Close Reader Questions
“Whale Sharks Use Geometry to Avoid Sinking”
1) Lines 1-12
a. Which sentence lays out the topic of the article? (just indicate the line #s)
b. Which sentence explains why movement is more complex for birds and marine animals?
c. In your own words, in a sentence or two, explain what you think this article will be about.
2) Lines 13-18
a. In your own words, in a sentence or two, explain the meaning of lines 13-18.
3) Lines 26-29
a. In your own words, in a sentence or two, explain the claim being made in these lines.
4) Lines 30-40
a. In your own words, in a sentence or two, explain the two types of movements the whale
sharks displayed.
Short Response:
What claim does this article make about whale sharks? How is this claim supported? Follow the basic
outline below:
 Your first sentence should be “The article claims that whale sharks use geometry in order to
prevent sinking.
 Your second sentence should state what the article goes on to explain. Hint: three dimensions &
conserving energy.
 Your third sentence should state what the whale sharks need to know about how much energy
they will need.
 Your fourth and final sentence should state information about the study that indicated the two
“broad movements” whale sharks use.