“Kids Did It! In Business

By Judith E. Rinard

malfunction noun pg. 38no longer work correctly; fail to operate

For years, Adam, who lives in Newton, Massachusetts, has been catching those pesky “bugs,” mistakes or glitches in computer software programs that can make computers malfunction.

The captain was afraid that the ship’s radio might malfunction due to the storm.

profitable adjective pg. 40gaining money after all the costs of doing business have been paid

Minding her own business is fun and profitable for Ebony Hood of Washington, D.C.

We sold lots of lemonade at our sidewalk stand, and our little business was very profitable.

merchandise noun pg. 40goods that are bought and sold in business

Ebony learned how to set up a business, order merchandise, and keep records in a special course at her high school.

All of the merchandise in the store costs less because there was a sale.

earnings noun pg. 41money that is paid for doing a job

Ebony plans to use her earnings for college.

Jackie wants to save her earnings for college.

donates verb pg. 42gives money or objects as a gift

He donates 10 percent of his profits to a children’s charity.

Every spring and fall our family cleans out the closets and donates clothes to a local shelter.

charity noun pg. 42a group that provides help to those in need

He donates 10 percent of his profits to a children’s charity.

Every spring and fall our family cleans out the closets and donates clothes to a local charity.