Main Idea
Read Between The Lines
Picture This
Predicting?
So What's Next?
Mixed Bag
100
Island of the Blue Dolphins is about Karana, a girl who is stranded on an island for 18 years. Karana is left behind when her people leave the island, but she comes up with clever ways to survive. And she develops close friendships with some of the island's animals, which keep her from being so lonely. The book is based on a true story.
What is the main idea? c) to describe what Island of the Blue Dolphins is about.
100
Long ago alchemists were obsessed with finding the key to making gold. They thought if they mixed the right combination of less valuable metals, they would be able to create an unlimited supply of the precious metal. Even back in those days, people knew the value of gold. Other metals didn't even come close to its value. Why were the alchemists so eager to make unlimited supplies of gold?
What is a) gold was worth a lot of money
100
AFTER A WHILE, CROCODILE
What is In southern Mexico, near the Belize border, a wild American crocodile lies in wait. The crocodile can remain underwater for 30 minutes if necessary, which gave Your Shot photographer Jimmy S. time to get the perfect shot. "They are smart and quick when they hunt," he says, "so you better watch your back when you focus on shooting. Especially when I have to get really close to their teeth."
100
After you burn wood in a fire, it seems the wood has disappeared, but it hasn't. The fire's heat has changed the wood into smoke and ash. Energy, such as heat, can change an object, but the matter that makes up the object, doesn't just disappear. It takes a different form. What prediction can you make?
What is a) when ice cream melts, it will take a different form.
100
Cate in ancient Egypt were often mummified after death. First, the organs, such as the heart and liver, were removed. Next, the body was stuffed with sand and placed in an upright position. Then the body was wrapped tightly with cloth. Finally, the cloth was decorated with a face and various other designs. And you thought all mummies were human! What does this story tell you about ancient Egyptians?
What is c) They thought cats were special.
200
The hagfish is actually capable of sneezing. Why? Same reason you sneeze when you have a cold-a severe head -pounding, nose-plugger. The hagfish can also tie itself into a knot, but don't ask why, because you really don't want to know. (Hint: Something about providing it with a solid grip so it can burrow into the flesh of its prey. Yuck.)
What is the main idea? a) the hagfish has some pretty disgusting behaviors.
200
In the 1900s, two British girls tricked many adults into believing that they had found real fairies. The girls cut out paper fairies, then took pictures of each other with the fairies "flying" around them. Many people were happy-here was proof that fairies were real! Later, one of the girls confessed to the trick-it must have been both sad and embarrassing for the believers! Why would the believers be sad to find out the fairies were fake?
What is c) they liked the idea that fairies were real.
200
DINNER IS SERVED
What is In Salalah, Oman, a chameleon launches its sticky tongue to catch a dragonfly. To catch the impossibly fast action, Your Shot photograph Abrar Sekhi used a shutter speed of 1/4000 of a second-- and sat and waited for the perfect moment for five hours.
200
Eating junk food is an unhealthy habit. In addition to the artificial ingredients found in foods like chips, soda, and candy, eating these items makes you feel full, so you're less likely to eat healthy foods. If you treat yourself to junk food, try to eat something healthy first. What prediction can you make?
What is a) If you eat junk food before a healthy meal, you'll probably eat less of the meal.
200
Where did the saying "It's raining cats and dogs" originate?During the Middle Ages, people had houses with thick straw roofs. Their animals often lived on the roof, because the straw kept them warm. When it rained hard, the straw became slippery, causing some of the animals to fall off. To the people in the house, it was actually raining cats and dogs! What does the word "originate" mean? Look for clues in the story.
What is c) come from
300
In July 1996, Subaru Takahashi left Japan in a 30-foot sailboat. He hoped to become the youngest person to sail across the Pacific. But in August, an engine failed, leaving him without lights. Then a violent storm hit. Even his two-way radio broke. But Takahashi didn't give up. Fifty-four days later, the 14-year-old sailed into San Francisco Bay, ending his 6,000-mile journey.
What is the main idea? a) Subaru Takahashi did an amazing thing!
300
Stories about mythical creatures are common in every culture. In North America, many stories star Bigfoots. These hairy, apelike creatures supposedly live in the United States in the hundreds of thousand of square miles of forests. For years, people have hunted for scientific evidence that they really exist. So far, no one has proven that Bigfoots are anything more than a legend. What is one factor that makes i hard to find proof of Bigfoots?
