Voices of the Forest: An Interview with Park Ranger Davis
Reporter: Today, we are speaking with Ranger Marcus Davis at the Shawnee National Forest in southern Illinois. Ranger Davis, thank you for taking the time to talk with us! To start off, what makes the Shawnee National Forest such a unique place for wildlife?
Ranger Davis: Hello! I am so glad to share my love for this forest. Shawnee National Forest is special because of its amazing natural variety. Nestled between the Mississippi and Ohio Rivers, the forest contains rolling hills, deep ravines, oak trees, and dramatic sandstone cliffs. Because southern Illinois sits where several different natural environments meet, we have a fascinating mix of habitats. You can find animals here that typically live in northern woodlands, as well as species more common in the southern United States.
Reporter: That sounds incredible! What are some of the animals that live in the forest?
- habitats:
- The natural environments where specific plants and animals live and grow.
- predators:
- Animals that hunt and eat other animals for survival.
- migrate:
- To move from one region or climate to another at specific times of the year.
- hibernate:
- To spend the winter in a deep, restful state to conserve energy.
- ecosystem:
- A biological community of living organisms interacting with their environment.
Educational example text · Interview / Q&A
One passage, many ways to practice
Reading-skill questions, word work and writing prompts — all built from this text.
Main Idea
Identify the central idea and explain how important details develop it.
Context Clues
Use clues in the passage to work out what words mean. A separate printable Vocabulary worksheet is also available.
Summarize
Select, organize, and restate the most important information without adding opinion.
Purpose
Analyze what the author aims to do and how choices serve audience and purpose.
Structure
Analyze how sections and organizational choices build the text's ideas or effects.
Vocabulary
Practice words from the passage with a printable worksheet.
Writing Prompts
Use the passage as a springboard for short written responses, from personal reflection to evidence-based arguments.
Fix the Sentence
Practice editing sentences drawn from this passage with a printable worksheet.
Ready to use this passage in class?
Start free with the Mixed worksheet and 3 PDF downloads each week. Focused skill sets depend on plan.
Preview questions from this passageShowHide
- 1Where is the Shawnee National Forest located?
- 2Why does the Shawnee National Forest have a mix of northern and southern wildlife species?
Where this passage belongs
You Might Also Like
About this interview / q&a passage for Upper Elementary
“Voices of the Forest: An Interview with Park Ranger Davis” is a interview / q&a reading passage about Shawnee National Forest Wildlife, written for Upper Elementary. It takes about 3 minutes to read (501 words) and comes with an interactive quiz and a printable worksheet with comprehension questions and an answer key.