The Truth About Sharks Reading Strategy

Relating Problems and Solutions

G. Hughes, Virgil MS

false accusations –

Untrue statement that someone has done something wrong

falsely arrested –

Held by the police for something you did not do

merchandise -

Things for sale

misconstrue -

Misunderstand

possession -

Ownership, control

publicly humiliated -

Embarrassed or ashamed in front of other people

security guard –

Someone who protects property, often at a business

shoplifter -

Person who steals from a store

unrighteousness –

Unfairness

Reading Strategy -Relating Problems and Solutions

1. Ask yourself: What is the problem? What is the solution?

2. Look for attempts the character makes to try to solve the problem. How do the attempts affect what happens in the story?

3. Think about what finally happens. Does the character manage to solve the problem? If so, how?

Problems and Solutions

Problems

Attempts

Getting a Job

Richard Webb really wants to go to college when he graduates. However, he needs to save some money to help with his tuition. So when Richard sees an ad for a part-time sales clerk at Tools Unlimited, he calls right away. “Well,” says the manager. “We’re looking for someone with experience who knows about tools. I’m afraid that you’re too young, but thanks for calling”.

Richard is very disappointed. Then he gets an idea. He asks his dad to take him to Tools Unlimited to talk to the manager. First his dad explains how much Richard helps him around the house fixing things. Then, Richard demonstrates how to use several of the power tools on display. The manager is impressed. “OK, son,” he says. “Bring me a work permit, and the job is yours!”

Solutions

The Truth About Sharks – Section 1

1. Describe the conflict that gets the story started.

2. What does the security guard mean by saying “Yeah, and I’m the Easter Bunny”?

Helping Verbs Sometimes verbs are made up of more than

one verb. The verb that shows action is the main

verb. The verb that comes before it is the helping

verb.

You can do it at the station.

Helping Verbs can – means “you are able to”

may – means “you have permission to”

will – means “ it will happen in the future”

must – means “you are required to”

Finding Helping Verbs Skim through The Truth About Sharks

looking for examples of helping verbs.

Write down the helping verb and the main verb.

In your head, try changing the helping verb in the sentence. How does switching the verb change the meaning?

The Truth About Sharks – Section 2

1. Why does Madge Groton call the police?

2. List the words on pages 202, 203 that have to do with crime and the legal system.

The Truth About Sharks – Section 3

1. In your own words, tell what happens after the girl talks to the store manager.

2. What effect does the girl’s threat of a lawsuit have?

3. Describe a time when you have been wrongly accused. Explain how you defended yourself.