Class One Cybernetic Start

CLASS 1

A CYBERNETIC START

1-    The first task is very easy: Read the following text about BELL’S PALSY (taken from the book: “English for Health Science, teacher’s book, page 65”, editorial Thomson)

BELL’S PALSY

               Bell’s Palsy, first described by Sir Charles Bell in the nineteenth century, is defined as hemifacial paralysis of unknown origin. It can affect people of any age, men and women are affected equally. There is higher incidence in people with diabetes and also in pregnant women.

               It is thought that the paralysis is caused by inflammation of the facial nerve, which is a motor nerve and controls the muscles of the face. The inflammation may be caused by a virus, possibly the herpes virus, but this is uncertain.

               The onset is sudden; the symptoms are varied and range from a crooked smile to difficulty in the closing of the eye to complete hemifacial paralysis. Many patients have problems taking part in social activities. Symptoms are often unreliable reported; some patients even complain of lack of sensation on the affected side, which would be highly unlikely.

               The primary concern of the physician is eye care. There is no proven treatment, but steroids and anti-herpes drugs have been used. 90% of patients make satisfactory recovery.

2-       Choose the correct WH-Word to complete the questions:

a)………………………………….is the name of the illness?      (WHERE – WHEN – WHAT)

b)………………………………….discovered this health problem?    (WHERE – WHO – WHICH)

c)…………………………………..does this illness cause?        (WHEN – WHY – WHAT)

d)…………………………………patients make satisfactory recovery?   (HOW MUCH – HOW OLD – HOW MANY)          

e)………………………………..is the primary concern of physicians?   (WHICH – WHY - WHERE)

f) ……………………………….is the illness treated?         (WHO – HOW – WHAT)

g)………………………………are the symptoms?          (WHICH – WHEN – HOW OFTEN)

3-    Now answer the questions:

a)…………………………………………………………………………………..

b)…………………………………………………………………………………..

c)……………………………………………………………………………………

d)……………………………………………………………………………………

e)…………………………………………………………………………………….

f)……………………………………………………………………………………

g)……………………………………………………………………………………

4-    Now let´s practice the Verb TO BE.

Complete the blanks with IS – ARE – AM – ISN´T – AREN’T – AM NOT.

(You can use the text to help you)

a)       Bell’s Palsy …………………..related to the inability to move part of your body.

b)       Some patients ……………………..happy with social activities.

c)       “My name is Charles Bell. I ……………………..the discoverer of this health problem”.

d)       Hand movement ……………………………a priority for doctors.

e)       Men and women ………………………affected equally by this illness.

f)        “I am a physician, I ……………………..what are the causes of the Bell’s Palsy illness because there is no scientific proof”.