________________

collaborate (verb) adjective ____________________ adverb ___________________

developer (noun) verb ________________________ noun ____________________

verb (again) __________________ noun (again)______________

adjective (not) ________________ adjective (under) __________

expert (noun) noun ________________________ adverb __________________

regular (adjective) verb _________________________ adjective ________________

adverb ______________________ adjective (not) ____________

adjective (again) _______________ adjective (not) ____________

technology (noun) adjective _____________________ adverb __________________

consider(verb) adjective _____________________ adverb __________________

noun ________________________ verb (again) ______________

adjective (not) _________________

facility (noun) verb _________________________



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Building Speaking Skills: Improve your pronunciation with tongue twisters We heard in the audio that Rob’s speech therapist helped him improve his speaking using tongue twisters.

Tongue twisters are a fun and challenging way to improve your pronunciation and articulation. Tongue twisters help to work different muscles in your mouth to help you get used to making the correct sounds. You get the opportunity to practice the correct placement of your lips and tongue while you make different sounds.

When you practice tongue twisters focus on how you articulate the words. Start slowly and when you feel comfortable try to say them faster, but continue to focus on making the correct sounds. You can always ask a friend if they hear the same sound as you are trying to make. It is easier to practice pronunciation with a partner.

Here are some popular tongue twisters you can practise organized by the sounds they will help you to say more clearly:

b & p Rubber baby buggy bumpers

Peter Piper picked a peck of pickled peppers. If Peter Piper picked a peck of pickled peppers, where's the peck of pickled peppers Peter Piper picked? i & ee I slit the sheet, the sheet I slit, and on the slitted sheet I sit.

l & r Red lorry, yellow lorry, red lorry, yellow lorry.

There are four pilots on the right flight.

Real rock wall, real rock wall, real rock wall

s & sh She sells sea‐shells by the sea‐shore. The shells she sells are sea‐shells, I’m sure. For if she sells sea‐shells on the sea‐shore Then I’m sure she sells sea‐shore shells. t & th Lesser leather never weathered, wetter weather better.

The thirty‐three thieves thought that they thrilled the throne throughout Thursday.

My favorite: How much would could a woodchuck chuck if a woodchuck could chuck wood?


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Reading Activity

Pre‐reading vocabulary

The following vocabulary activity will help you to understand the reading below.

Match each word to its correct definition.

The first one is done for you. (Answers can be found in the appendix.)

1. infection F A. think about

2. precaution B. something that does not react as usual; different from the norm

3. repellent C. highest level of activity

4. DEET D. to breathe in

5. exposed E. transferred from one thing to another; spread

6. peak F. a disease or illness caused by germs

7. inflatable G. small bits of garbage or waste

8. exception H. Diethyl‐meta‐toluamide, the most common chemical in insect repellent

9. debris I. an action to prevent something bad from happening

10. eavestrough J. good air flow; fresh air available

11. consider K. will increase in size when air is pumped in

12. enclosure L. something bothering or annoying

13. transmitted M. a substance that keeps insects away

14. discontinue N. a fence or a wall that surrounds or shuts in something

15. ventilated O. open to the air; not covered or protected

16. inhale P. hung from the roof of buildings to collect and direct rain water

17. irritation Q. to stop producing


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Reading text: Alberta Health: West Nile virus

http://www.health.alberta.ca/health‐info/WNV‐reduce‐risk‐tips.html

West Nile virus

You don’t have to go overboard to protect yourself from West Nile virus. Just follow a few simple steps to avoid mosquito bites.

Personal protection

The best way to reduce the risk of infection is to avoid mosquito bites. Severe disease is rare, but can happen at any age. The risk of serious illness increases with age. Everyone can take some simple precautions to reduce their own risk.

• Use a mosquito repellent containing DEET or other approved ingredients on exposed skin; apply it to clothing as well, because mosquitoes can bite through fabric.

• Wear long‐sleeved shirts and pants during peak mosquito times. • Place mosquito netting over infant carriers when outdoors.

Around the yard

Make sure there is no standing water in your yard where mosquitoes can lay their eggs.

• Look for any place where water can collect. This can be a bird‐bath, unattended pet watering bowl, inflatable wading pool, fish‐pond, old tire, plastic tarp or bucket. Do not let water stand in these places for more than seven days. Note: Chlorinated swimming pools are an exception.

