Name______Core______

from“How Smart are Animals?”

Science Writing by Dorothy Hinshaw Patent

Please circle your answer to each of the questions below.

  1. Select the three sentences that should be included in a summary of the text.

Understanding the question: A summary gives an overview or whole picture of the most important ideas (the central ideas) covered in the whole article. Read ALL the choices, and look to cross out at least 2 that are giving smaller, specific details or incorrect information. Choose 3 answers as the question asks.

  1. Andrea Anderson was a young girl saved by her neighbor’s dog.
  2. Scientists studying animal behavior and intelligence run into trouble because of inconsistency in an animal’s unique abilities.
  3. Because of the Clever Hans experiment, scientists are more cautious when examining an animal’s mental capability.
  4. Wild animals are not used to the cages of the laboratory, so they may not perform well during experiments.
  5. Animals can exhibit intelligence, though it is difficult to study and measure.
  6. Based on scientific experiments that have been conducted, it is impossible for animals to display intelligence.
  1. What is the author’s purpose for including the story about Clever Hans (lines 59-110)?

Understanding the question: The question asks that you reread lines 59-110 about the horse Clever Hans, reading closely for the point of the story. Think about the author’s point in sharing this story. Look closely at the bolded words in the answer choices below. Is the author trying to persuade, entertain, set up, or inform? Read ALL choices, and try to cross out 2 using good thinking.

  1. The author is using the story to inform readers that measuring animals’ intelligence is difficult.
  2. The author is using the story to persuade readers into thinking animals are not really displaying intelligence.
  3. The author is entertaining the readers by giving a real life story.
  4. The author is using the story to set up his argument that animals cannot show true intelligence.

Brief write:

In your notebook, RACE your answer to the following question:

  • Review the main ideas the author discusses in each section. Does the author answer the question “How Smart are Animals?” as the title of the article suggests?
  • Make a claim.
  • Support it using 2 pieces of textual evidence from the article.
  • Explain EACH piece of text you use.

OVER →

Brief write:

In your notebook or using the frame below, RACE your answer to the following question:

Review the main ideas the author discusses in each section. Does the author answer the question “How Smart are Animals?” as the title of the article suggests?

Make a claim, and support it using 2 pieces of textual evidence from the article.