Unit 2 Writing Task

You have read an excerpt from a memoir and a works of historical fiction that demonstrate ways in which people and animals interact. In the except from My Life With the Chimpanzees, Dr. Jane Goodall describes what she learned about chimpanzees, including how intelligent they are and how they behave in a group. In "Hachiko: The True Story of a Loyal Dog," Pamela S. Turner tells the story of a dog's loyalty to his owner.

Use your knowledge of the excerpt from My Life With the Chimpanzees and "Hachiko: The True Story of a Loyal Dog" to consider qualities that human beings and animals seem to share. Write an informative essay that answers this question:

What qualities do Goodall and Turner believe people and animals share?

Think about the experiences Dr. Goodall has with the chimpanzees and the way Turner describes Dr. Ueno and Hachiko. Identify feelings and ways of behaving that the two authors suggest animals and people have in common.

For a model of a well-crafted informative text, see the Launch Text, "Reading Buddies."

Essay Planning Lesson Handout

💡Prompt Specific Ideas and Activities

Possible Sentence Starters

Introduction: Dr. Goodall and Turner believe people and animals share these qualities: _______________________.

Body Paragraph #1: In My Life with Chimpanzees, Dr. Goodall _____________________. 

Body Paragraph #2: In "Hachiko: The True Story of a Loyal Dog," Turner ___________________.

Conclusion: Based on these two authors, it is clear that human beings and animals have many things in common. (explain)

• In the excerpt from "My Life With the Chimpanzees," Dr. Jane Goodall explores the qualities that humans and animals share. One quality that Goodall believes both humans and animals possess is…

• According to "Hachiko: The True Story of a Loyal Dog" by Pamela S. Turner, there are certain qualities that humans and animals seem to share. Turner suggests that…

• Both Dr. Goodall and Turner highlight similarities between humans and animals in their respective writings. They both discuss the importance of qualities such as…

• In both "My Life With the Chimpanzees" and "Hachiko: The True Story of a Loyal Dog," the authors show that animals and humans share a strong sense of loyalty when…

• Dr. Goodall illustrates that chimpanzees exhibit intelligence similar to humans when they…

• Turner emphasizes the deep emotional bond between Hachiko and Dr. Ueno, highlighting that both animals and people can feel…

Exemplary Response:

In the excerpt from "My Life With the Chimpanzees," Dr. Jane Goodall provides fascinating insights into the behavior of chimpanzees, highlighting their intelligence and social dynamics. Similarly, in "Hachiko: The True Story of a Loyal Dog," Pamela S. Turner tells the heartwarming tale of a dog's unwavering loyalty to his owner. Both authors suggest that there are qualities shared between humans and animals.

One quality that Goodall and Turner believe people and animals share is the capacity for emotional connections. Goodall's observations of chimpanzees reveal their ability to form close bonds with one another. She describes how chimpanzee mothers care for and protect their young, demonstrating a strong parental instinct. Similarly, Turner portrays Hachiko's deep affection and loyalty towards Dr. Ueno, showcasing an emotional connection between the dog and his owner. These examples indicate that both humans and animals are capable of experiencing and expressing emotions such as love and loyalty.

Another quality emphasized by Goodall and Turner is the capacity for learning and intelligence. Goodall's research demonstrates that chimpanzees possess a remarkable level of intelligence and problem-solving skills. They learn to use tools, communicate through complex gestures and vocalizations, and even display signs of self-awareness. Similarly, Hachiko's ability to remember his owner's routine and faithfully wait for him at the train station each day suggests a form of learning and cognitive ability in dogs. These examples suggest that animals, like humans, are capable of learning, adapting, and demonstrating intelligence.

Furthermore, both authors suggest that humans and animals exhibit a sense of loyalty and devotion. Goodall describes the strong social bonds within chimpanzee communities, where individuals look out for each other and protect their group members. This loyalty is also evident in Hachiko's unwavering dedication to his owner, even after his owner's passing. This loyalty suggests that both humans and animals have the capacity for deep devotion and commitment.

In conclusion, the work of Dr. Jane Goodall in "My Life With the Chimpanzees" and Pamela S. Turner's "Hachiko: The True Story of a Loyal Dog" shed light on the qualities shared between humans and animals. Emotional connections, intelligence, and loyalty are among the qualities that Goodall and Turner highlight. This serves as a reminder that humans and animals, despite their inherent differences, can share common traits that foster meaningful relationships.

Non-Exemplary Response:

Animals and humans are the same because they feel emotions and are smart. Dr. Jane Goodall wrote about chimpanzees and how they are smart and Dr. Ueno's dog Hachiko was smart and loyal too. This shows that animals are like people. They can be smart and loyal. So, animals and people share qualities like emotions and smarts.