Chapter 6: Drawing Conclusions (Briefs and Shorts for Your Thoughts)
VI. Drawing Conclusions (Briefs and Shorts for Your Thoughts)
As you read and reread this chapter, the collection of short texts will help you to develop your ability to draw conclusions. By examining content, the keys to performing this task successfully are knowing what to look for, what to do with it when you find it and how to make sense of the information you find based on the clues or evidence present. This chapter is home to 12 passages that are carefully designed to bring out the detective in you. Moreover, the more you read them, the better you will become at drawing conclusions. The passages in this chapter are designed to challenge and hone your investigative skills by getting you to apply these strategies and concepts to the Bahamian context: your context.
Chapter 6
The Lemonade Stand Open matching workbook questions
On Windsor Park there used to be a man who had a lemonade stand. He used to sell his freshly squeezed glasses of lemonade for only one dollar. After working or playing in the burning summer heat, it was always a pleasure to stop there to buy one of his native drinks made from water, native lemons and sugar. Lemonade, also known as switcher on Bahamian shores, is most invigorating when poured over a glass of ice. You can drink it at anytime of the day with a sweet pastry or two or whatever occasion works best for you. Switcher is a quick and easy drink to make, and it won’t cost you very much. Just make sure you use native lemons, for they taste different from the others and are just right to add that peculiar oomph to a classic drink that has been a big hit among Bahamians for generations.
Bahamian Life Open matching workbook questions
Life in the Bahamas is a culturally-enriching experience. Although our quality of life is met with challenges many of our Bahamian people still remain focused on the stories, experiences and expressions that no doubt define the Bahamian narrative. A large part of our culture is our unique way of life. To further add beauty to the uniqueness of the Bahamian experience are the beautiful beaches, sandy shores, and liquid-sunshine skies. In addition, amazing birds such as flamingoes, and the Bahama parrot remind us constantly of mother nature’s generosity by these precious gifts.
Liquid Sunshine Open matching workbook questions
When it rains on a sunny day in The Bahamas, Bahamians call it liquid sunshine. It is not the sun that produces the liquid but actual rain falling very lightly from the clouds. This phenomenon sometimes occurs intermittently and other times continuously on sunny, rainy days on the island. Some say the feeling of lukewarm raindrops on the skin reminds them of taking a lukewarm shower.
Hurricanes Open matching workbook questions
The Bahamas is known for having hurricanes. From June 1 to November 30 every year the window to the hurricane season opens and closes. During this period, the level of concern is high as Bahamians monitor the weather forecast for critical information on the development of storms in the tropics. Officially, a storm becomes a hurricane when the wind speeds reach 74 MPH. Over the years, global warming has become a growing concern as the waters in The Bahamas continue to get warmer, providing the perfect breeding ground for hurricanes that could potentially become quite destructive.
Although The Bahamas has had many perilous hurricanes in the past, none has been more cataclysmic than hurricane Dorian. This category 5 storm has devastated the islands of Grand Bahama and Abaco, leaving the islands and their residents in total disarray – homes destroyed, trees uprooted, lives displaced and love ones missing. Considering the devastation of hurricanes, it is important to pay attention the warnings and to take all precautions necessary to ensure safety.
Island Hopping Open matching workbook questions
The Bahamas is an island paradise. It has seven hundred islands, rocks and cays. Many of its islands are a beauty to behold and modern development has not yet spoiled all of the landscape. Besides tourists who visit the islands, true Bahamians at heart love to island hop and enjoy all that the islands have to offer.
About 20 of the family islands are inhabited wit New Providence having the greatest population. Other islands, such as, Abaco, Acklins, Andros, Bimini, Berry Island, Cat Island, Crooked Island, Grand Bahama, Eleuthera, Exuma,, Inagua, Mayaguana, Rugged Island, San Salvador and others all have something unique and different to offer. Depending on the time of year and the island visited, Bahamians and tourists alike who visit the islands can enjoy regattas, food festivals of all kinds, fish, catch crabs, explore mangroves, discover the mystical blue holes and more.
Mother’s Warning Open matching workbook questions
Across the street from here, is a big house with many glass windows. Every day after school, my friends and I play ball in the big backyard. While we were playing ball yesterday, my mother looked through the kitchen window, and reminded us not to throw the ball across the street. Shortly after her warning, I pitched it high; I through it forcefully, and the ball sored across the street, crashing into the big glass window, of our neighbor’s house. Suddenly, I heard a loud crash, and there were pieces of shattered glass everywhere. Because of my disobedience, I will have to do my household chores without an allowance for one months, so that my mother can replace our neighbour’s broken window. It really pays to listen.
The Intruder Open matching workbook questions
The sign on my property says no trespassing. It is clear for everyone to see. On my property, there are many fruit trees on the land. These sometimes tempt the onlookers. Most of the fruit that is grown on my property is prepared and sold to market. I find it to be a very profitable business. Despite the no trespassing sign, I have had trouble from people in the neighborhood who will rather take first and ask questions later.
Last night, while lying in bed, I heard the sound of footsteps. When I looked out of the window, I saw a figure dressed in a brown hoodie, holding a big crocus sack. Moments later, I observed the figure heading toward the mango tree in my backyard. With a quick thrust of the body, the intruder darted up the mango tree and started picking mangoes. I’ll tell you this much. That thief who ignored the warning sign, would think twice before ever disregarding the rules as he was carted off my property in handcuffs.
The Robber Open matching workbook questions
On the island of Inagua, it's very peaceful and serene. Some say it is the best secret in the Bahamas. Well, it just might be, considering it is the home of lots of amazing wild life such as, pink flamingos, wild donkeys, and wild hogs. Growing up, I've always enjoyed living here. The island folk get along like one big happy family despite the occasional misunderstandings, we all love each other, care for each other, and look out for each other. I couldn't have asked to be born in a better hometown. After completing the activities of the day, my family and I would normally gather outside beneath the old mango tree to tell stories, riddles and jokes. I always look forward to this time because it allows me to spend quality moments with my loved ones.
