Lesson 2: Reading Well

Self-Check Answers

Predictions: Thinking Ahead

• rawhide:  rough leather
• striding: walking in a determined way
• swamp: a place that is characterized by wet, spongy land and vegetation
• tobacco:  a plant whose leaf can be smoked after it has been dried and processed

1. The main characters are Little Hare, Flying Ant, and Grandmother. You might have decided on qualities such as strong, magical, clever, etc.
2. Flying ants are large monsters that go around killing without reason. The characters seem to have accepted these events, for the most part.
3. Could the power struggle be resolved (ended) by trickery, discussion, or some means other than by killing Flying Ant?
4. You might have answered that Flying Ant was most powerful, because he killed lots of animals, or that Little Hare was the most powerful, because he defeated Flying Ant. Grandmother probably had the most power, because she was able to bring Little Hare back to life and allow him eventually to defeat Flying Ant.
5. You may have noticed that this story was a little hard to predict. This is partly because it is a folktale from another culture of the past. This makes it fun to make predictions. You will need to decide what lessons you might present in the ending you write.

Inference: Reading between the Lines

• wretched: miserable
• coverlet: a blanket
• jostling: pushing and shoving
• peasant: a person of low social and economic class
• byre: a pig pen

1. The character has awakened in Iowa.
2. The man uses terms such as “You’re in some pickle,” “what in blue blazes,” and “folks.” He tells her she is in Iowa.
3. The man’s responses provide clues to the location, because he does not treat her like royalty and he jokes about the threats.
4. The situation is not dangerous, because the man is friendly. Even though it is confusing to the princess, she does not seem to be in danger.

Main Idea: What’s the Point?

• breed: in this case, a type of dog
• gesture: a body motion expressing a thought or feeling
• obstacle: something that gets in the way
• disobedience: failure or refusal to obey
• initiate: to start or begin something

1. The author’s subject is guide dogs.
2. The author presents historical background, a story, and facts.
3. The author’s main point is that guide dogs are valuable.

Reflection: What Does It Mean to Me?

1. The feelings you discover will depend on your own experiences as well as what is happening here in this story.
2. Memories will depend on your own experience.
3. The author’s main point is that love is more than saying, “I love you.”
4. Whether you agree with the author’s main point or not, you should be able to give reasons for your position.