Getting to Know You – An Intermediate Integrated-Skills Module for English Learners (Ferguson)

After a visit to the Grand Canyon, Leslie Reynolds was hooked. Her love of national parks would take her on an incredible journey of public service and adventures in parks across the country.

Beginning as a law enforcement ranger in Yosemite National Park, Reynolds went on to work at Grand Canyon and Shenandoah National Parks, serving these parks as an officer, medic, instructor, investigator, and even counselor. She has stepped up in many life-saving situations in her 21-year career; she has helped save hikers suffering from heat exhaustion in the Grand Canyon, injured climbers stuck and needing helicopter rescue, and victims of serious motor vehicle accidents.

Because she understands that prevention and education is effective in saving lives, Reynolds helped develop the Preventative Search & Rescue (PSAR) programs at Yosemite and Shenandoah National Parks. She has also served as a member of the Critical Incident Stress Management Team, responding to numerous major traumatic events and helping team members cope with what they have been through and seen.

As the current chief ranger at Cape Cod National Seashore, Reynolds continues to inspire the new generation of park rangers and lead through example.

“I consider myself very fortunate to have chosen a career that is rewarding, that I am proud of, and one that continues to challenge me every day,” said Reynolds. “My inspiration comes mostly from the rangers of the National Park Service with whom I have had the great honor of working with for the past twenty years. One of the most rewarding aspects of my profession is developing and mentoring others and watching them succeed, grow, and contribute to the ranger profession.”

Comprehension and Rhetorical Analysis

After reading the profile, answer the questions below.

• Who is the profile about?
• What organization does she work for?
• Where does she work now?
• What is her job title now?
• Where did she work in the past?
• What job titles did she have in the past?
• What programs and teams did she start or serve?

Answer the questions below with keywords from the article.

• What is the name of the award that Leslie Reynolds received?
• What organization gave her the award?
• The final paragraph of this article has quotation marks.
• Who is speaking in this paragraph?
• What are at least three professional accomplishments of Leslie Reynolds?
• What inspires Leslie Reynolds, in her own words?

Choose the option that best answers the question.

What is the purpose of this article?

• To inform readers of the services at the park
• To convince readers that Leslie Reynolds is an excellent employe
• To persuade readers to visit a national park
• To educate readers about the dangers at the park