MasteryConnect: A Living Fossil

Select three ideas that are most important to include in a summary of the passage.

• A Monk seals are the oldest seal species.

• B There are very few monk seals left in the wild today.

• C Monk seals were once trained to perform in the circus.

• D There are groups working to defend monk seal habitats.

• E Ancient people believed that monk seals were protected by the gods.

Which idea is most developed in the passage?

• A the role of Karst van der Meulen in helping seals

• B the strong swimming and fishing skills of monk seals

• C the harmful effects of humans on monk seal populations

• D the success of the Seal Rehabilitation and Research Centre

What is the main idea of Paragraph 5?

• A Monk seals often live in caves that are difficult for people to reach.

• B Monk seals have changed their behavior in order to survive.

• C Monk seals are fascinating animals to observe.

• D Monk seals are protective of their babies.

In Paragraph 2, why does the author most likely include the list of regions?

• A to indicate how abundant monk seals once were

• B to explain how monk seals came to be endangered

• C to suggest that monk seals are able to migrate long distances

• D to reveal that there are differences within the monk seal species

In Paragraph 9, why does the author provide the example of the monk seal colony at Cabo Blanco?

• A to suggest that monk seal populations naturally rise and fall in number

• B to reveal that some methods of conservation are more useful than others

• C to show how respect for the environment can unite people from different cultures

• D to demonstrate how specific actions have produced positive results for monk seals

What purpose does the section titled “Monk Seal Facts” serve in the passage?

• A to give the reader additional information about monk seals

• B to restate the main claims the author makes about monk seals

• C to explain how monk seals are cared for by conservation groups

• D to present a differing point of view about the situation monk seals face

What is the main purpose served by Paragraph 6 in the passage?

• A to entertain the reader by relating a legend involving monk seals

• B to explain the ancient origins of the problems experienced by monk seals today

• C to reveal to the reader how monk seals have benefited humans throughout history

• D to contrast the treatment of monk seals in an ancient society with their current situation

Which best describes how the sections titled “From Days of Caesar” and “Save the Seal” are related?

• A “From Days of Caesar” states a main idea and “Save the Seal” provides supporting details.

• B “From Days of Caesar” presents a problem and “Save the Seal” discusses a solution.

• C “From Days of Caesar” makes a contrast and “Save the Seal” reveals a similarity.

• D “From Days of Caesar” describes a result and “Save the Seal” explains the cause.

What is most likely the purpose of the use of second-person perspective in Paragraph 1?

• A to make the description of the monk seal seem more real to the reader

• B to suggest that the author and reader share similar life experiences

• C to show the reader that the author is friendly and approachable

• D to test how much the reader knows about monk seals

Select all the words that describe the author’s attitude toward monk seals.

• A admiring

• B amused

• C concerned

• D curious

• E sympathetic