Why Dolphins Make Us Nervous

Which of the following identifies Krulwich’s main claim in the text?

• Even though the minds of dolphins are mysterious, we should consider the possibility that they are as intelligent as humans.

• No matter how intelligent or unintelligent an animal is, they should not be used for the entertainment of humans.

• Dolphins represent the standard of intelligence that animals should reach to be considered emotionally similar to humans.

• Until people find a way to communicate with dolphins, they won’t be able to confirm if dolphins’ intelligence is similar to humans’ intelligence.

Which detail from the text best supports the main claim of the text?

• “No leaping out of pools to catch balls, no jumping through hoops. Forcing dolphins to entertain humans, the ministry said, was morally unacceptable.” (Paragraph 2)

• “Big-brained animals almost certainly wouldn’t want to spend years lugging polyester-skinned mammals across shallow swimming pools six days a week,” (Paragraph 6)

• “dolphin brains are about ‘five times larger for their body size when compared to another animal of similar size,’” (Paragraph 12)

• “to dominate all the continents and to wipe out almost all the other large animals, we may have the faint suspicion that if they choose, dolphins could do likewise.” (Paragraph 14)

Which statement best describes the connection the author draws between animals’ intelligence and how humans treat them?

• Animals who are highly intelligent are considered better suited for tasks often completed by humans.

• Animals may be emotionally intelligent, but can’t comprehend the experiences of captivity or entertainment.

• Animals who have emotional intelligence are considered too similar to humans to participate in degrading tasks.

• Animals with high intelligence enjoy the challenge of completing tasks assigned to them in captivity.

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CCSS.RI.7.6

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CCSS.RI.8.6

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Which piece of evidence from the text best describes the connection the author draws between animals’ intelligence and how humans treat them?

• “the Ministry said, ‘and various scientists who have researched dolphin behavior have suggested that [they have] unusually high intelligence... compared to other animals.’” (Paragraph 3)

• “Big-brained animals almost certainly wouldn’t want to spend years lugging polyester-skinned mammals across shallow swimming pools six days a week,” (Paragraph 6)

• “Twenty-four dolphins, after years of service, were being ‘reassigned,’ the story said, so that sea drones, or unmanned underwater vehicles (UUVs, in Navy parlance) could take their place.” (Paragraph 8)

• “That, of course, was my mind shouting; what the dolphins were thinking, if they even noticed the change, is anybody’s guess.” (Paragraph 9)

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