• Clean leaves and debris from eavestroughs regularly to prevent clogs that can trap water.

• Use a mesh‐screened lid to keep mosquitoes off the water surface of rain barrels. Wrap screening tightly around any open joints on the downspouts.

• Avoid excessive lawn watering. Save water – and keep mosquitoes down!

Around the house

Keep mosquitoes out of the house by following these simple steps:

• Check all window and door screens; repair any holes. • Keep outside doors closed. Consider installing an automatic door closer if your family

forgets to shut the door. • Use mosquito netting or screened enclosures to let your family enjoy protected outdoor

living during periods of high mosquito activity.

Reduce the risk – Use insect repellent

West Nile virus is transmitted to humans through the bite of an infected mosquito. Reduce your risk of infection by avoiding contact with mosquitoes with the help of insect repellents.


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Safety tips for using insect repellents

• Always read the entire product label carefully. • Apply repellent sparingly on exposed skin and on top of clothing. Do not use under

clothing. Heavy application is unnecessary for protection. Repeat application only as needed.

• If you get repellent in your eyes, rinse immediately with water. Do not use on open wounds, or if skin is irritated or sunburned.

• Use spray repellents only in well‐ventilated areas, and avoid inhaling spray. Do not use near food.

• Wash treated skin with soap and water when you return indoors. • In case of skin irritation, stop using the product immediately, wash treated skin and seek

medical attention. In case of accidental poisoning, call the Alberta Poison Control Centre at 1‐800‐332‐1414. Take the container with you when you seek medical attention.

Choosing a product

• Registered personal insect repellents which are available in Canada, contain one of two different active ingredients: DEET or oil of lemon eucalyptus (P‐Menthane 3,8‐diol).

• DEET is recommended as the most effective and best studied insect repellent. Scientific reviews have concluded that, when used as directed, DEET has an excellent safety record.

• Products containing oil of lemon eucalyptus are effective for shorter periods of time. • Repellents containing citronella or lavender are not recommended. There is insufficient

data to establish the safe use of citronella and the manufacturer of lavender has decided to discontinue the product due to re‐evaluation.

• Choose a product that meets your needs. For example, if you plan to be outdoors for a short period of time, choose a product with a lower concentration of repellent and repeat application only if you need a longer protection time.

Repellents containing DEET

DEET based repellents at various concentrations offer different protection times.

• 30 per cent DEET = 6 hours of protection • 15 per cent DEET = 5 hours • 10 per cent DEET = 3 hours • 5 per cent DEET = 2 hours

Products containing DEET and sunscreens

• While it is safe to use both, DEET does decrease the effectiveness of sunscreen. If both are needed, the sunscreen should be applied first and allowed to penetrate for 20 minutes prior to applying the DEET.

General precautions for children

• Store all insect repellent containers out of children’s reach. • When using insect repellent on children, always apply it for them.


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• In case of skin irritation, stop using the product immediately, wash affected area and seek medical attention. In case of accidental poisoning, call Alberta Poison Control Center at 1‐800‐332‐1414. Take the container with you when you seek medical attention.

Do not use DEET on children under 6 months of age.

DEET use for children 6 months to two years

• The use of one application per day may be considered where a high risk of complications from insect bites exists. (eg. in areas where there are reports of WNv activity)

• Apply the product sparingly. • Only use 10 per cent DEET or less. • Avoid prolonged use. Limit use to several days. • Where possible, use protective clothing and apply repellent to exposed areas. • Do not apply to hands and face.

DEET use for children 2–12 years

• Apply 10 per cent DEET or less no more than three times daily. Do not apply to face or hands.

• Avoid prolonged use.

DEET use for pregnant or lactating women

• There is no indication that DEET use by pregnant or lactating women is hazardous to the unborn or nursing child.

Other types of repellents

• Oil of Lemon eucalyptus (P‐menthane 3, 8‐diol), available as Off Botanicals in Canada, provides up to two hours of protection. Do not use it on children under three years old. May be applied twice per day.

Other ways to avoid mosquito bites

• Wear long‐sleeved shirts and pants. • Make sure door and window screens in your home fit and have no holes. • Reduce mosquito hatching sites on your property by eliminating standing water.


