Speed Reading — Caremongering - Level 6 — 500 wpm 

Now do this put-the-text-back-together activity.

This is the text (if you need help).

A new term has emerged with the advent of the coronavirus outbreak. The word "caremongering" started trending after acts of kindness in Canada. The word comes from the less positive word "scaremongering" which is a recognised part of the English lexicon. It is not yet known whether the word "caremongering" will stay around long enough for dictionary editors to include it in future editions of their word lists. "Caremongering" arose after Canadians found new ways of helping vulnerable people during the COVID-19 virus. Social media is helping to spread the concept across Canada. Within 72 hours of the term trending, over 35 Facebook groups were set up with more than 30,000 members.

The founders of the first caremongering group spoke about the meaning of the name. Valentina Harper told the BBC: "Scaremongering is a big problem. We wanted to switch that around and get people to connect on a positive level, to connect with each other." She added: "Caremongering has spread the opposite of panic in people, brought out community and camaraderie, and allowed us to tackle the needs of those who are at risk." Ms Harper explained why caremongering was important in society. She said: "Anxiety, isolation and lack of hope affects you....This virtual community...is really showing people there is still hope for humanity. We haven't lost our hope."

Comprehension questions
  1. What kinds of acts brought about the word "caremongering"?
  2. Where word does the word "caremongering" come from?
  3. When will the word "caremongering" enter future dictionaries?
  4. Who did Canadians help?
  5. How many people have joined Facebook caremongering groups?
  6. Who is Valentina Harper?
  7. Who said scaremongering was a big problem?
  8. What does caremongering spread the opposite of?
  9. What did caremongering bring out besides community?
  10. What did Ms Harper say people had not lost?

Back to the caremongering lesson.

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