3 Reads / Say Mean Matter: “Susan Butcher” from Ladies First: 40

What is most likely the author’s purpose in paragraph 1?

• to demonstrate Susan Butcher’s significant contribution to women’s sports

• to introduce the relationship between Susan Butcher and her dogs

• to explain that more men than women compete in the Iditarod

• to convey the challenges of the Iditarod race

What do the details in paragraph 4 explain about the Iditarod?

• why more men than women enter the Iditarod

• why Susan Butcher had to withdraw from the Iditarod

• how much preparation is needed to compete in the Iditarod

• how Susan Butcher selected her team of dogs for the Iditarod

What is the effect of the author’s use of the word “must” four times in the sentences at the beginning of paragraph 5?

• It emphasizes that the ideas in these sentences are critical for the race.

• It demonstrates that the ideas in these sentences reflect what the musher believes.

• It indicates that the ideas in these sentences are essentially the same.

• It shows that the ideas in these sentences are the only important traits.

Which claim by the author is most strongly supported with evidence?

• “Two pet Siberian huskies kindled her interest in dogsled racing.” (paragraph 3)

• “e musher must have faith in each and every dog on her team . . .” (paragraph 5)

  B

• “. . . the race was still largely the domain of men.” (paragraph 6)

• “In 1986, it was Butcher’s turn.” (paragraph 8)

Which quotation best portrays Susan Butcher’s relationship with her dogs?

• “. . . she studied veterinary medicine at a nearby university, focusing on the care of dogs.” (paragraph 3)

• “. . . both the musher of the dogsled and the entire team of dogs must be in top physical condition.” (paragraph 4)

• “. . . Butcher bonded with her dogs and treated them as friends, family, and professional athletes.” (paragraph 5)

• “. . . Butcher was able to pull the dogs to safety and continue the race.” (paragraph 8)

Which statement best expresses the relationship between paragraph 3 and paragraph 8?

• Paragraph 3 provides a summary, and paragraph 8 lists details.

• Paragraph 3 explains a cause, and paragraph 8 reveals effects.

• Paragraph 3 describes goals, and paragraph 8 presents an outcome.

• Paragraph 3 identifies problems, and paragraph 8 explains a solution.

Which detail would be most important to include in a summary of the article?

• “. . . Butcher was drawn as a child to the wilderness and to the animals that filled it.” (paragraph 2)

• “Training for the Iditarod encompasses a wide scope of activities.” (paragraph 4)

• “e portion of trail to the le was a flimsy snow bridge that would have collapsed . . .” (paragraph 5)

• “She had not only won the race, she had also set a new speed record.” (paragraph 8)