Answer Close-Reading Questions
Have students write their responses or use the Close-Reading Questions to guide a discussion.
• What is illiteracy? Why is it a huge problem? (Domain-Specific Vocabulary)
Illiteracy is when someone isn’t able to read or write. About 780 million people around the world struggle with illiteracy, including tens of millions of Americans. People who are illiterate are less likely to complete school, can have a harder time finding jobs, and are more likely to suffer from poor health.
• How has Chance Wilson taken action to combat illiteracy? (Key Details)
Chance started the nonprofit Wilson Global Initiative in 2014. He began by recruiting volunteers in Baton Rouge, Louisiana, to read to students and give them books. He expanded his program in other cities in the U.S., Asia, and Africa. Last year, his organization launched a free app called Lyra by WGI that it developed with General Electric to help teach people basic reading and writing skills.
• What does Chance mean when he says “Words have the power to change the world”? (Making Meaning)
Chance means that literacy can change people’s lives and the world. Words allow people to communicate with each other and work together to solve problems. Reading also allows people to gain information and enjoy stories. Words can also change the world because, as the article explains, illiteracy can affect nearly every part of someone’s everyday life.