Scientists found that Mercury’s atmosphere is very hot. Venus is hot, Mars and Pluto are too cold, and their atmosphere is made up of too much carbon dioxide just like those of Jupiter, Saturn, Venus, and Neptune. It is only the planet Earth whose atmosphere is made up of oxygen. Earth also receives enough light and rays from the sun that make the planet fit for life.

What can be inferred about the potential for life on Mars compared to Earth based on their atmospheric compositions? 

If you were tasked with designing a mission to explore Venus, which factor from the text would be most critical to consider in your proposal?

What is the most relevant question a student might ask while researching the atmospheres of different planets? 

The Man, His Son, and the Donkey

A man, his son, and their donkey were on their way to the market where it was to be sold. “Have you no more sense,” said a passerby, “than to walk along, letting your donkey without a load?” So the man put this son on the donkey, and they went on.

“You lazy, young man,” said the next person they met. “Aren’t you ashamed to ride and let your poor old father go on foot?” The man lifted off his son and got on the donkey himself. Two women passed. One said to the other “Look at that selfish old fellow, riding while his little son follows on foot!”

The man then took the boy up behind him. The next traveler they met asked the man, “Is the donkey yours?” “Yes, it’s ours.” The man said, “No one would think so from the way you use it. Why, you are better able to carry the donkey than it is to carry both of you.”

So, the man tied the donkey’s legs to a pole. Staggering under the weights, they carried it into town. There, they were greeted with much laughter. The man got angry and threw the donkey into the river. Seizing his son by the arm, they set off home.

What lesson can be drawn from the man's experience with the donkey and the reactions of the bystanders? 

How could the man and his son have worked together to avoid the criticism they received? 

 If you were to rewrite the ending of the fable, what alternative solution could the man and his son choose instead of tying the donkey's legs?

What does the figurative language in the phrase "Time is a thief" suggest?

In the expression "The world is your oyster," what is the intended meaning?

When discussing the phrase "Her smile was a ray of sunshine," what figurative language skill would enhance group understanding?

What does the metaphor "He has a heart of stone" imply about the person?

If you were to use the simile "Her voice was music to his ears," what creative interpretation could you draw about their relationship?

Which conjunction best completes the sentence? I wanted to go for a walk, ______ it started raining.

Which conjunction should be used in the following sentence? She enjoys painting, ______ she also loves to draw.

Select the correct conjunction to complete the sentence:______ the weather was bad, we decided to stay indoors.

Which pair of conjunctions correctly completes the sentence?______ he is talented, he still needs to practice regularly.