Author's Point of View and Purpose

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Read the short passage and answer the questions.

"Electric cars are the future of transportation. They reduce pollution, save money on fuel, and rely on renewable energy sources. While some people argue that electric cars are too expensive or that the batteries harm the environment, the long-term benefits outweigh the drawbacks."

Author’s Point of View - The author’s opinion, perspective, or attitude toward the topic.

Author’s Purpose - The reason why the author wrote the text—usually to inform, persuade, entertain, or explain.

Evidence - Facts, details, or examples from the text that support the author’s point of view or purpose.

Claim - The main point or argument the author is making.

Conflicting Viewpoints - point of view that are the opposite of the author’s view.

Soup Spell

A sprinkle of this, a dash of that, stir it all up in a big, black vat. No, we’re not talking spellcasting over a bubbling cauldron like a witch. We’re talking about soup, people. Soup.

What is better than a steaming bowl of your favorite soup on a chilly day? Nothing warms you up from the inside out more than a hot broth full of tasty ingredients. Soup knows how to take care of you, often allowing you to meet your daily quota for vegetables in a single serving. Carrots, potatoes, butternut squash, and an array of other veggies, potentially grown by your own hands in your own yard, give a hearty dose of the nutrients your body needs. Add in lean

proteins and whole grains, and you’re consuming a superfood every time your spoon shovels up a heap and pours it down your piehole . . . or souphole, as it were.

Soup also keeps you hydrated with its liquid base. In the winter, we sometimes drink less because we’re not hot and sweaty. We still lose fluids through our daily activities, though. Soup is a great way to replenish those lost fluids. We can also boost our immune systems by eating soups loaded with disease-fighting nutrients. Research shows that chicken soup can help prevent the common cold, particularly if the ingredients include garlic, onions, celery, and carrots, which all contain immune-boosting chemicals. If you’ve already gotten sick, soup can still help you fight off the infection and soothe a sore throat.

Hmm . . . maybe there is some witch’s magic in soup.

In addition to being the ultimate comfort food, soup is also inexpensive, easy to make, and has the potential for leftovers. Broth is flavored water. If you use more broth and vegetables, you can include smaller amounts of more expensive ingredients such as chicken and fish. Soup is also something that people of all cooking skill levels can master. Precision is often optional when making soup. This allows people to cook more from their instincts and personal tastes. Substitutions are easily made and sometimes lead to the discovery of a whole new recipe. Preparing a large cauldron (yeah, let’s go with cauldron) of soup can provide several meals. This saves both time and effort. In many cases, leftover soup tastes even better because the flavors have had time to combine and intensify. An added bonus is the ability to freeze soup to store for later.

Not everyone is so enchanted with soup, though. Some people feel soup doesn’t satisfy them as much as more solid foods. Adding a side salad or some fresh, crusty bread solves that issue. Others complain that some soups have lengthy simmering times or time-consuming prep before actually cooking. Not all soups are quick and easy, but considering how much time you have should factor into which soup you decide to make. Limited flavor profiles are another common criticism of soup, which can sometimes be bland when compared to more complex dishes. Again, it all depends on which soups you choose and how you prepare them. A bowl of chili, for example, can span the range of mild to inferno-in-your-mouth levels depending on the ingredients a witch—excuse me, a cook—adds.

Some people also argue that soup has seasonal limitations. We mostly think of eating hot soup during cold weather, but recipes do exist for cold soup, too. Chilled cucumber soup and gazpacho, for example, are served cold. They are just as delicious as hot soups. A dedicated soup fan can find recipes for every season if so inclined.

If you want to stay healthy, hydrated, and not trouble yourself with hours and hours of toiling away in the kitchen, you should definitely conjure up some bubbling soup to enjoy.

EXIT TICKET

"Some people believe that video games are a waste of time, but research shows that playing certain games can actually improve problem-solving and teamwork skills. When used in moderation, video games can be a fun and educational tool."