Dog or Wolf?

Wolves and dogs share a common ancestor – the wolf. Over time, dogs evolved and changed while wolves stayed the same.

Dogs and wolves are very different species now, however, they still share many similarities.

Brains

Wolves and dogs are both very smart. You can teach a dog how to do many tricks and dogs quickly learn their names. Some dogs are even trained to do important jobs. Many dogs help police solve crimes and search for missing people. Dogs even help people who are deaf or blind. Wolves are also smart – they have strong senses that they use to survive in the wild, however, wolves are not easily trained the way dogs are.

Nose

Dogs and wolves have a great sense of smell. A dog’s sense of smell is 1000 times better than a human’s. Many dogs use their sense of smell to help with important jobs. Dogs work for police to detect illegal drugs and find criminals who are hiding. They also use their sense of smell to help find people who are lost or missing. When there is an accident, such as a building collapse, or a natural disaster, dogs use their strong sense of smell to find people who are trapped. Wolves use their strong sense of smell to help them find prey. They can also smell and sense dangers around them.

Ears

Dogs and wolves also have a strong sense of hearing – much better than people. Dogs and wolves use their ears for more than just hearing though. Their ears also can show how a dog or wolf is feeling. Perky ears show that they are paying attention to something, flat ears, usually pointed backwards, means they are feeling angry or threatened and can warn others to stay away. Soft flat or flapping ears show a dog or wolf is happy, friendly or comfortable.

Eyes

Dogs and wolves don’t see in color like people do. Many colors, such as red, orange and yellow, can all look alike to a dog or wolf. Even though they may not see colors well, dogs and wolves do have excellent eyesight. Having good eyesight is especially important for wolves in the wild who need to be able to see prey and predators.

Communication

Dogs and wolves make many different types of sounds to communicate.

Wolves are known for their howl. Some dogs howl, but not all. Dogs are known for barking. Dogs bark for many reasons. They may bark as a warning to stay away or to let their owners know they sense danger. Dogs bark when they play, when they want attention and even when they are bored. Wolves will sometimes bark as a warning of danger.

Dogs and wolves both growl and snarl to warn predators, animals or people to scare them and as a warning to stay away. They growl when they feel threatened and are trying to protect themselves, their family and their home.

Digging

Dogs and wolves both dig. Wolves dig holes to hide food and bones to save for later. Some wolves dig to find food such as mice. Wolves also dig holes in the summer to find somewhere cool to lie or in the winter to stay warm and escape the cold. Wolves also dig underground dens as shelter for their pups. Dogs dig mostly for fun or when they smell something interesting. Dogs love to dig holes to hide their toys and bones – and dig them up again later.

Which section of the text would you use to answer the question “Which sense is better in dogs than humans?”

Passage 1

Adapted from Little Cinderella (1858)

It happened that the king's son sent invitations to a ball, which was to last two nights, and to which all the great people of the land were invited, the two sisters among the rest. This delighted them extremely, and their thoughts were entirely occupied in selecting their most becoming dresses for the important occasion. Poor Cinderella had now more work to do than ever, as it was her business to iron their linen, and starch their ruffles. The sisters talked of nothing but preparations for the ball. The eldest said, “I shall wear my crimson-velvet dress, and point-lace,” and the younger, “I shall put on my usual dress-petticoat, a mantle embroidered with gold flowers, and a tiara of diamonds.“

They sent to engage the services of the most fashionable hairdresser. They also called Cinderella to their aid; for she had very good taste, and she offered, in the most amiable manner, to arrange their heads herself; of which offer they were only too happy to avail themselves. Whilst so occupied, the eldest said, “Cinderella, should you like to go to the ball?”

“Alas!” said she, “you are ridiculing me. I am not likely to go to the ball.”

“You are right,” replied the sister. “People would be amused to see a Cinderella there.”

Passage 2

Adapted from Cinderella by Henry W. Hewet (1855)

It happened that the king's son gave a ball, to which he invited all the nobility; and, as our two young ladies made a great figure in the world, they were included in the list of invitations. So they began to be very busy choosing what head-dress and which gown would be the most becoming. Here was fresh work for poor Cinderella: for it was she, forsooth, who was to starch and get up their ruffles, and iron all their fine linen; and nothing but dress was talked about for days together. "I," said the eldest, "shall put on my red velvet dress, with my point-lace trimmings." "And I," said the younger sister, "shall wear my usual petticoat, but shall set it off with my gold brocaded train and my circlet of diamonds."

