Brave Little Toaster Story Elements
What type of technology causes many of Mister Toussaint’s problems throughout the story?
Smart/Internet-connected appliances.
What is the basic purpose of a bionic prosthesis?
To replace or improve the function of a missing or damaged body part.
What is a central idea?
The main point or important idea an author develops throughout an informational text.
What are context clues?
Words or information surrounding an unfamiliar word that help determine its meaning.
Correct this sentence:
The toaster was old it still worked perfectly.
The toaster was old, but it still worked perfectly.
Why is Mister Toussaint’s old toaster different from most of the appliances in his home?
It is not a smart or Internet-connected device.
Besides replacing missing abilities, what new possibility does the article suggest for bionic technology?
Enhancing human abilities beyond their normal capabilities.
What makes a piece of textual evidence relevant?
It directly supports the claim or idea being discussed.
What is a synonym?
A word with the same or nearly the same meaning as another word.
Correct this sentence:
Bionic technology is improving rapidly, scientists continue to develop new devices.
Bionic technology is improving rapidly, and scientists continue to develop new devices.
How does the old toaster become unexpectedly useful when Mister Toussaint faces his technology problem?
Because it is not connected to the smart system, it can destroy the toxic pouch when the smart appliances cannot.
Why is controlling a robotic arm from thousands of miles away an important example in the article?
It demonstrates how brain-controlled technology could allow humans to perform actions beyond normal physical limitations.
Which is usually stronger evidence: a general statement or a specific example from the text? Explain.
A specific example because it provides direct support for the idea or claim.
What is an antonym?
A word with the opposite meaning of another word.
Choose the correct word:
The robotic arm improved ___ ability to complete the task.
A. its B. it’s
A. its
What does Mister Toussaint’s experience suggest about depending too heavily on smart technology?
Technology can make life easier, but depending on it too much can create unexpected problems.
How could improvements in memory technology change the meaning of the word bionic?
Bionics could move from simply restoring lost abilities to enhancing abilities beyond their original level.
If an author gives several examples of technology restoring lost abilities and then introduces technology that improves normal abilities, how has the author progressed the ideas?
The author moves from restoration to enhancement.
Read: Unlike the motionless device beside it, the new robotic hand was active and responsive. What does motionless most likely mean?
Not moving/inactive.
Choose the correct word:
Scientists hope patients will ___ the benefits of new technology.
A. accept B. except
A. accept
Compare the old toaster with the smart appliances. How does this contrast help develop an important message of the story?
The smart appliances appear more advanced, but their technology limits what they can do. The simple toaster solves the problem, showing that newer technology is not always better or more useful.
Which is stronger evidence that humans could become “superhuman”: an advanced prosthetic limb or technology that enhances memory? Defend your answer.
Answers may vary, but students should select one example and explain how it could enhance human abilities rather than simply restore them.
A student claims, “Future bionics may change what humans are capable of doing.” What type of evidence from the article would provide the strongest support?
Evidence showing technology enhancing abilities beyond normal human capabilities, such as advanced brain-controlled technology or memory enhancement.
Read: The technology augmented the athlete’s natural abilities, allowing her to perform tasks she could not perform before. What does augmented most likely mean?
Improved, increased, or enhanced.
Rewrite this run-on sentence correctly:
Technology can restore lost abilities it may eventually enhance natural abilities too.
Technology can restore lost abilities, and it may eventually enhance natural abilities too.