DISCUSION DIRECTOR

 

1. Explain why this statement is a fact or an opinion.

“A masterpiece!” he said.  “An egg of supreme beauty and perfect proportions.”

 

Answer: This statement is the cob’s opinion of the way the egg looked.  It cannot be proven that the egg is beautiful or perfect.

 

2. Where did the swans choose to make their nest?  Why?

 

Answer: They found a tiny island in the middle of the small lake to build their nest on.  They chose this location because it would be safe from predators that would have to swim out in the water to get to them and the swans would hear or see them coming.

 

3. What was the cause of this effect?

Effect: Sam threw a stick and hit the fox on the nose

 

Answer: Cause: The fox was about to kill the female swan.

 

4. What do you think will happen with Sam and his new swan friends?

 

Answer: I think he will continue to visit them and become friends with their babies as well.  Sam will protect the trumpet swans from all of the other animals that might try to hurt them.

 

5. All of the following describe the trumpet swans except:

A.      They built a nest six feet wide.

B.      They laid five eggs.

C.      The cob can hit with the power of a swinging bat.

D.      They are completely white all over their body.

 

Answer: D

 

6. Why was the cob concerned about Sam when he first saw Sam watching them from the shore?

 

Answer: The cob thought all boys were mean and that Sam would try to harm them.  The cob was basing his judgment of Sam on other boys that he had seen throw stick and try to hurt them.  He did not know that Sam was a nice boy who wanted to protect them.