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Reading for meaning

Read the following statements. Identify whether the statements are true or false.

(Answers can be found in the appendix).

1. ____ Getting a severe illness from mosquitos is rare.

2. ____ You should put repellent on your clothes because mosquitos can bite through

fabric.

3. ____ Mosquitos lay their eggs in still (not moving) water.

4. ____ You should not let water stand around your yard for more than a day.

5. ____ Clean your eavestroughs regularly to prevent blockages.

6. ____ If your family forgets to close the door, you should consider putting in locks.

7. ____ Any mosquito can transmit the West Nile virus to humans.

8. ____ Before using insect repellent, read the label carefully.

9. ____ You should try to avoid inhaling spray repellents by using them in well ventilated

places.

10. ____ If you develop a skin irritation, you should call the Poison Control Centre.

11. ____ The only active ingredient in insect repellents in Canada is DEET.

12. ____ Repellents containing citronella or lavender are not recommended.

13. ____ 15% DEET will protect a person for 6 hours from mosquitos.

14. ____If you are using repellent and sunscreen, first put on the repellent and let it soak

in for 20 minutes, then apply the sunscreen.

15. ____ Do not put insect repellent on children under 6 months old.

16. ____ For children between 6 months and 2 years old you should use repellent

sparingly and only once a day if in a high‐risk area.

17. ____ There is research to show an unborn baby is harmed when a pregnant woman

uses DEET.

18. ____Oil of Eucalyptus is another insect repellent that will provide protection for more

than 2 hours.

19. ____ Protect yourself from mosquito bites by wearing long‐sleeved shirts and pants.

20. ____ Repair any holes in your doors and windows so mosquitos won’t lay their eggs

there.


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Reading Strategies

Reading Strategies

The goal of the reading strategies of the monthly feature is to help you become a better reader of all reading texts – not just this text.

Dictionary strategies

An English language dictionary (rather than a translation dictionary) can be a very useful resource for an English language learner.

Think of the dictionary as a way to check on the meaning of some unfamiliar words, especially those words that really get in the way of understanding a sentence. Before you check the dictionary, try to guess the meaning of the word. Think of the dictionary as a double check on your best guess.

Every dictionary is organized differently but most dictionaries will contain the following elements:

Pronunciation symbols The part of speech of the word: verb (v), phrasal verb (phr v) noun (n), pronoun

(pron), adjective (adj), adverb (adv), and preposition (prep) Definition – listed if more than one meaning is possible

If you use a particular kind of dictionary called a learners’ version, it can also include helpful features such as example sentences to show the word in use or synonyms.

An online dictionary will include the same information but may also have the added bonus of an audio feature that provides a model of how to pronounce the word.

These words are all on the last page of the reading. Find the words in the reading and try to guess their meanings. Look up these words using a learners’ dictionary – a paper version or one online and answer the following questions. Suggested answers in the appendix

complications:

Part of speech (Noun, verb, adv, adj,) ____________

Other grammar info (ex: count or non‐count noun) _____________________________

How many definitions are there?_________________

Which definition is most appropriate for this word in our reading? ___________________________________________________________________________


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Example sentence (try to make your own) ___________________________________________________________________________

Did the dictionary help you better understand the word? ____________________________

sparingly:







indication:







applied:








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Writing Activity

Imagine that your friends are moving to Alberta. Send them an email informing the about West Nile virus and give them advice about how to protect themselves from the mosquitoes here in Alberta. Use the information from the listening as well as the reading above to help you write your email. Giving advice The text above gives suggestions about how to protect yourself from being bitten by mosquitos. In your email, think about some ways to give advice. You could use modals, such as:

Could: Could here is a friendly suggestion. You could wear pants and a long‐sleeve shirt. Should: The modal should is a stronger suggestion. It includes a kind of moral emphasis of your advice/opinion. You should close the doors and windows so mosquitos don’t get into your house. Must: Must is much stronger than could and emphasizes that you feel very strongly about the advice you are giving and do not think it is optional. You must not put DEET on babies under 6 months old. Need: The modal need emphasises that it is the person receiving the advice will get some internal benefit from the advice. You need to read the labels of all insect repellent before you use it.

A sample email can be found in the answer key.


