2. Reading Comprehension

a. General Comprehension

Read the article and say whether these statements are true or false. Give reasons.

T/F

........ 1. Two names that have the same meaning are «Fido» and «Leal».

........ 2. The dog evolved from the ancient wolf.

........ 3. Hachiko’s master returned to him after seven years.

........ 4. Hachiko’s body is in the National Science Museum.

........ 5. The cat, not the dog, is the most popular pet in the United States.

........ 6. Cats need as much care as dogs.

........ 7. Not all of Scarlett’s kittens survived the fire.

........ 8. Scarlett is now blind as a result of the fire.

........ 9. Pets have more negative than positive effects on elderly people.

........ 10. Recently a politician tried to use a dog to gain votes.

b. Detailed Comprehension

Answer the Questions.

1. What is the origin of the dog’s names «Fido» in English and «Leal» in Spanish speaking countries?

2. Why are Americans particularly fond of cats?

3. Why is the story about the dog Hachiko so touching?

4. What does the example of the cat Scarlett by name show?

5. What treatment did Scarlett and her kittens undergo in the animal hospital?

6. Do you think people from many countries displayed their best features reacting to the accident with Scarlett and her kittens?

7. Who won the applause and the hearts of millions of Americans for its modesty and intelligence?

Respond with the Best Answer.

1. In European painting the dog symbolizes

a. the universe.

b. nature.

c. fidelity.

2. Paragraph 1

a. compares and contrasts animals.

b. illustrates a term with examples.

c. emphasizes time order.

3. In Paragraph 2, label each sentence as F, Fact or O, Opinion.

1. ______ 2. ______ 3. _______ 4. _________ 5. _______

4. The narrative in Paragraph 3

a. implies that professors are kindly masters.

b. illustrates the idea of animal loyalty.

c. tells why the Japanese value dogs.

5. The point of the sentence «Cats regard their owners as can openers with long legs» is that cats

a. have poor eyesight.

b. care more about eating than their owners’ affection.

c. can’t open cans.

6. The main idea of Paragraph 4 is

a. cats are particularly good mothers.

b. Scarlett rescued her kittens.

c. fire fighter Dave rescued Scarlett’s kittens.

7. The pattern of Paragraph 5 is

a. cause-effect.

b. time order.

c. general term and examples.

8. Scarlett was adopted _____ after her rescue.

a. one year

b. three weeks

c. four months

9. Letters requesting to adopt Scarlett came from

a. near and far.

b. only Egypt and Japan.

c. all part of New York State.

10. The main idea of Paragraph 7 is

a. the first sentence.

b. the third sentence.

c. the last sentence.

11. In Paragraph 7, for the expression «For this reason» we can substitute

a. Nevertheless.

b. For instance.

c. Therefore.

12. In Paragraph 7 the expression «of course» suggest that this fact is

a. well known.

b. a contrast to the previous statement.

c. a condition.

13. Check all of the correct choices regarding Paragraph 8:

1. ___ The politician wanted to be associated with the dog’s heroism.

2. ___ The politician was modest and intelligent.

3. ___ The politician was looking for votes.

4. ___ The dog was a furry friend to a disabled person.

5. ___ The dog refused to be used by the politician.

6. ___ The people applauded the politician.

14. The author supports several points with

a. statistics.

b. jokes.

c. short narratives.

15. This article probably appeared in a (an)

a. encyclopedia.

b. popular magazine.

c. political speech.