©(AP Photo/Jose Luis Magana, file)
Pre-reading Questions:
I will read each question. Then, please answer them.
- How would you feel if a website suddenly changed important information without explanation?
- Why do you think clear communication from health organizations is important?
Vocabulary:
I will read the words, meanings, and sample sentences. Then, repeat after me.
- statement /STEYT-muhnt/
[noun] – something that someone says or writes to express an idea or fact
The school released a statement saying the building would be closed for repairs. - established /ih-STAB-lisht/
[adjective] – already accepted or recognized because it has existed or been used for a long time
The museum followed established rules for handling historical objects. - procedure /pruh-SEE-jer/
[noun] – official or correct ways of doing something
The hospital updated its procedures to improve patient safety. - bypass /BAHY-pas/
[verb] – to avoid or ignore a rule, step, or process
Some workers complained that the new plan bypassed their feedback process. - asterisk /AS-tuh-risk/
[noun] – a small star-shaped symbol used to give extra information
The sign added an asterisk to show that the discount applied only on weekends.
Article Reading:
Please read the whole article. Then, I will check your pronunciation and intonation.
A Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) webpage received national attention after a major update on November 20, 2025. The revision in the “vaccine safety” section said the claim “Vaccines do not cause autism” is not an evidence-based statement, contradicting long-standing scientific consensus. The Autism Science Foundation said the wording misrepresented established research and ignored decades of studies finding no link between vaccines and autism. The American Academy of Pediatrics agreed and said the scientific conclusion was already clear. Former CDC officials reported that many scientific staff had not been informed of the update, raising concerns that standard review procedures were bypassed. The situation drew more attention because the CDC website is overseen by the Department of Health and Human Services (HHS), led by Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr., who has a history of questioning vaccine safety.
The revised page did not include new data and said that earlier studies suggesting a link had already been dismissed by health authorities. An HHS spokesperson said the agency had begun a broad review of autism research, including possible biological mechanisms. Former CDC leaders warned that the change suggested “decision-based evidence,” a term used to express concern about political or ideological influence on scientific work. The webpage still displays the headline “Vaccines do not cause autism,” but an asterisk explains that it remains because of an agreement with a Senate committee. Experts reported on November 21, 2025, that this development could affect public trust, scientific transparency, and future health communication.
The revised page did not include new data and said that earlier studies suggesting a link had already been dismissed by health authorities. An HHS spokesperson said the agency had begun a broad review of autism research, including possible biological mechanisms. Former CDC leaders warned that the change suggested “decision-based evidence,” a term used to express concern about political or ideological influence on scientific work. The webpage still displays the headline “Vaccines do not cause autism,” but an asterisk explains that it remains because of an agreement with a Senate committee. Experts reported on November 21, 2025, that this development could affect public trust, scientific transparency, and future health communication.
Comprehension Questions:
I will read each question. Then, please answer them based on the article.
- What did the updated “vaccine safety” section say about the claim “Vaccines do not cause autism”?
- What did the Autism Science Foundation say about the new wording?
- What did the American Academy of Pediatrics say about the scientific conclusion?
- What concern did former CDC officials mention about the scientific staff?
- What warning did former CDC leaders give about the change?
Discussion Questions:
I will read each question. Then, please answer them.
- Have you ever seen a website change its information suddenly? If yes, how did the change make you feel? If not, what kind of change do you think would surprise you?
- Have you ever read health information online? If yes, what helped you understand it clearly? If not, where do you usually learn about health or safety topics?
- Do you agree that health websites should explain why they change important information?
- Why is it important for people to know if a health website uses clear and established research?
- Why do you think some people feel worried when experts and leaders do not agree about science?