Collections Grade 10 Guiding Questions Collection 4
“Coming to Our Senses” by Neil deGrasse Tyson
Read the science essay “Coming to Our Senses” by Neil deGrasse Tyson. Then, reread the lines indicated with each question below. Answer each question, citing text evidence.
1. Lines 1–13: Summarize the main idea of this paragraph. How does the quote from Hubble support this idea?
2. Lines 39–49: What central idea is Tyson highlighting with these rhetorical questions?
3. Lines 62–77: What does it mean if parapsychology claims are not held up in double-blind experiments. How does this example develop Tyson’s central idea?
4. Lines 71–77: What device is Tyson describing in this passage? Explain what the device does. How does using this example further Tyson’s central idea?
5. Lines 90–94: What humorous phrases are in this paragraph? Explain how these phrases make a valid point.
6. Lines 95–116: What is the central idea in these lines? What is the key point in lines 102–116? What details does Tyson use to support this idea?
7. Lines 131–143: What are the benefits of the enhanced tools that Tyson highlights on this page? What examples from the text support this idea?
8. Lines 146–149: Summarize the central idea of these lines in your own words.
9. Lines 162–168: Summarize Planck’s quotation in your own words. Explain how this
relates to Tyson’s main idea.