Which two themes are found in the following passage? Ever since she was a little girl, Tina was afraid of lizards. The mere sigh
t of the reptiles would send her into fits of screaming. However, Tina’s mother always told her that she should not judge a book by its cover. Tina was quite surprised when she discovered that her new neighbor, Mr. Pamuk, was a herpetologist who studied lizards! Gathering all her courage, Tina went over to Mr. Pamuk’s house, determined to know what a herpetologist does. Mr. Pamuk, a patient and gentle man, sensed Tina’s fear of lizards almost immediately. As someone who loved lizards and snakes, he tried his best to take away Tina’s fear. He explained to her that a herpetologist studies lizards, snakes, turtles, crocodiles, and even frogs. He told her that people jump to conclusions about reptiles without knowing the facts. Tina listened with amazement as he told her about a lizard that could change the color of its skin. Some lizards could even walk on water. Slowly, Tina began to forget her fear of lizards. In fact, she asked Mr. Pamuk if he would show her his pet iguana. Mr. Pamuk was happy to help. All living beings on the planet are connected to each other. You should not judge things based on how they look. You can find true friendship in unexpected situations. Courage can help you face your fears. People should help each other learn about the world.
Empowering all teachers by expanding awareness and providing preparation. Teachers can focus instruction to better meet all students' academic needs. On-going assessment of students' strengths and needs. All students have opportunities for extended learning.