They sent for a clever tire-woman to prepare the double rows of quilling for their caps, and they purchased a quantity of fashionably cut patches. They called in Cinderella to take her advice, as she had such good taste, and Cinderella not only advised them well, but offered to dress their hair, which they were pleased to accept. While she was thus busied, the sisters said to her: "And pray, Cinderella, would you like to go to the ball?"

"Nay, you are mocking me," replied the poor girl; "it is not for such as I to go to balls."

"True enough," rejoined they. "Folks would laugh to see a Cinderella at a court ball."

What was the main topic of both passages?

Adapted from "The Pig Brother" by Laura E. Richards (1908)

There was once a child who was untidy. He left his books on the floor, and his muddy shoes on the table; he put his fingers in the jam-pots, and spilled ink on his best pinafore; there was really no end to his untidiness.

One day the Tidy Angel came into his nursery.

“This will never do!” said the Angel. “This is really shocking. You must go out and stay with your brother while I set things to rights here.”

“I have no brother!” said the child.

“Yes, you have!” said the Angel. “You may not know him, but he will know you. Go out in the garden and watch for him, and he will soon come.”

“I don’t know what you mean!” said the child; but he went out into the garden and waited.

Presently a squirrel came along, whisking his tail.

“Are you my brother?” asked the child.

The squirrel looked him over carefully.

“Well, I should hope not!” he said. “My fur is neat and smooth, my nest is handsomely made, and in perfect order, and my young ones are properly brought up. Why do you insult me by asking such a question?”

He whisked off, and the child waited.

Presently a wren came hopping by.

“Are you my brother?” asked the child.

“No indeed!” said the wren. “What impertinence! You will find no tidier person than I in the whole garden. Not a feather is out of place, and my eggs are the wonder of all for smoothness and beauty. Brother, indeed!” He hopped off, ruffling his feathers, and the child waited.

By and by a large Tommy Cat came along.

“Are you my brother?” asked the child.

“Go and look at yourself in the glass,” said the Tommy Cat haughtily, “and you will have your answer. I have been washing myself in the sun all the morning, while it is clear that no water has come near you for a long time. There are no such creatures as you in my family, I am humbly thankful to say.”

He walked on, waving his tail, and the child waited.

Presently a pig came trotting along.

The child did not wish to ask the pig if he were his brother, but the pig did not wait to be asked.

“Hallo, brother!” he grunted.

“I am not your brother!” said the child.

“Oh, yes, you are!” said the pig. “I confess I am not proud of you, but there is no mistaking the members of our family. Come along, and have a good roll in the barnyard! There is some lovely black mud there.”

“I don’t like to roll in mud!” said the child.

“Tell that to the hens!” said the pig brother. “Look at your hands, and your shoes, and your pinafore! Come along, I say! You may have some of the pig-wash for supper, if there is more than I want.”

“I don’t want pig-wash!” said the child; and he began to cry.

Just then the Tidy Angel came out.

“I have set everything to rights,” she said, “and so it must stay. Now, will you go with the Pig Brother, or will you come back with me, and be a tidy child?”

“With you, with you!” cried the child; and he clung to the Angel’s dress.

The Pig Brother grunted.

“Small loss!” he said. “There will be all the more wash for me!” and he trotted on.

How does the story end?

Dog or Wolf?

Wolves and dogs share a common ancestor – the wolf. Over time, dogs evolved and changed while wolves stayed the same.

Dogs and wolves are very different species now, however, they still share many similarities.

Brains

Wolves and dogs are both very smart. You can teach a dog how to do many tricks and dogs quickly learn their names. Some dogs are even trained to do important jobs. Many dogs help police solve crimes and search for missing people. Dogs even help people who are deaf or blind. Wolves are also smart – they have strong senses that they use to survive in the wild, however, wolves are not easily trained the way dogs are.

Nose

Dogs and wolves have a great sense of smell. A dog’s sense of smell is 1000 times better than a human’s. Many dogs use their sense of smell to help with important jobs. Dogs work for police to detect illegal drugs and find criminals who are hiding. They also use their sense of smell to help find people who are lost or missing. When there is an accident, such as a building collapse, or a natural disaster, dogs use their strong sense of smell to find people who are trapped. Wolves use their strong sense of smell to help them find prey. They can also smell and sense dangers around them.

