Main Idea & Details
Spiders are helpful creatures that people should protect.
What is the central idea of the text?
With facts, expert opinions, and examples.
How does the author organize the reasons to be nice to spiders?
Both can help humans—venom may be used in medicine, and silk is strong and useful.
How does the information about spider venom compare to the information about spider silk?
Poison that some animals use to protect themselves or catch food. (Hint: reread paragraph 5)
What does the word "venom" meann?
Us, because we’re bigger and usually try to kill them.
What are spiders more afraid of—us or other animals? Why?
They eat pests and protect plants.
Name two ways spiders help people.
To convince readers to respect and protect spiders.
What is the author’s purpose for writing this text?
They eat insects that damage plants.
Which fact from the passage best supports the idea that spiders protect crops?
Two part response: (a)It means to gently push; (b)the sentence shows the spider nudging something softly. Hint: reread paragraph 9)
What does "nudge" mean? How does the sentence help you understand the word?
Gently move it outside instead of killing it.
What should you do if you find a spider in your room, according to the author?
By giving facts and examples about how they eat pests and help the environment.
How does the author support the idea that spiders are more helpful than harmful?
To add credibility and show expert support for spiders.
Why does the author mention Norman Platnick, the spider expert?
To make strong materials like bulletproof vests or medical threads.
What are two ways spider silk could be used in the future?
Insects or animals that harm plants or bother humans.
What does "pests" mean in the context of the passage?
They may help solve medical and engineering problems.
Why is it important that scientists study spider venom and silk?
To show that spiders are an important part of the food chain.
Why does the author include the information about spiders being food for other animals?
It becomes more positive and encouraging toward spiders.
How does the author’s tone about spiders change from the beginning to the end?
It could help scientists create new medicines.
What is one reason why spider venom might be valuable to humans?
To stop something from happening; spiders prevent disease by eating insects that carry germs.
What does it mean to "prevent" something, and how do spiders prevent disease?
To raise awareness and appreciation for how helpful spiders are.
Why might someone want to celebrate Save a Spider Day?