FIRST READ EXTENSION QUESTIONS

Why Do Some Brains Enjoy Fear?

Name:       Date:      

Why Do Some Brains Enjoy Fear?

Allegra Ringo

DIRECTIONS: Complete the following items after you have read the text.
____________________________________________________________________________
RI.9-10.2 Determine a central idea of a text and analyze its development over the course of the
text, including how it emerges and is shaped and refined by specific details; provide an objective
summary of the text.

1. Write a summary of the text.

Write an objective summary of “Why Do Some Brains Enjoy Fear?” Include main
ideas, but do not include personal opinions or judgments.
Because some people feel like it fun
    

____________________________________________________________________________
RI.9-10.4 Determine the meaning of words and phrases as they are used in a text, including
figurative, connotative, and technical meanings; analyze the cumulative impact of specific word
choices on meaning and tone (e.g., how the language of a court opinion differs from that of a
newspaper).

2. (a) Determine the meaning of words and phrases as they are used in a text,
including technical meanings.
Reread the Background note, the introduction in the first two paragraphs of the
interview, and the first question and answer. Then, explain in your own words the
term “fight-or-flight response.”
    flight or flight is to helps us on what to do when in danger.

(b) Analyze the cumulative impact of specific word choices on meaning and
tone.
Reread paragraph 3 of “Why Do Some Brains Enjoy Fear?” In this paragraph, Dr.
Margee Kerr uses a combination of informal language and scientific words and
phrases. Explain the effect of Kerr’s word choice on readers’ understanding of the
interview, Also, explain what Kerr’s word choices reveal about her tone, that is,
her attitude toward her topic. Use evidence from the selection to support your
answer.
    

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 FIRST READ EXTENSION QUESTIONS
Why Do Some Brains Enjoy Fear?

Speaker's Claims and Evidence

DIRECTIONS: Complete the following activity as either a written response or a group

discussion.
_____________________________________________________________________________
RI.9-10.3 Analyze how the author unfolds an analysis or series of ideas or events, including the
order in which the points are made, how they are introduced and developed, and the connections
that are drawn between them.

3. The selection “Why Do Some Brains Enjoy Fear?” unfolds as a series of

questions from Allegra Ringo to Dr. Margee Kerr. In her responses, Kerr often
makes claims, or statements that assert her positions and ideas. Choose one
question that the interviewer asks, and then identify a claim that Kerr makes in her
response. Summarize the claim and identify the evidence she cites to develop it.
Finally, make a judgment about the credibility of the claim (whether or not it can
be trusted or believed).

Use these guidelines in your writing or discussion.

● Identify a question from the interviewer that prompts or leads to a claim that
Kerr makes. Summarize the claim, emphasizing the main point of the claim.
● Identify the evidence that Kerr uses to develop her claim, citing relevant
details from the article.
● Consider the credibility of the claim and the support provided. Does the claim
seem trustworthy and believable? Explain why or why not.

TIP FOR WRITTEN RESPONSE

When you use quotations from the selection, explain how the quotations connect
to your ideas.
TIP FOR DISCUSSION
Identify ways your ideas may have changed because of the discussion.

    

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© by Savvas Learning Company LLC. All Rights Reserved.