Ears

Dogs and wolves also have a strong sense of hearing – much better than people. Dogs and wolves use their ears for more than just hearing though. Their ears also can show how a dog or wolf is feeling. Perky ears show that they are paying attention to something, flat ears, usually pointed backwards, means they are feeling angry or threatened and can warn others to stay away. Soft flat or flapping ears show a dog or wolf is happy, friendly or comfortable.

Eyes

Dogs and wolves don’t see in color like people do. Many colors, such as red, orange and yellow, can all look alike to a dog or wolf. Even though they may not see colors well, dogs and wolves do have excellent eyesight. Having good eyesight is especially important for wolves in the wild who need to be able to see prey and predators.

Communication

Dogs and wolves make many different types of sounds to communicate.

Wolves are known for their howl. Some dogs howl, but not all. Dogs are known for barking. Dogs bark for many reasons. They may bark as a warning to stay away or to let their owners know they sense danger. Dogs bark when they play, when they want attention and even when they are bored. Wolves will sometimes bark as a warning of danger.

Dogs and wolves both growl and snarl to warn predators, animals or people to scare them and as a warning to stay away. They growl when they feel threatened and are trying to protect themselves, their family and their home.

Digging

Dogs and wolves both dig. Wolves dig holes to hide food and bones to save for later. Some wolves dig to find food such as mice. Wolves also dig holes in the summer to find somewhere cool to lie or in the winter to stay warm and escape the cold. Wolves also dig underground dens as shelter for their pups. Dogs dig mostly for fun or when they smell something interesting. Dogs love to dig holes to hide their toys and bones – and dig them up again later.

Which section of the text gives information about how to tell how a dog or wolf is feeling?

Dog or Wolf?

Wolves and dogs share a common ancestor – the wolf. Over time, dogs evolved and changed while wolves stayed the same.

Dogs and wolves are very different species now, however, they still share many similarities.

Brains

Wolves and dogs are both very smart. You can teach a dog how to do many tricks and dogs quickly learn their names. Some dogs are even trained to do important jobs. Many dogs help police solve crimes and search for missing people. Dogs even help people who are deaf or blind. Wolves are also smart – they have strong senses that they use to survive in the wild, however, wolves are not easily trained the way dogs are.

Nose

Dogs and wolves have a great sense of smell. A dog’s sense of smell is 1000 times better than a human’s. Many dogs use their sense of smell to help with important jobs. Dogs work for police to detect illegal drugs and find criminals who are hiding. They also use their sense of smell to help find people who are lost or missing. When there is an accident, such as a building collapse, or a natural disaster, dogs use their strong sense of smell to find people who are trapped. Wolves use their strong sense of smell to help them find prey. They can also smell and sense dangers around them.

Ears

Dogs and wolves also have a strong sense of hearing – much better than people. Dogs and wolves use their ears for more than just hearing though. Their ears also can show how a dog or wolf is feeling. Perky ears show that they are paying attention to something, flat ears, usually pointed backwards, means they are feeling angry or threatened and can warn others to stay away. Soft flat or flapping ears show a dog or wolf is happy, friendly or comfortable.

Eyes

Dogs and wolves don’t see in color like people do. Many colors, such as red, orange and yellow, can all look alike to a dog or wolf. Even though they may not see colors well, dogs and wolves do have excellent eyesight. Having good eyesight is especially important for wolves in the wild who need to be able to see prey and predators.

Communication

Dogs and wolves make many different types of sounds to communicate.

Wolves are known for their howl. Some dogs howl, but not all. Dogs are known for barking. Dogs bark for many reasons. They may bark as a warning to stay away or to let their owners know they sense danger. Dogs bark when they play, when they want attention and even when they are bored. Wolves will sometimes bark as a warning of danger.

Dogs and wolves both growl and snarl to warn predators, animals or people to scare them and as a warning to stay away. They growl when they feel threatened and are trying to protect themselves, their family and their home.

Digging

Dogs and wolves both dig. Wolves dig holes to hide food and bones to save for later. Some wolves dig to find food such as mice. Wolves also dig holes in the summer to find somewhere cool to lie or in the winter to stay warm and escape the cold. Wolves also dig underground dens as shelter for their pups. Dogs dig mostly for fun or when they smell something interesting. Dogs love to dig holes to hide their toys and bones – and dig them up again later.

Which sections of the text gives information about the sounds dogs and wolves make?

African Elephants

Elephants are the biggest animals living on land. An adult male elephant can weigh as much as 11,000 pounds and be more than 13 feet tall. The biggest elephants live in Africa.

Trunk

Elephants have a long trunk. An elephant uses its trunk in many ways.