Yesterday evening we had such a good time. We normally turn in by 6:00; however, all of the fun and merriment we were having caused us to lose track of the time. Consequently, we ended up turning in for the night at 9:00. We were all so tired from the events of the day. As is custom on the family island, no one ever locks their windows and doors. Exhausted, we all went to bed for a good night's rest. Unfortunately, what should've been a good night’s rest turned out to be a night of horror.
After being asleep, for what I thought was ages, I was awakened by a loud crashing sound. Moments later, I heard loud screams of help, please help me, coming from the bedrooms across the hall. Could I be dreaming, no I was not. The voice I heard were those of my parents and siblings. Frantically, I jumped out of bed and rushed toward the bedroom door. Oh, my God! It was locked shut! When I peeped through the little hole in the door, I saw a man across the hall dressed in all black brandishing a fishing gun and a long bow. Even worse, I saw my family tied up with fishing line. As I tried to figure out what was really happening, I saw the man opening the large chest where my family kept all of our life savings. In all my days, I never dreamed something like this would ever happen on the island of Inagua. time is of the essence. What should I do to save my family?
The Island Ghosts
On the family islands in The Bahamas, many stories have been told of ghosts roaming the islands. Whether this is true or not, we will never know. Yet, there is a strong sense that these pesky imps do exist based on tales I heard from old people that I met at one time or another during my childhood. What I was made to believe is that ghosts usually make their presence felt at midnight. Whenever ghosts were present, you would get this eerie feeling similar to goose bumps and the hairs on your head would stand up. As they are spirits, their non-physical forms float above the ground, and their structures are awkward-looking with their heads and bodies all-in-one with their necks and limbs missing, appearing to be dressed in black or white clothing or the clothing in which they were buried.
Before I was a young apple on the tree, it was told to me that a very long time ago on the family islands, the lands were filled with nothing but bushes and trees. After the sun set and darkness fell upon the land, residents on the islands thought it wise to remain in doors as there was no light and spirits freely walked the earth during the darkness. Ghosts appeared and disappeared in and out of residents home as if they were occupants, especially if they once lived there. While islanders slept in their beds at nights, they were sometimes awoken by weird noises, rendered speechless and petrified, sometimes feeling like they’re being choaked with two cold hands or strong arms around the neck. For many islanders, this feeling was quite unsettling as the ghosts became so bold and so unruly, they began to traverse the land during the day time. Even worse, toilets could be heard being flushed with absolutely no one in the bathrooms, cups, plates and spoons tumbling loudly in the kitchen, while light switches being turned on and off and doors being slammed by ghosts.
In the years that followed, things began to change as more and more of the family islands became inhabited. Much of the bushes were cleared away, making way for well-lit streets and homes. Many homes on the islands were build close to graveyards while others were build on top of gravesites. Like it or not, this is one unchangeable reality. However, with time and prayers, the dust began to settle and those restless spirits eventually found a resting place. Needless to say, every now and then, islanders still report paranormal activity or ghost sightings on the islands, but nothing like those encounters once experienced by our ancestors.
Bahamian People Open matching workbook questions
You are Bahamian and don’t you ever forget it. You need to be proud of who you are. Love yourself, appreciate your uniqueness and celebrate your identity. Bahamian people are a rare and special breed endowed with beauty, brilliance, talents and gifts. Bahamians are a godly people with a good heart, infectious smile, amicable personality, mixed together with a spirit of humility and gentleness. No matter where in the world you travel, you won’t ever find another quite like Bahamian people, for we are one of a kind. Although our nation is represented on the world map as only a dot, that tiny little dot has great power that permeates every nook and cranny of the world. So, when you meet Bahamian people, you are always welcomed by island natives of warmth, whose sincere and loving arms of receptivity will make you feel right at home.
Bey! Where You Come From? Open matching workbook questions
Look at the way I am dressed, listen to how I speak and observe my cultural uniqueness. You ask where I come from. The Bahamas, Of course. I am Bahamian through and through. No one anywhere in this world is the same as I am. In case you are wondering the term “bey” means boy. It’s a friendly way to refer to any male figure who comes from The Bahamas. With the understanding of the word, when you hear someone using the word in The Bahamas or abroad, you will instantly know that this three-letter word has its roots in The Bahamas. As Bahamians, don’t you ever be ashamed of that which makes you who you are.
Eating for Comfort Open matching workbook questions
Life can be very stressful at times. When this happens, many people find themselves eating for comfort. Undoubtedly, this practice is not a very good one. More often than not, it results in weight gain and other health issues. Although Bahamians are fully aware of this, they often see their problems as an opportunity to eat and eat some more. As you know, The cuisine in The Bahamas is superb, so the temptation to indulge become more enticing to craving palates. Believe me, even though there are other alternatives to relieve stress, like talking to friends, exercising or listening to music, Bahamians prefer to resort to the appetizing buffet with an assortment of native dishes to bring them comfort from all their troubles.
VII. Problem Solving (Utilities, Service Providers and World-Class Resorts)
It is no secret that problem solving is one of the more difficult things to do with a high degree of efficiency. In this chapter, this concept will be introduced along with tasks and strategies to solve them. While you read the seven passages, you will be introduced to a number of tasks designed to challenge your thinking and to test your ability to make sound decisions. In addition, the level of difficulty in some tasks will present greater hurdles than others. Nonetheless, the various tasks will teach you to develop more effective problem-solving and sound decision-making skills as you learn to respond to all of life’s challenges.