disclaimer (noun) statement denying responsibility

• Sample Sentence: Television ads are required to provide disclaimers about the major risks of each drug.

• Turn and Talk: Should products that promise to clear away pimples come with a disclaimer?

prescription (noun) an order that allows someone to use a medication or therapy

• Sample Sentence: The average number of prescriptions per person in the United States has increased.

• Turn and Talk: Why do you think only certain medical professionals can write prescriptions?

potential (noun) possibility

• Sample Sentence: Prescription drug advertisements have the potential to be helpful.

• Turn and Talk: What do adults mean when they say a young person has a lot of “potential”? Explain.

assume (verb) to decide without much evidence

• Sample Sentence: Many people who go to the doctor assume they need a certain drug that might not be right for them.

• Turn and Talk: Why might young people take risks and assume that they will not get injured?

rely (verb) to depend on

• Sample Sentence: Many people rely on public transportation in order to get to school or work.

• Turn and Talk: Do you think teenagers rely too much on technology? Explain.