An elephant’s trunk is its nose. It uses its trunk to smell and breathe. Elephants also use their trunks like a hand. An elephant can pick up grass and branches with its trunk. It uses its trunk to reach high up and grab food from trees. Elephants are herbivores, which means they only eat plants. Elephants eat fruit, leaves and grass. Adult elephants eat 300-400 pounds of food a day.

Elephants suck up water in their trunks and spray it onto themselves to stay clean. They also use their trunks as snorkels to help them breathe when they are swimming or in deep water.

Elephants use their trunks to make sounds. Elephants roar, rumble and growl. When there is danger, elephants use their trunks to make a loud horn noise to warn others and scare away predators.

Tusks

African elephants have 2 tusks on either side of their trunk. Elephants use their tusks to dig holes and find food and water. They also use their tusks to carry things and even rest their trunks on their tusks. An elephant’s tusks also help it stay safe. Elephants can use their tusks to battle and protect themselves from enemies.

Ears

Elephants have the largest ears of any animal. Elephants use their ears to hear, stay cool, and show feelings. Elephants flap their ears to cool off and keep insects away.

Wrinkled Skin

Elephants have wrinkled skin. Their skin looks rough and tough but it is very sensitive. Elephants cover their skin in mud and dirt to protect themselves from getting a sunburn and bug bites.

Feet

Just like the rest of its body, an elephant has very large feet. Elephants have pads on the bottom of their feet to protect them and help them walk quietly.

What has a long trunk, two big tusks, big ears and wrinkled skin? It’s an African elephant!

How do the headings organize the information?

African Elephants

Elephants are the biggest animals living on land. An adult male elephant can weigh as much as 11,000 pounds and be more than 13 feet tall. The biggest elephants live in Africa.

Trunk

Elephants have a long trunk. An elephant uses its trunk in many ways.

An elephant’s trunk is its nose. It uses its trunk to smell and breathe. Elephants also use their trunks like a hand. An elephant can pick up grass and branches with its trunk. It uses its trunk to reach high up and grab food from trees. Elephants are herbivores, which means they only eat plants. Elephants eat fruit, leaves and grass. Adult elephants eat 300-400 pounds of food a day.

Elephants suck up water in their trunks and spray it onto themselves to stay clean. They also use their trunks as snorkels to help them breathe when they are swimming or in deep water.

Elephants use their trunks to make sounds. Elephants roar, rumble and growl. When there is danger, elephants use their trunks to make a loud horn noise to warn others and scare away predators.

Tusks

African elephants have 2 tusks on either side of their trunk. Elephants use their tusks to dig holes and find food and water. They also use their tusks to carry things and even rest their trunks on their tusks. An elephant’s tusks also help it stay safe. Elephants can use their tusks to battle and protect themselves from enemies.

Ears

Elephants have the largest ears of any animal. Elephants use their ears to hear, stay cool, and show feelings. Elephants flap their ears to cool off and keep insects away.

Wrinkled Skin

Elephants have wrinkled skin. Their skin looks rough and tough but it is very sensitive. Elephants cover their skin in mud and dirt to protect themselves from getting a sunburn and bug bites.

Feet

Just like the rest of its body, an elephant has very large feet. Elephants have pads on the bottom of their feet to protect them and help them walk quietly.

What has a long trunk, two big tusks, big ears and wrinkled skin? It’s an African elephant!

Which section gives information about how elephants defend themselves

African Elephants

Elephants are the biggest animals living on land. An adult male elephant can weigh as much as 11,000 pounds and be more than 13 feet tall. The biggest elephants live in Africa.

Trunk

Elephants have a long trunk. An elephant uses its trunk in many ways.

An elephant’s trunk is its nose. It uses its trunk to smell and breathe. Elephants also use their trunks like a hand. An elephant can pick up grass and branches with its trunk. It uses its trunk to reach high up and grab food from trees. Elephants are herbivores, which means they only eat plants. Elephants eat fruit, leaves and grass. Adult elephants eat 300-400 pounds of food a day.

Elephants suck up water in their trunks and spray it onto themselves to stay clean. They also use their trunks as snorkels to help them breathe when they are swimming or in deep water.

Elephants use their trunks to make sounds. Elephants roar, rumble and growl. When there is danger, elephants use their trunks to make a loud horn noise to warn others and scare away predators.