What is b) Bigfoots might be hiding in the many square miles of forest.
300
RIVER CROSSING
What is In Indonesia's Tanjung Puting National Park, a male orangutan crosses a river. Your Shot photographer Jayaprakash Joghee Bojan stood in chest-high water to take this picture. He explains that orangutans typically avoid water, especially in situations like this one, where crocodiles may be present. But, he says, "rapid palm oil farming has depleted their habitat and when pushed to the edge these intelligent creatures have learnt to adapt to the changing landscape."
300
Optometrist measure your eyesight to determine if you need glasses. They use several methods to test your eyes, including a chart with large and small letters. This chart test has been around for a long time, but today's optometrists also use computers to check eyesight. What prediction can you make?
What is b) Eye tests will continue to change through the years.
300
Girls who lived in ancient Sparta did not go to school when they were young. They were often taught to read and write at home. Around the age of six they went to school to learn wrestling, horseback riding, and gymnastics. Spartan women were freer than woman in other Greek cities. What is the main idea of this story?
What is c) To tell about the lives of girls in Sparta.
400
Scotland' Loch Ness has been making headlines for more than 70 years. In 1993, two people reported seeing a huge animal swimming in the lake. Two more claimed they saw the same creature moving across land. Some people said it had a hump. Others said it had flippers and a long neck. Despite more than 4,000 sightings, no one knows for sure if "Nessie" exists.
What is the main idea? b) Rumors of a strange creature have made Loch Ness famous.
400
A narcissus is a flower that grows by ponds. A Greek legend tells of a man named Narcissus who was so vain that he spent all his time gazing at his own reflection in a pond. As a punishment, he was turned into a flower. Today, we use the word "narcissist" to describe a person who acts a certain way. How is a narcissist most likely to act?
What is b) proud of his or her appearance
400
BLOWN OVER
What is "This cabin was supposed to be our shelter for the night," Jakob says, "but over time, erosion and heavy winds tipped it over."
400
If your computer isn't working correctly, it's a good idea to get help from a technological expert. Many people own computers but don't know much about them. In fact, most people don't understand how computers work. What prediction can you make?
What is a) Computer experts will get many requests for help.
400
The Arabian Nights, first published around A.D. 850, tells of a king who marries a new woman every day and has her killed the next. One clever woman begins to tell the king a story on her wedding night. At the most exciting part, she announces that she'll reveal the ending the next night. By the end of 1,001 nights, the king falls in love with her. What does the word "reveal" mean? Look for clues in the story.
What is b) make known
500
In 1939, the World's Fair was held in New York City. People came from 60 countries to see the "World of Tomorrow" products. Machines that washed dishes! Telephones that called long distance! Refrigerators that made ice! And even a radio with pictures-called a TV! The people of 1939 were excited about many of the things we now take for granted.
What is the main idea? b) The World of Tomorrow is now the world of today.
500
The citizens of Hobartville had gathered in the park. It was Charles Hobart Day, a time to remember the most powerful man in the town's history. Mayor Hannah Brie stepped onto the stage. "Mr. Hobart is an important part of our history." A man in the crowd yelled something. Mayor Brie replied, "But remember, Mr. Hobart also built our first hospital. That counts for something, doesn't it?" What did the man in the crowd yell?
What is a) something negative about Mr. Hobart
500
CATCH OF THE DAY
What is The annual salmon migration is practically an all-you-can-eat buffet for bears in Alaska. The journey upstream sometimes covers hundreds of miles, and the fish must leap out of the water to get over waterfalls. When the bear is at the right place at the right time, dinner is served.
500
Siblings are brothers or sisters. People who study siblings often are fascinated by the differences between children from the same families. Having the same parents doesn't mean that you will have the same personality as your brother or sister. What prediction can you make?
What is a) siblings will be distinct individuals.
500
In 1500 B.C., earthquakes shook the Greek island of Santorini-which is a good thing. Why? Because people took them as warning signs and evacuated the island. Soon afterward, a volcano erupted. It blew ash 22 miles into the air. The ash rained down, burying buildings, and crops. Had the people not left, it would have buried them. What clue helps define the word "evacuated"?
What is a) had the people not left
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