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Links

For information about a variety of health issues that may affect people living in Alberta, including

growing up healthy, eating healthy, preventing infections, immunizations, diseases and conditions,

and injury and prevention check out Alberta Health’s informative website.

http://www.health.alberta.ca/health‐information.html

For more information about West Nile Virus in Alberta, including history, how it is transmitted,

Alberta’s response plan and information for health professionals you can check out this link.

http://www.health.alberta.ca/health‐info/west‐nile‐virus.html

To practice your pronunciation with even more tongue twisters check out this International

Collection of Tongue Twisters by Mr. Twister.

http://www.uebersetzung.at/twister/en.htm

Watch a podcast interview on Tap Your App with Rob McCrady about how to build your own game

for under $5000. While being very interesting this video will also help you develop your listening

skills as it has the transcripts printed below.

http://blog.tapfortap.com/rob‐mccrady‐discusses‐how‐to‐build‐a‐great‐game‐for‐under‐5000

Check out the slick graphics of Infinity Control with this YouTube video

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=G5AOjD56R4I

To download Infinity Control from iTunes

https://itunes.apple.com/ca/app/infinity‐control‐starseed/id422627169?mt=8


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Appendix ‐ Answer Keys

Pre‐listening vocabulary

1. When we study another language it can be difficult to see progress because there is so

much to learn and remember.

2. My brother is very allergic to bees. When he gets bit he has a severe reaction.

3. You should always cover your mouth when you sneeze because your germs or cold may

be contagious .

4. My friend contracted her cold from her daughter’s daycare, where many of the kids

were sick.

5. We go to the library once a week because of my daughter’s enthusiasm for reading.

My son is the opposite. It is rare to see him with a book in his hand.

6. At work I must collaborate with my team to finish projects successfully.

7. I hate running so for exercise I like to walk briskly in the river valley. I also try to do

squats every day because they strengthen my leg muscles.

8. Two years ago my grandfather had a stroke , now he has difficulty walking and moving

the left side of his body, but his mind is still sharp.

9. We got my grandfather an iPad, so he can more easily interface with family members

that live in other provinces.

10. Through physiotherapy and much help from doctors and family members my

grandfather has been able to make an impressive comeback .

11. In the summer many people go to the lakes for vacation. Make sure you have life

jackets for everyone and obey water safety rules so no one drowns .

12. When you get a sunburn your skin will be bright red and sensitive .

13. Wearing sunblock is critical to preventing sunburn. Make sure you reapply it often,

especially after swimming.

14. It is the slick graphics in the movie that made it a hit this year.

15. Teenagers often struggle to find their purpose in life, but once they have set some

goals they can be unstoppable.


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Listening for meaning

1. What did Rob McCrady create?

He created Infinity Control. It is a game that has space crafts and slick graphics.

2. What happened to Rob McCrady in the fall of 2007?

While visiting his parent’s cabin at lake Newell he was bit by a mosquito that had West Nile virus.

3. Rob likely contracted West Nile virus. What were some of the symptoms he experienced?

He first thought he had the flu. He was very weak. He had massive migraines (headaches). He lost control of his speech and body. His body attacked its own immune system. He lost lots of weight.

4. Who is Laura Wilson and how did she help Rob?

She is Rob’s speech therapist. She helped Rob learn how to speak again.

5. What were the steps/ the process Laura Wilson used to help Rob learn how to speak again?

First they started with ‘ahhhs,’ then they practiced saying words. Next he relearned singing, then phrases, then sentences and finally tongue twisters. Now Rob can carry on a conversation.

6. How has swimming helped Rob McCrady recover?

Rob has relearned how to walk in the water. Swimming has improved his standing; his balance. Swimming has given him more freedom.

7. Why does Rob wear socks in the swimming pool?

He wears socks in the pool because of the nerve damage caused by the disease which has made his skin very sensitive to touch.

8. What is Rob’s purpose in life now?

Rob’s purpose in life is to work on his gaming App Infinity Control, and to develop more games like it in the future.

9. How have Rob’s parents helped and participated in his new purpose?


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Rob’s parents have learned how to use new technology so they can interface with their son. The whole family is enjoying using iPads, iPods, iPhones and laptops.

10. How has Rob reached out to the community?

He has shown stroke patients how to check the weather using an iPad and he has set up a Wii gaming center at the local long term care facility.

