Most of Us Get a Dirty Look Every So Often

question 141

Multiple Choice

Most of us get a dirty look every so often, and we usually don't think much of it. But in many places around the world, "the evil eye" is taken very seriously and requires special action to avoid harm-or even death. Simply put, the evil eye is a look given by someone that is said to convey the power of a magical curse and cause some type of misfortune for another person. According to tradition, babies and children are most susceptible to harm from the evil eye. In many countries, including Greece, Romania, and India, praising a child publicly can invite the attention of the evil eye. In order to ward off the evil eye, parents of thoughtlessly praised children may ask the person who gave the compliment to spit in the child's face! In this way, the child's status is reduced, thus eliminating the need to give the child the evil eye. The best way to deal with the evil eye is to avoid it altogether. Since that's not always possible, lucky charms and amulets-often blue to symbolize heaven or godliness-can be worn. Whatever the truth regarding the evil eye, these charms should be worn at all times. After all, they're beautiful and can act as a great conversation starter!
What is the author's purpose for the text?

• A)To inform
• B)To describe
• C)To persuade
• D)To entertain

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Definitions:

Sternocleidomastoid

A muscle in the neck that is responsible for rotation and flexion of the head.

Orbicularis Oculi

A facial muscle that encircles the eye socket, responsible for closing the eyelids.

Masseter

A facial muscle critical for chewing and biting, located at the angle of the jaw.

Plantar Flexes

The movement that increases the angle between the shin and the top of the foot, pointing the toes downward.