Tusks

African elephants have 2 tusks on either side of their trunk. Elephants use their tusks to dig holes and find food and water. They also use their tusks to carry things and even rest their trunks on their tusks. An elephant’s tusks also help it stay safe. Elephants can use their tusks to battle and protect themselves from enemies.

Ears

Elephants have the largest ears of any animal. Elephants use their ears to hear, stay cool, and show feelings. Elephants flap their ears to cool off and keep insects away.

Wrinkled Skin

Elephants have wrinkled skin. Their skin looks rough and tough but it is very sensitive. Elephants cover their skin in mud and dirt to protect themselves from getting a sunburn and bug bites.

Feet

Just like the rest of its body, an elephant has very large feet. Elephants have pads on the bottom of their feet to protect them and help them walk quietly.

What has a long trunk, two big tusks, big ears and wrinkled skin? It’s an African elephant!

Which section of the text would you use to answer the question “How do elephants protect themselves from getting a sunburn?”

African Elephants

Elephants are the biggest animals living on land. An adult male elephant can weigh as much as 11,000 pounds and be more than 13 feet tall. The biggest elephants live in Africa.

Trunk

Elephants have a long trunk. An elephant uses its trunk in many ways.

An elephant’s trunk is its nose. It uses its trunk to smell and breathe. Elephants also use their trunks like a hand. An elephant can pick up grass and branches with its trunk. It uses its trunk to reach high up and grab food from trees. Elephants are herbivores, which means they only eat plants. Elephants eat fruit, leaves and grass. Adult elephants eat 300-400 pounds of food a day.

Elephants suck up water in their trunks and spray it onto themselves to stay clean. They also use their trunks as snorkels to help them breathe when they are swimming or in deep water.

Elephants use their trunks to make sounds. Elephants roar, rumble and growl. When there is danger, elephants use their trunks to make a loud horn noise to warn others and scare away predators.

Tusks

African elephants have 2 tusks on either side of their trunk. Elephants use their tusks to dig holes and find food and water. They also use their tusks to carry things and even rest their trunks on their tusks. An elephant’s tusks also help it stay safe. Elephants can use their tusks to battle and protect themselves from enemies.

Ears

Elephants have the largest ears of any animal. Elephants use their ears to hear, stay cool, and show feelings. Elephants flap their ears to cool off and keep insects away.

Wrinkled Skin

Elephants have wrinkled skin. Their skin looks rough and tough but it is very sensitive. Elephants cover their skin in mud and dirt to protect themselves from getting a sunburn and bug bites.

Feet

Just like the rest of its body, an elephant has very large feet. Elephants have pads on the bottom of their feet to protect them and help them walk quietly.

What has a long trunk, two big tusks, big ears and wrinkled skin? It’s an African elephant!

Which section of the text would you use to answer the question “what do elephants eat?”

Dogs at Work

Many people have dogs. Dogs are good friends. They love to play and cuddle. Dogs will keep you company and make you feel better. Dogs will keep you safe and protect you from danger. Dogs are smart. They know their names and can learn cool tricks. Dogs are great pets. But did you know, many dogs have important jobs?

Therapy Dogs

Many dogs work to help people feel better. These dogs are called therapy dogs. Many therapy dogs work in hospitals to keep people happy and comfort people who are sick. Dogs make people feel happy and calm, which can help someone feel better when they are ill.

Some therapy dogs work with kids in schools. Kids can read to dogs and practice their skills to become better readers.

Service Dogs

Some dogs have jobs to help people with disabilities. These dogs are called service dogs. Many people who cannot see or hear have service dogs. Service dogs are trained to help their owners in their everyday lives. Service dogs can help people who cannot see by telling them when it is safe to cross the street and leading their owners so they do not trip or run into something.

Other service dogs help people who have illnesses. These service dogs are trained to sense when their owner is going to get sick and warn their owner to take medicine or call for help.

Search-and-Rescue Dogs

Search-and-rescue dogs help find people who are lost or trapped. Dogs have a very good sense of smell – much better than humans. Search-and-rescue dogs use their senses to help locate missing people or people who are trapped in caves or fallen buildings.

Detection Dogs

Some dogs, like search-and-rescue dogs, use their sense of smell to help find people who are lost. Other dogs use their sense of smell to find things that are hidden. These dogs are called detection dogs.

Detection dogs can help police find people who have broken the law and are hiding. Detection dogs can also help find explosives or bombs before they can cause damage.

Dogs are great pets. They are smart, friendly and good companions. Dogs also work hard and help us in many ways. It’s a good thing there are dogs!

How do the headings organize the information?