Vocabulary
What does it mean to "motivate"?
to make someone want to do or give someone a reason for doing something
What is “word-blindness”?
It is a condition that makes it hard to read and write.
What is Ryan's book "Esperanza Rising" based on?
It is based on her Mexican grandmother who is called Esperanza.
What is the name of the chimp that learned to use a computer instead of ASL?
Washoe.
Why does Fefa's mother refer to learning like seeds?
She feels that it will take time for Fefa to learn, just like a seed takes time to grow.
What is the meaning of "quibble"?
to argue over a small point
Why does Fefa get discouraged?
Her classmates laugh and mock her when she reads out loud or writes.
Ryan has two grandmothers with different heritages. What do they have in common?
They both inspired Ryan's writing.
How long have scientists been trying to check animal intelligence and communication?
Over a century.
How many words did Koko the gorilla learn from ASL?
Over 1000 words.
What is the meaning of "ancestry"?
the people who were in your family long ago
At the end of the poem, why does Fefa say that she climbed down from a tower?
She feels more freedom and she feels stronger.
Ryan had four roles in her life. What were they?
teacher, mother, student, writer.
How do parrots, like Alex in the story, communicate?
They can produce words by making sounds.
What did Ryan do to make the story “Esperanza Rising” more interesting?
Ryan changed the facts of her grandmother’s life to make the story more exciting.
What is "conspicuous"?
very noticeable or easy to see
Why does Fefa start to want to read more?
Fefa feels motivated to become smarter and to try and read simple words.
How are two of Ryan's books "Esperanza Rising" and "Amelia and Eleanor Take a Ride" similar?
They are both about strong women.
What are the animals that scientists have tried to communicate with?
Chimpanzees, gorillas, dolphins and parrots.
Why does Fefa’s mother choose not to listen to the doctor?
She believes Fefa is capable of learning to read.
What is "heritage"?
the traditions, customs, achievements, etc., that are part of the history of a group or country
What lesson does the story teach?
Do not give up as you can grow stronger little by little.
Give me 2 facts about Ryan's grandmother Esperanza.
She was wealthy. They had servants and property. Her father died. She ended up living and working at a company camp farm in California. Her life inspired one of Ryan's books.
Give me three facts about chimps.
What is the main idea from the "Do You Speak Animal" story?
The author is trying to inform readers that it might be possible to communicate with animals.