Gorilla Conservation Analysis Worksheet

Name:

Date:

📚 Part 1: Central Idea Analysis

I can identify the central idea of the excerpt and explain how the author develops it.

1. What is the central idea (main message) of Dian Fossey's excerpt from "Gorillas in the Mist"?

Gorillas are dangerous animals that should be avoided

Gorilla conservation is important to protect endangered species

Scientists should study animals in laboratories

Gorillas are similar to humans in many ways

2. Which details from the text help develop the central idea? (Check all that apply)

Information about shrinking habitats

Examples of poaching threats

Description of gorilla behavior

Conservation efforts being made

3. Find one quote from the text that supports the central idea and write it below:

🔗 Part 2: Cause and Effect Relationships

I can identify cause and effect relationships that explain gorilla conservation efforts.

4. Complete the cause and effect chart using information from the text:

CAUSE (What happened?)	EFFECT (What was the result?)
Deforestation occurs	_________________________
_________________________	Gorilla population decreases
Conservation efforts increase	_________________________

5. Circle the signal words that help you identify cause and effect relationships in the text:

because as a result therefore since due to so

✏️ Part 3: Written Response

I can write an informational response using text evidence to support my analysis.

6. Write a paragraph (5-7 sentences) answering this question: How does Dian Fossey develop the central idea using cause and effect relationships? Use at least two pieces of evidence from the text.

Use these sentence stems to help organize your response:

• The central idea of the excerpt is ________________.

• Fossey develops this idea by explaining that ________________, which causes ________________.

• For example, the text says "________________."

• This shows that ________________.

7. Discussion Preparation: Choose one cause and effect relationship from the text. Be ready to share how it helps develop the central idea about gorilla conservation.

Vocabulary Review: conservation, endangered species, habitat, poaching, ecosystem, central idea, cause and effect