intervention (noun) action intended to solve a problem

• Sample Sentence: It is unclear who should pay for expensive interventions to improve the air quality in homes, schools, and neighborhoods.
• Turn and Talk: What interventions would you suggest to the parent of a child who does not complete her homework?

phenomenon (noun) something that happens that can be observed

• Sample Sentence: Since widespread asthma is a public health phenomenon that is directly linked to pollution, many people think something should be done to decrease the amount of pollution.
• Turn and Talk: One natural phenomenon is lightning. What is another example of a natural phenomenon?

priority (noun) something of high importance

• Sample Sentence: Some people believe that the government should make asthma prevention a priority.
• Turn and Talk: What are two top priorities of students at your school?

suspend (verb) to stop temporarily

• Sample Sentence: Operations in power plants could be suspended until they lower their pollution levels.
• Turn and Talk: Should schools suspend dances and other activities until all students are passing their classes?

transmit (verb) to pass on from one place or person to another

• Sample Sentence: Asthma is not a contagious illness; it cannot be transmitted from person to person.
• Turn and Talk: Describe the ways you transmit messages among your friends.