Icarus/Risk/Reward

Use "Icarus and Daedalus" to answer the following questions:

What can the reader infer about Daedalus at the end of the story?

• He is determined to continue his inventions.

• His grief over his son has taken away his feeling of freedom.

• He is punished by the gods.

• He will continue to search for Icarus.

Use "Icarus and Daedalus" to answer the following questions:

Which line from the story foreshadows that Icarus did not understand the importance of his father's warnings?

• He longed for one draft of flight to quench the thirst of his captivity: He stretched out his arms to the sky and made towards the highest heavens.

• The day came, and the fair wind that was to set them free,

• For Icarus, these cautions went in one ear and out the other.

• The wide vacancy of the air dazed them-a glance downward made their brains reel.

Use "Why Taking Risks..." to answer the following questions:

What is the author's purpose in this selection?

• To emphasize how risks can affect your life

• To argue that some risks are too big to take

• To cite research about what leads people to take risks

• To encourage readers to consider ways they could gain rewards from taking risks

Use "Why Taking Risks..." to answer the following questions:

What can the reader infer about the use of the phrase "blind trust: in the last bullet point?

• The author believes it's important to know all the possibilities before taking a risk.

• The author has experienced big rewards in her own life.

• The author believes that sometimes you have to trust your gut and take a risk without knowing how it will end up.

• The author thinks you should surround yourself with people that you can trust.

What is one difference between Daedalus in "Icarus and Daedalus" and the author of "Why Taking Risks..."?

• Daedalus believes that inventions can change the world, while the author believes that people should focus on their probem-solving skills.

• Daedalus values his relationship with his son, while the author believes that relationships are worth giving up for great rewards.

• Daedalus believes that there are some consequences for taking risks that are too serious, while the author believes that taking risks gives you momentum and new opportunities.

• Daedalus seeks freedom, while the author seeks the money that comes from risk taking in her career.

Read these lines from "Why Taking Risks Comes with Great Reward."

Taking risks can cause you to become more creative. When you put yourself out on a limb, with a no-excuse approach, your natural problem-solving skills kick in and you're open to new ideas and are willing to try something new.

Which event from "Icarus and Daedalus" best demonstrates this message?

• Daedalus builds a labyrinth for King Minos of Crete.

• This island of Icaria is named in honor of Icarus's memory.

• Daedalus studies the birds and decides to invent something that will lead him and his son to freedom.

• Icarus doesn't listen to his father's warnings about flying too close to the sun.

Both selections share which of the following messages?

• Taking risks can sometimes have consequences.

• Taking a risk isn't worth a possible bad outcome.

• Taking risks only works for a special kind of person.

• Instead of taking risks, it is better to be safe.