Name: _______________________
Period: ________
Date: ____________
Problem Based Learning
Mongoose and King Cobra
Problem: What are the differences and similarities between the mongoose and the King Cobra?
1. First – Read the articles, “Information and Fun Facts about the Mongoose” and “King Cobra”
by yourself. Text mark with a pen or highlighter.
___/5 points + ___/5 points = ___/10 points
2. Second – Read the articles one more time with a partner. Discuss any areas where there was
confusion and try to figure out the unknown vocabulary words. ____/5 points
3. Third – Scan the articles again to find the answers to the following questions. Be sure to
answer in complete sentences. ___/10 points
____/25 Total Points
Article Questions:
Mongoose
1.
2.
3.
4.
How did the ancient Egyptians view the mongoose?
Describe a typical mongoose.
What does it mean to be terrestrial mammal?
How does the mongoose kill a snake?
King Cobra
1.
2.
3.
4.
5.
6.
7.
Why are King Cobras different colors?
Why does the King Cobra have a forked tongue?
Why do King Cobras give off hissing sounds?
How many eggs can King Cobras lay at a time?
List the several predators of the King Cobra.
Why is it illegal to own a King Cobra in many places?
What should you do if you are bitten by a King Cobra?
4. Fourth – On the back of this paper, draw a double bubble thinking map to show the differences
and similarities between a mongoose and a King Cobra. ____/10 points
5. Fifth – Write a compare/contrast essay (see activity page in order to complete this prompt).
____/30 points
Name: _______________________
Period: ________
Date: ____________
Guidelines for Compare/Contrast Essay
Prompt: Write a four paragraph essay that compares and contrasts the cobra and the mongoose.
Rubric: Your writing will be graded on how well you do the following things:
____/5 points
Four indented paragraphs, following the directions given for each one
____/5 points
Heading, assignment title, correct font and size, double-spaced
____/5 points
Proper punctuation, capitalization, 3rd person POV, and grammar (focus: no runons or fragments and no “red” lines)
____/5 points
Similarities between both animals
____/5 points
Differences between both animals
____/5 points
Strong hook, thesis statement, and closing paragraph
____/30 Total Points
Essay Outline Organizer:
Paragraph #1: Introductory paragraph
Hook  _______________________________________________________________
_____________________________________________________________________
_____________________________________________________________________
Summary statement: Name the articles you used and explain what is being compared/contrasted.
_____________________________________________________________________
_____________________________________________________________________
_____________________________________________________________________
_____________________________________________________________________
_____________________________________________________________________
_____________________________________________________________________
End your introductory paragraph by writing the thesis statement: The cobra and the mongoose have
many similarities as well as differences.
Body Paragraphs:
Paragraph #2: Identify/describe the similarities
Topic sentence for first body paragraph: (Introduce evidence) have clearly explained about the
cobra and the mongoose. It is evident that the similarities between the cobra and the mongoose
are:
_____________________________________________________________________
_____________________________________________________________________
Cite the evidence: (Don’t forget to cite the page or paragraph number for your sources). The article
states, “________________________________________________________________
_____________________________________________________________________
_____________________________________________________________________
_____________________________________________” (Author’s last name, paragraph #).
Explain how the quote relates and connects to the topic sentence. You can write: This quote reflects
how the cobra and mongoose are similar because of _________________________________
_____________________________________________________________________
_____________________________________________________________________
_____________________________________________________________________
Paragraph #3: Identify/describe the differences
(Introduce evidence) Use a transition sentence such as:
On the other hand,
As much as these two creatures are similar, they also have unique differences such as
After reading those two articles, it is also clear that the two animals are different because
Cite the evidence: The article states, “___________________________________________
_____________________________________________________________________
_____________________________________________________________________
_____________________________________________” (Author’s last name, paragraph #).
Explain how the quote relates and connects to the topic sentence. You can write: This quote reflects
how the cobra and mongoose are different because of ________________________________
_____________________________________________________________________
_____________________________________________________________________
_____________________________________________________________________
Paragraph #4: Conclusion paragraph (4-5 sentences)
Restate the main idea (thesis):________________________________________________
_____________________________________________________________________
_____________________________________________________________________
_____________________________________________________________________
Concluding statement (give a short summary of the similarities and differences): ______________
_____________________________________________________________________
_____________________________________________________________________
_____________________________________________________________________
Add one sentence to sum up the topic: ___________________________________________
_____________________________________________________________________
If you need help and cannot write this portion on your own, you may use this as a guide:
It is clear that cobras and mongooses are similar because they are both ____________________
_____________________________________________________________________
On the other hand, the cobras and mongooses are different because _______________________
_____________________________________________________________________
Both creatures are (choose one of these words: fascinating/interesting/wonderful/amazing, etc.) and
it was (choose one of these words: fascinating/interesting/exciting/captivating, etc.) to learn about
their similarities and differences.
Take note that the guide for your concluding paragraph does not contain the words “I” or “you.”
Reread your essay to make sure the 3rd person point of view is being used.