Science

Inferential Interactive Reading

Formative Assessment
VA SOL 3.6The student will investigate and understand that ecosystems support a diversity of
plants and animals that share limited resources. Key concepts include
c) populations and communities; and
d) the human role in conserving limited resources.
3.10
The student will investigate and understand that natural events and human
influences can affect the survival of species. Key concepts include
a) the interdependency of plants and animals;
b) the effects of human activity on the quality of air, water, and habitat;
d) conservation and resource renewal.
WIDA Grades 3-5, Reading Level 3 Developing: Identify main ideas and some details

Language Objectives: Infer context that is not explicit by activating

schemata (using background knowledge)
Snow Leopard Under Threat From Climate Change

The conservation charity World Wildlife Fund (WWF) has

warned that climate change is threatening the existence of the
snow leopard in the Himalayas. Its Snow Leopard Programme
says rising temperatures are shrinking the natural habitat of
the big cat to the point that snow leopards could become
extinct. In a new report, the charity says that up to a third of
the mountainous areas where the leopards live could become
uninhabitable. Much of the flora and fauna the animals need to
survive could disappear in warmer temperatures. The WWF
said: "The Himalayas region will face a major crisis if we
choose to ignore climate changeWe risk losing majestic
species such as the snow leopard."
It isn't just climate change that is posing a serious threat to the
future of the snow leopard. A variety of activities from humans
is also adding to the dangers the animals face. Snow leopards
are highly sought after for their fur and body parts. More and
more poachers are joining this lucrative, illegal trade and are
killing the animals. The leopards are also being killed by
farmers who are trying to protect their livestock. As the natural

prey of the snow leopards is decreasing, the animals are

venturing into areas inhabited by humans and killing farm
animals. The result is the farmers shoot the leopards. The WWF
released its report on Friday, which was the first International
Snow Leopard Day.
Read more:http://www.breakingnewsenglish.com/1510/151026snow-leopard.html#ixzz3u96pNwDc

Instructions: After reading the article carefully look for

evidence to support the World Wildlife Funds warning.
There might be more than one piece of evidence for each
idea. Write their ideas in the chart below. Once you are done
writing down the evidence fill in the last column. In this
column write down what other things are true because of the
evidence. What else can we infer from the news report?

Scientists Idea

Evidence

I can also infer

that

Snow leopards in
the Himalayas are
in danger of
becoming extinct.

Example: -their
habitat is
shrinking
because the
weather is
getting hotter

-Other animals
that need cold
weather to
survive might
also be in
danger

The climates
weather is
changing.

The Himalayas will

become
uninhabitable.

Humans are also

part of the
problem.

Humans should do
something to help
the snow leopards.