Informational TextDeveloping Research Questions Based on Reading

Informational TextConnecting to the LiteratureIntroducing the Informational Text Vocabulary

Informational Reading FocusDeveloping Research QuestionsHelpful HintsAssignment

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In “The Most Dangerous Game,” General Zaroff has outwitted every animal he has hunted. So just how smart are animals? In the following article, Eugene Linden presents anecdotes—both amusing and heartwarming—that will make you think. Read on for glimpses into the often surprising thought processes of animals.

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“Can Animals Think?”

“Can Animals Think?”

Have you ever wondered whether animals are intelligent—if their behavior is purposeful or just a matter of training?

To find out about some animals that seem to act with a clear purpose, read “Can Animals Think?”

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Vocabulary Development

balmy adj.: mild; pleasant.

intangible adj.: cannot be touched or held.

awry adv.: in the wrong manner.

devious adj.: sneaky; deceptive.

beguile v.: charm; deceive.

Vocabulary Practice

Fill in the blanks with words from the Word Bank.

1. When their _________ plan for sneaking into the show went _________, they had to pay for their tickets.

2. To me, the first _________ day in April means it’s the beginning of baseball season.

3. The puppies tried to _________ her into giving them treats.

4. The best gift Granddad gives us is _________: his complete attention.

balmy intangible awry devious beguile

deviousawry

balmy

beguile

intangible

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All research begins with a question and a desire to know more about a particular topic.

Can animals think?

What animals are on the endangered species list?

What are the rules and regulations for hunting game in the United States?

To produce an interesting and informative report,

• stay focused on a topic that is limited in scope

• ask good, productive questions

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Use the following guidelines to help you develop research questions based on informational material.

• Use a KWL chart.

• Focus your research.

• Ask 5W-How? questions.

• Limit the scope of your questions.

Use a KWL chart as you begin your research.

K W L

Use a KWL chart as you begin your research.

In the K column, write what you already Know about the topic.

K W L

Orcas, also known as killer whales, are really giant dolphins.

Use a KWL chart as you begin your research.

In the W column, write what you Want to learn about the topic.

K W L

Orcas, also known as killer whales, are really giant dolphins.

Why do scientists believe that orcas are intelligent?

K W L

Orcas, also known as killer whales, are really giant dolphins.

Why do scientists believe that orcas are intelligent?

Use a KWL chart as you begin your research.

In the L column, write what you Learn from your research about the topic.

Orcas can assess a situation and problem solve.

• Stay focused on your subject matter. Don’t wander into areas that are not related to the specific topic you’re investigating.

• Look at the subsections of an informational article to narrow the scope of your research.

Ask the 5W-How? questions rather than yes-or-no questions. Such questions will help you get more information about your subject.

• Where did it happen?

• Who was involved?

• What happened?

• When did it happen?

• Why did it happen?

• How did it happen?

Limit the scope of your research. Don’t ask questions about issues so far-reaching that you cannot present a complete answer.

Can animals think?Too broad

Manageable

Which animals are considered to be the most intelligent?

In what ways have orangutans and whales demonstrated intelligence?

Build your understanding of a subject from general, superficial knowledge to more specific, in-depth knowledge.

General

Specific

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As you read “Can Animals Think?” use the helpful hints to generate relevant research questions about animal intelligence.

Helpful Hints for Generating Research Questions

Use a KWL chart Focus

Ask 5W-How? questions Limit the scope

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