11. What does Rob’s mother think is amazing about her son?

She thinks it is amazing that he takes no drugs for pain or depression. She also believes he has responded better to the circumstances than his parents have.

12. What gives Rob McCrady motivation to keep pushing forward?

Since Infinity Control has been available thousands of people have already downloaded the game. This has motivated Rob to continue to develop new games.


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Listening strategies – Note taking

Grammar – types of nouns

determined (adj) verb: determine noun: determination

adj. (negative): undetermined adj. (before) predetermined

experience (verb) noun: experience adjective: experienced

adjective (not): inexperienced

Rob McCrady

West Nile virus ‐ Llu symptoms ‐ body attacks immune system ‐ weight loss ‐ migraine headaches ‐nerve damage ‐loss of speech and body

Rob's Recovery

His parents ‐ take him swimming every day ‐bought him technology like the iPad for him to use ‐ have learned how to interface with this new technology ‐ have supported their son and are proud of his recovery

Laura Wilson ‐ Speech therapist ‐uses tongue twisters ‐ helped Rob learn to speak again

Purpose in life ‐ to continue to develop computer games ‐ to be a successful indie game developer

InLinity Control ‐ Gaming App ‐spaceships colliding ‐ slick graphics ‐ good reviews ‐thousands have downloaded

2007 ‐ Rob visited his parents cabin a Lake Newell ‐Rob was bit by mosquitos


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progress (v/n) noun: progression adjective: progressive adjective (not): unprogressive adverb: progressively

collaborate (verb) adjective: collaborative adverb: collaboratively

developer (noun) verb: develop noun: development

verb (again): redevelop noun (again): redevelopment

adjective (not): undeveloped adjective: underdeveloped

expert (noun) noun: expertise adverb: expertly

regular (adjective) verb: regulate adjective: regulated

adverb: regularly adjective (not): irregular

adjective (again): reregulated adjective (not): unregulated

technology (noun) adjective: technological adverb: technologically

consider(verb) adjective: considerate adverb: considerately

noun: consideration verb (again): reconsider

adjective (not): inconsiderate

facility (noun) verb: facilitate

determined (adj) verb: determine noun: determiner

adjective (negative): undetermined

Reading Activity Pre‐reading vocabulary

1. infection F A. think about

2. precaution I B. something that does not react as usual; different from the norm

3. repellent M C. highest level of activity

4. DEET H D. to breathe in

5. exposed O E. transferred from one thing to another; spread

6. peak C F. a disease or illness caused by germs


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7. inflatable K G. small bits of garbage or waste

8. exception B H. Diethyl‐meta‐toluamide, the most common chemical in insect repellent

9. debris G I. an action to prevent something bad from happening

10. eavestrough P J. good air flow; fresh air available

11. consider A K. will increase in size when air is pumped in.

12. enclosure N L. something bothering or annoying

13. transmitted E M. a substance that keeps insects away

14. discontinue Q N. a fence or a wall that surrounds or shuts in something

15. ventilated J O. open to the air; not covered or protected

16. inhale D P. hung from the roof of buildings to collect and direct rain water

17. irritation L Q. to stop producing

Reading for meaning

1. True Getting a severe illness from mosquitos is rare.

2. True You should put repellent on your clothes because mosquitos can bite through

fabric.

3. True Mosquitos lay their eggs in still water.

4. False You should not let water stand around your yard for more than a day.

5. True Clean your eavestroughs regularly to prevent blockages.

6. False If your family forgets to close the door, you should consider installing locks.

7. False Any mosquito can transmit the West Nile virus to humans.

8. True Before using insect repellent read the label carefully.

9. True You should try to avoid inhaling spray repellents by using them in well

ventilated places.

10. False If you develop a skin irritation, you should call the Poison Control Centre.

11. False The only active ingredient in insect repellents in Canada is DEET.

12. True Repellents containing citronella or lavender are not recommended.


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13. False 15% DEET will protect a person for 6 hours from mosquitos.

14. False If you are using repellent and sunscreen, first put on the repellent and let it

soak in for 20 minutes, then apply the sunscreen.

15. True Do not put insect repellent on children under 6 months old.

16. True For children between 6 months and 2 years old you should use repellent

sparingly and only once a day if in a high‐risk area.

