In 1973, a baby chimpanzee named Nim, wrapped in a blanket and wearing a tiny diaper, was carried off a plane and introduced to his new human family. He had arrived in New York City as part of a Columbia University study to see whether a chimpanzee could develop language. Nim did, in fact, learn many signs. But many experts, including the psychologist who led the experiment, question whether Nim and other primates who have learned signs are in fact using language. The researcher who worked with Nim came to the belief that while Nim imitated people’s signs, he did not form sentences and express ideas. Language, he concluded, is a human skill.
Passage 2
Linguists and other experts on language and cognitive development have long argued about whether animals can use language. There is no doubt that animals communicate. Language, though, is a complex system that some believe only humans can master. A landmark experiment in animal language, involving a young chimpanzee named Nim, proved this. In short, people, and only people, can acquire language.
Question
Use the introductions to two argumentative texts to answer the question.
Which line is a hook that grabs the reader’s attention?
(1 point)
Responses
Linguists and other experts on language and cognitive development have long argued about whether animals can use language.
Linguists and other experts on language and cognitive development have long argued about whether animals can use language.
Language, he concluded, is a human skill.
Language, he concluded, is a human skill.
In 1973, a baby chimpanzee named Nim, wrapped in a blanket and wearing a tiny diaper, was carried off a plane and introduced to his new human family.
In 1973, a baby chimpanzee named Nim, wrapped in a blanket and wearing a tiny diaper, was carried off a plane and introduced to his new human family.
In short, people, and only people, can acquire language.
1 answer
The line that serves as a hook to grab the reader's attention is:
In 1973, a baby chimpanzee named Nim, wrapped in a blanket and wearing a tiny diaper, was carried off a plane and introduced to his new human family.
This line is engaging because it presents an intriguing scenario involving a baby chimpanzee and evokes curiosity about the story and its implications regarding language and communication.
