Questions for Active Reading

Questions for Active Reading pages 271 and 285
Page 271
1.) I think reading the first and last paragraphs in a passage help the reader to understand what the passage will be about typically because in the introduction paragraph it is supposed to be an overall of what is to be expected through out the passage and the conclusion paragraph is supposed to sum up all the points that was made throughout the article.

2.) It is important to know that Lightman is a scientist because it allows the reader to lend more belief to the passage. More importantly what Lightman writes is credible because of the simple fact that he is a scientist. An artist or a social worker are not that likely to write a passage such as the one Lightman wrote because that is not their area of specialty.

3.) In the last paragraph Lightman is more lighthearted. And he is not so much lighthearted when he gives out factual information. I think that the effect of this is to make it interesting because a lot of times science can be a bit dry and boring or hard to understand. When Lightman writes lightheartedly he adds some comedy to it.

Page 285
1.) In paragraph 16 " Transitions are found in the fossil records. Preserved transitions are not common, and shouldn't be. but not because of our understanding of evolution."

2.) In paragraphs 16 and 17 states some interferences.

3.) When Gould used that reference it made it gave an idea as to what he would be talking about.