17. False There is research to show an unborn baby is harmed when a pregnant woman

uses DEET.

18. False Oil of Eucalyptus is another insect repellent that will provide protection for

more than 2 hours.

19. True Protect yourself from mosquito bites by wearing long‐sleeved shirts and pants.

20. False Repair any holes in your doors and windows so mosquitos won’t lay their eggs

there.

Reading Strategies Answers using Longman Dictionary of Contemporary English for advanced learners (2009) Pearson Education Limited ‐ your answers may be different

complications:

Part of speech (noun, verb, adv, adj,) noun

Other grammar info (ex: count or non‐count noun) countable and uncountable

How many definitions are there? 2

Which definition is most appropriate for this word in our reading? A medical problem or illness that happens (while someone is already ill)

Example sentence: Mosquito bites are itchy but if they are from mosquitos with West Nile virus there could be other complications.

Did the dictionary help you better understand the word? Yes

sparingly:

Part of speech (Noun, verb, adv, adj,) adverb

Other grammar info (ex: count or non‐count noun) no


Which definition is most appropriate for this word in our reading?


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Using or doing only a little of something

Example sentence: We should use DEET sparingly.

Did the dictionary help you better understand the word? yes

indication:

Part of speech (Noun, verb, adv, adj,) noun

Other grammar info (ex: count or non‐count noun) countable and uncountable, an academic word, in the top 3000 spoken and written English words

How many definitions are there? one

Which definition is most appropriate for this word in our reading? A sign, remark, event etc. that shows what is happening, what someone is thinking or feeling, or what is true.

Example sentence: I am waiting for an indication from my teacher that my assignment was well done.

Did the dictionary help you better understand the word? I thought the definition was confusing for the word in the context of the reading.

applied:

Part of speech (Noun, verb, adv, adj,) verb

Other grammar info (ex: count or non‐count noun) in the top 1000 spoken and written words


Which definition is most appropriate for this word in our reading?

To spread something such as paint, liquid, or medicine onto a surface

Example sentence: When I was a child my mother applied my sunscreen for me.

Did the dictionary help you better understand the word? yes


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Writing activity – example email

Dear _________, I am so excited you and your family have decided to move to Alberta this summer. I know you will really enjoy living in this beautiful, friendly province. Before you come I want to let you know about something I saw in the news the other day. Have you heard of West Nile virus? It is a virus that is spread by mosquitos. It is rare here in Alberta, but it is still possible to get it. If you get West Nile virus you may suffer headaches, flu‐like symptoms, and you could even lose speech and body functions in severe cases. We learned about a few precautions we can take so we do not contract this disease. I want to share some of this advice with you before you come to Alberta. You need to avoid getting bit by mosquitos. You could wear long sleeved shirts and pants. You could also use insect repellent that has DEET or Oil of eucalyptus. DEET is the most effective, but you must read the instructions carefully. You should use DEET sparingly on children. You must never use DEET on babies under 6 months old. You should put DEET on in a well‐ventilated area. In Alberta we need to close all the doors and windows of our house so mosquitos do not come in. You should use screens on our doors and windows to let in fresh air. Mosquitos lay their eggs in still water, so you should not have buckets of water in our yard. You need to clean the eavestroughs so water does not collect. Also, you should not water our grass too much. I hope you find this advice helpful. I look forward to seeing you in Alberta soon. Sincerely, _______________


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Appendix – Transcript

SPEAKER WEST NILE GAMER

0:10 Sally Haney This is Infinity Control, the creation of 30‐year‐old Rob McCrady. Rob demonstrates the

game using his finger to dock spacecraft before they collide with one another. The

graphics are slick, the reviews in the gaming world are good. But anyone who knows Rob

will tell you they would expect nothing less.

0:31 Janet McCrady Well for starters, he’s very, very smart and very, very inspiring.

0:36 Sally Haney He’s also very determined.

0:40 Rob McCrady I have to push myself even though my hands hurt. I’d still push through without them

being

0:51 Sally Haney To understand Rob’s pain, we have to go back to the fall of 2007. Rob was visiting his

parents cabin a Lake Newell. While sitting on the deck that weekend, Rob remembers

getting bitten by a mosquito. The next week he experienced what he thought was the

worst flu of his life. He could barely lift a glass of water to his mouth.

