RB D UNIT 3 READING 2 “I ♥ Pluto"

“I ♥ Pluto"

In the editorial “I ♥ Pluto,” the author humorously defends the right of Pluto to be
called a planet. He admits that his opinion is emotional and sentimental, but he
hopes that scientists will allow Pluto to remain the ninth planet of the solar
system. In August 2006, scientists of the International Astronomical Union voted
that Pluto was no longer a planet. According to these scientists, a planet must
orbit the sun, have a round shape, and have a certain type of orbit. Pluto orbits
the sun and has a round shape, but it has an unusual orbit. Because of this,
Pluto is considered a dwarf planet, but not a planet.


Key Words
astronomy
celestial
eccentric
proposed
revolution
terrestrial

Academic Words
biased = unfair because of a preference or dislike of something 
➡ As an astronomer who had studied Pluto
for years, the woman was biased about
Pluto’s importance.


debate = formal discussion of a subject in which people express differing opinions
 ➡ When I take part in a debate, I always make
sure I am prepared to argue my point.

define = clearly show what something is or means ➡ Astronomers worked together to define what a planet is.

objectively = not influenced by a person’s feelings, beliefs, or ideas 
➡She had a strong opinion about the decision,
so it was not easy for her to listen to both
sides objectively.

Word Study: Prefixes
A prefix is a group of letters added to the beginning of a word. When
you add a prefix to a word, you change its meaning and make a new
word. 

Highlighted Words

• oust, force out of a position of power
• abashed, embarrassed or ashamed
• Hubble, powerful orbiting telescope that takes
• photos of the celestial bodies in outer space
• deviant, one who is different, in a bad way
• ostracism, state of being excluded
• Kuiper Belt, orbiting objects in the outer regions of our solar system
• mnemonic, device that helps you remember things—in this case, the order of the planets
• grandfather Pluto in, allow Pluto to remain a planet in spite of the facts

Some and Indefinite Pronouns
Some and indefinite pronouns are used in generalizations. Some is used
to express an indefinite quantity. It is always plural and can be used as
an adjective with a noun or as a pronoun if the noun is understood.
Indefinite pronouns are always singular. Indefinite pronouns that begin
with every- mean all persons or things. Those that begin with somemean
a particular person or thing; use them for affirmative statements.
Those that begin with any- mean the opposite of some-, or not a
particular person or thing; use them for negative statements and questions.
Those that begin with no- mean the opposite of every-, or none.