Answer Close-Reading Questions
Have students write their responses, or use the Close-Reading Questions to guide a discussion.
• What is one cause of the gray wolf resurgence? What is one effect? (Cause and Effect)
Sample response: One cause of the gray wolf resurgence is that fewer farmers are hunting wolves in the mountains. One effect of the resurgence is that wolves help keep the number of deer and elk under control so that other species can thrive.
• How has Costa Rica improved the health of its people? (Key Details)
Costa Rica has improved the health of its people by encouraging them to get preventive care before they get sick. The government has built clinics across the nation and sends health-care workers to residences in places that don’t have clinics. This helps people get checkups, vaccines, treatment, and advice. As a result, life expectancy in Costa Rica is now 80 years—higher than that in the United States. Costa Rican officials have also worked to improve sanitation and water quality.
• What problem in Singapore does the article describe? What are three solutions being used to help solve the problem? (Problem and Solution)
The article explains that water demands in Singapore exceed the limited supply. One solution is NEWater, specially treated water that can be used again and again. A second solution is using desalination plants to remove salt from seawater so people can drink it. A third solution is encouraging people in Singapore to use less water, which reduces demand.