Common Core Reading for 12-10-14

Whales are also endangered animals. Their meat and blubber continue to make them a target for hunters. Whaling has been a tradition in many countries. The types of whales that are most threatened by humans are those that live in the open oceans. It is its fat that is used to produce oil. Primary targets of hunting include the sperm whale, the blue whale, the humpback whale and the fin whale. Almost all countries have now agreed to cease whaling, although it is still carried out by some eastern Asian nations. Whaling still exists in some sections of Japan. Until there is a total ban, these creatures will face extinction.

Common Core Standard RI.3 Interactions Between Ideas1. Why is it important that many countries agree to have anti-whaling laws?

Common Core Standard RI.2 Summarize2. Summarize the passage.

Several varieties of monotremes are also subject to extinction without assistance from organizations and government agencies. The surviving genera of monotremes includes the duck-billed platypus and the Australian and New Guinea anteaters. All lay eggs. Soft, leathery shells and a pouch distinguish them. Once their babies are born, some continue to grow in a temporary pouch. Although the monotremes have fur that evolved to help maintain body temperature, the temperature regulating mechanism in the brain is imperfect; as a result, they tend to be cooler and have more variable body temperature than higher mammals. Monotremes die because of continuous deforestation, which destroys their natural habitat.

Common Core Standard RI.2 Summarize1. Which answer choice summarizes the text?

a. Monotremes have soft, leathery shells.b. Deforestation threatens the monotreme habitat.c. Monotremes are egg-laying animals with cool temperatures.

Common Core Standard RI.4 Vocabulary2. What does the word distinguish most closely mean?

a. surviveb. eliminatec. separate