1:11 Rob McCrady And massive migraines. I started to get double vision.

1:19 Sally Haney Soon he would be in hospital where over the next several months he would lose control

of his speech and his body. Rob’s medical team told him he had likely contracted West

Nile virus. His body attacked its own immune system, a rare and severe reaction. At 6

foot 3, Rob went from 180 to 118 pounds.

1:39 Laura Wilson So then let’s just do ‘ahhhh…’

1:42 Rob McCrady Ahhh…

1:45 Sally Haney Laura Wilson is Rob’s speech therapist.

1:49 Laura Wilson When we first started you laid in bed and you could maybe do 5 ‘ahhh,’ ‘ahhh,’ ‘ahhh,’

‘ahhh.’ Then we pushed that to words and to singing, to phrases ,to sentences, to tongue

twisters . And now you can carry on a conversation an hour with two strangers. So, you

know plus you got head and neck control. You can bend your head, you can turn to look

at people. That wasn’t there before. It was… Ya, you were kinda like a noodle.

Lighter than that one. Good. ‘K’


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2:33 Sally Haney For the past three years Laura has been part of his comeback. So have his mom and dad,

Janet and Gary McCrady, who nearly every day take their only son to the rec centre. Rob

powers ahead in his wheelchair, his parents walking briskly behind.

2:49 Gary McCrady Almost every day if we’re not got something else going on; we go swimming as often as

we can. So it’s almost every day.

2:59 Janet McCrady It’s really improved his standing and his walking in the pool.

3:06 Rob McCrady I’m able to walk in the water, and so I feel it has given me more freedom than I would

otherwise.

3:17 Sally Haney In the pool Rob wears white tube socks, not because he is cold but because nerve

damage has made his feet, hands even his clean shaven face extremely sensitive to

contact.

3:28 Rob McCrady Shaving is a nightmare.

3:31 Sally Haney So why don’t you go Grizzly Adams.

3:33 Rob McCrady Mom doesn’t let me.

3:36 Sally Haney Those controlling mothers.

With his dad behind him, Rob begins to work out doing kicks and squats.

3:48 Janet McCrady See he can balance himself now. Before, if we ever left him like that, he would have just

tipped himself over, then he would have drowned. Now, he’s fine.

3:58 Rob McCrady It’s a slow progress, but I just have to keep fighting.

4:07 Sally Haney Part of the fight has been to find a purpose.

Between appointments with therapists and workouts at the pool, Rob has worked on his

gaming app Infinity Control every day for the past 8 months. Today he Skypes with a

game developer in Munich who helped Rob on the programing side of things. He has also

Skyped to collaborate with a graphic artist in Ukraine and a music track expert in Detroit.

Another critical tool for Rob is his iPad and its glass surface. Ranking his pain‐to‐touch

out of 10, Rob says a regular keyboard is an 8 or 9. The iPad gets a 1.


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4:45 Rob McCrady First play…

4:47 Sally Haney Rob’s enthusiasm for all things techy is contagious. Rob’s mom Janet says everyone in

the house is outfitted with their own iPad, iPod, iPhone and laptop.

4:58 Janet McCrady We’ve been able to interface with all of his technology and it is easier if all three of us are

on the same level. Ya, it has been way easier. It’s so cool.

5:09 Sally Haney Janet has also seen her son reach out to the community. He has shown stroke patients

how to check the weather using an iPad. He has set up a Wii gaming center at the local

long term care facility.

5:20 Janet McCrady He’s not focused on himself anymore; he’s just focused on creating something.

5:26 Sally Haney Through it all his mother is amazed that he takes no drugs for pain or depression.

5:31 Janet McCrady Considering everything, he really responded way better than probably we did. Umm, he

just seemed to accept it.

5:41 Rob McCrady I could really easily just like given up fighting and just pass away. But that might be the

point. I wouldn’t like, I wouldn’t have made this great game, or any future games I am

about to make. It’s much better to have like a purpose in life.

6:13 Salley Haney In a few short weeks Infinity Control has been available thousands of people have already

downloaded the game. A development Rob says gives him motivation to keep pushing

forward as an indie game developer. For CBC Radio, I’m Sally Haney.

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