1. The first paragraph of a news article should answer the questions who, what, where and when. List the who, what, where and when of this news item. (NOTE: The remainder of a news article provides details on the why and/or how.)

2. For how long has Ringling Bros. featured elephant acts in its circus?

3. Why is the Ringling Bros. and Barnum & Bailey Circus ending its elephant acts? Be specific.

4. Why will act(s) will the Circus feature in place of the elephant act?

5. Why did Ringling’s Feld Entertainment win over $25 million in lawsuit settlements from a number of animal-rights groups in 2014?

6.  Animal rights group PETA wants the use of any animal in any act to be banned.
What do you think: is PETA being unreasonable, or do trainers and performers working with animals abuse the animals they work with (is this their usual way of treating animals)? Explain your answer.

7. For this article, the Associated Press reporter did not interview any circus trainers or performers on how they view the end of elephant acts. Do you think it is important to the story to hear their view? Explain your answer.