question: Science has a lot of uses. It can reveal laws of nature, cure diseases, make bombs, and help bridges to stand up. Indeed science is so good at what it does that there's always a temptation to drag it into problems where it may not be helpful. David Brooks, author ofThe Social Animal, The Hidden Sources of Love, Character, and Achievement, appears to be the latest in a long line of writers who have failed to resist the temptation.

Brooks gained fame for several books. His latest bookThe Social Animal, however, is more ambitious and serious than his earlier books. It is an attempt to deal with a set of weighty topics. The book focuses on big questions: What has science revealed about human nature? What are the sources of character? And why are some people happy and successful while others aren't?

To answer these questions, Brooks surveys a wide range of subjects. Because of this, you might expect the book to cover a variety of facts. But Brooks has structured his book in an unusual, and perhaps unfortunate way. Instead of introducing scientific theories, he tells a story, within which he tries to make his points, perhaps in order to keep the reader's attention. So as Harold and Erica, the hero and heroine in his story, live through childhood, we hear about the science of child development and as they begin to date we hear about the theory of sexual attraction. Brooks carries this through to the death of one of his characters.

On the whole, Brooks's story is acceptable if uninspired. As one would expect, his writing is mostly clear and, to be fair, some chapters stand out above the rest. I enjoyed, for instance, the chapter in which Harold discovers how to think on his own. While Harold and Erica are certainly not strong characters, the more serious problems withThe Social Animallie elsewhere. These problems partly involve Brooks's attempt to translate his tale into science.
1. how many uses are listed for science?
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answer: 1. Four

question: Anna's parents told her they were going to have a new baby brother. She had never had a brother before. She was not sure what to think about it.

"What if he cries?" asked Anna.

"If he cries we hold him until he is quiet," said Anna's dad.

"What if he makes a mess in his diaper?" asked Anna.

"Diapers smell but we clean them up," said Anna's mom.

Anna thought about having a baby brother. Her mom and dad would take care of him. They bought a high chair for him to eat in. They brought out her old crib for him to sleep in. What could she do to help? Anna wanted to help the baby play. She thought it would be fun to play with him. Anna saved up her money. She had two whole dollars. She went to the store to pick out a present for the baby. She bought a rattle. It cost all the money she had, but Anna was happy. She could give a gift to the new baby.
1. Who told Anna something?
2. And what was that?
3. Had she ever had one before?
4. How'd that make her feel?
5. What was she wondering?
6. How did her father respond?
7. What else worried her?
8. And how did her parents answer that?
9. Who would take care of the baby?
10. What'd the get him?
11. For what?
12. What else did they get?
13. Why?
14. Did Anna want to help?
15. To do what?
16. Why?
17. So what'd she do?
18. How much did she have?
19. So where'd she go?
20. Why?
21. What'd she get?
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answer: 1. Anna's parents
2. they were going to have a new baby brother.
3. No
4. She was not sure what to think about it.
5. What if he cries?
6. If he cries we hold him until he is quiet
7. What if he makes a mess in his diaper?
8. "Diapers smell but we clean them up,"
9. Her mom and dad
10. a high chair
11. for him to eat in.
12. her old crib
13. for him to sleep in
14. Yes
15. play
16. She thought it would be fun to play with him
17. Anna saved up her money
18. two whole dollars
19. to the store
20. to pick out a present for the baby
21. a rattle

question: What could a poem writer and a movie director share? More than you think! Langston Hughes began writing poems in high school and soon became one of America's greatest writers. Most of his writing is about his experiences as an African American. He wrote poems about people who worked hard through life but still found things to be happy about. He wrote plays and books about justice for all people, and he wrote kids' books, too. The Sweet and Sour Animal Book is a book of his animal poems. Pictures and photos were used in the book. "Hold fast to dreams" is a line in a famous Hughes poem. That's exactly what he did throughout his life. When Steven Spielberg was in middle school, he wanted to make a film. He had an idea for a movie, but no money. He started a tree-planting business and made his film with the money he earned. Spielberg never stopped making films, even after many film schools refused him. Today he is one of the most popular and important filmmakers in the world. His movies are about people who are adventurous , brave, kind. His characters often fight for what is good. Some of his films are about his Jewish background, such as Schindler's List. Spielberg once said, "I don't dream that much at night because I dream for a living." In different ways, both Hughes and Spielberg have encouraged people of all ages to reach for their dreams.
1. What is the writers name?
2. What were most his writings about?
3. Did he write about justice?
4. For whom?
5. Who else did he write books for?
6. What was a famous line mentioned in his children's book?
7. What book was this line from?
8. Who wanted to make a film while in middle school?
9. Why couldn't he make one?
10. How did he earn money?
11. Did he stop making films?
12. Where is he now considered most popular?
13. What is his background?
14. Were his movies about this backgroud?
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answer:
1. Langston Hughes
2. his experiences
3. Yes
4. all people
5. kids
6. Hold fast to dreams
7. its a line in a famous Hughes poem
8. Steven Spielberg
9. no money
10. He started a tree-planting business
11. No
12. the world.
13. he has a Jewish background
14. Schindler's List