How does the first paragraph of the passage
contribute to the author's overall discussion of
concussions?
By explaining that most American children
participate in sports, the author emphasizes the
scope of the problem.
By stating that sports are played by children who
are still growing, the author illustrates the danger of
head injury.
By providing statistics about young athletes on
sports teams, the author offers proof that
concussions are on the rise.
By showing that sports are popular, the author
develops the idea that American sports are
particularly dangerous.

Armed with invisible ink, a cipher system, and a passion to end the war and preserve the union, elizabeth van lew became butler's eyes and ears in the confederate capital city. truth be told, however, she became much more than that. she became a spymaster, the person responsible for running a network of agents, couriers, and safe houses that was very active during the war. in addition to the spying, elizabeth van lew continued to maintain her church hill home as a safe house and something of a local union spy headquarters. —the dark game, paul janeczko what is the central idea of this passage? van lew’s home was used as a safe house, which was critical to the confederacy. van lew had a passion to end the war and preserve the union. van lew was a spymaster, a leading force in the espionage activities for the union. van lew did not enjoy working for general butler.