Reading Check and Short Answer Questions on key points are designed for guided reading assignments, in-class review, formative assessment, quizzes, and more.

CHAPTERS 1-38

Reading Check

1. Which two animals are Ivan’s dearest friends?

2. What does Ivan throw at human visitors when he is bored?

3. Which of Ivan’s friends sneaks into his cage each night to spend time with him?

4. Who, in Stella’s story, protects a young boy after he falls into a zoo enclosure?

Short Answer

Answer each question in at least 1 complete sentence. Incorporate details from the text to support your response.

1. Why does Ivan feel that his personality is at odds with the depiction of himself on the freeway sign? What is anger’s purpose in the life of a gorilla?

2. How does Stella’s size and personality compare to Ivan’s?

3. Why does Ivan feel a special connection to Julia? How does Julia’s depiction of Ivan compare to his description of her?

4. What are Ivan’s feelings toward Ruby when she first arrives? How does his opinion of Ruby change?

Paired Resource

“What Are Animals Thinking?”

• This article explores the intelligence of animals.
• A shared theme is The Relationship Between Animals and Humans.
• What can animals understand that humans have not previously been aware of? How are animals like gorillas able to communicate with humans? What thoughts and feelings might the real Ivan reasonably be able to share?