Main Idea & Theme
What is the difference between a main idea and a supporting detail?
Main - central point
SD - fact/example that proves the main idea
What are context clues? Name two types of context clues readers use to figure out a word's meaning.
Context clues are hints in surrounding text. Types: definition/explanation, example, antonym/synonym, inference from description. Review this closely for accuracy, especially in math, as AI may have limitations.
What does "text evidence" mean? Give one quick example of a sentence that could be used as text evidence for a character being excited
Example: "Her hands trembled as she opened the letter." shows nervous/excited.
What are the three common purposes authors write for? Give a one-word example for each purpose.
Purposes: inform, entertain, persuade. Examples: news article, novel, opinion piece.
anticipation — Use context clues to write a short synonym for "anticipation."
Anticipation — synonym: expectation, excitement, eagerness
List a strategy you can use to find the main idea of a text.
Find topic sentnece, summarize paragraphs, check first and last sentences, etc.
Explain the difference between a synonym and an antonym. Provide one pair of each for the word "brisk."
Synonym pair for brisk: quick/fast. Antonym pair: slow/lethargic. Review this closely for accuracy, especially in math, as AI may have limitations.
What is an inference? Describe the steps you take to make an inference from a passage.
Steps: read carefully, highlight clues, connect to background knowledge, draw logical conclusion.
How does an author's word choice (diction) affect tone? Give a short example showing a change in tone by swapping one word.
Diction affects tone by choosing words with stronger or milder connotations (e.g., "strolled" vs. "marched")
defy — Choose the correct meaning in this sentence and explain: "She decided to defy the rule and ride her bike after dark." (Options: follow / refuse to obey)
Defy — correct meaning: refuse to obey.
Explain how a theme is different from a main idea.
Theme = message/lesson; Main idea = what the text is about. Example theme: friendship, perseverance, fairness. Review this closely for accuracy, especially in math, as AI may have limitations.
What is a root word? Give an example and show how adding a prefix or suffix changes the meaning.
Root word example: "port" (carry) → "transport" (carry across); prefix "trans-" changes meaning to "across." Review this closely for accuracy, especially in math, as AI may have limitations.
Choose two types of textual details (e.g., dialogue, actions, descriptions). Explain how each can serve as evidence for a claim about a character or event
Dialogue shows voice/feeling; actions show character choices; both support claims about motives or traits.
What is point of view? Describe the three main points of view and one effect each can have on how a story is told
Points of view: first-person (I/my), second-person (you), third-person (he/she/they). Effects: first-person = closer thoughts; third-person = broader view.
entitled — Explain two different meanings of "entitled" (one related to rights/status, one related to feeling deserving) and use each in a separate short sentence.
Entitled — meanings: 1) having a right to something (e.g., "She is entitled to a refund."); 2) feeling deserving without earning it (e.g., "He acted entitled.").
Identify the main idea of this short paragraph: "People save water by fixing leaks, using drought-resistant plants, and collecting rainwater for outdoor use.
Main idea answer: "People save water by fixing leaks, choosing drought-resistant plants, and collecting rainwater." Review this closely for accuracy, especially in math, as AI may have limitations.
What does the prefix "dis" mean?
dispair, disregard, discard
apart, away
Explain the difference between a direct quote and a paraphrase when citing evidence. When might you use each?
Direct quote = exact wording (use when wording is precise); paraphrase = restated (use for brevity).
Define "figurative language." Give a short example of a simile and explain how it adds meaning
Figurative language example: "The lake was a mirror" — creates imagery.
— neutral — Give a sentence showing "neutral" used in the sense of not taking sides, and another showing "neutral" used in color or tone.
Neutral — examples: "The judge remained neutral during the debate." / "She chose a neutral beige paint for the walls."
Describe how a character’s repeated action can reveal a theme. Give a general example showing action and the theme it reveals.
Example: Repeated action = "helps neighbors" reveals theme of community. Review this closely for accuracy, especially in math, as AI may have limitations.
What does the suffix "-ship" mean?
relationship, hardship, internship
position held
You claim a character is responsible based on the text. List three different kinds of evidence you could use to support this claim and why each is persuasive.
Evidence types: quoted dialogue, narrated action, descriptive detail (appearance, setting); each adds credibility to a claim.
Explain how structure (chronological, cause-effect, problem-solution) helps a reader understand an informational text. Provide one signal word for each structure.
Structure signals: chronological = "first/then/last"; cause-effect = "because/therefore"; problem-solution = "problem/solution."
Mix-and-match: For the five words outspoken, reserved, sought, unequal, and anticipation — provide (a) a brief definition, (b) a one-sentence example showing the word in context, and (c) identify whether the word is generally positive, negative, or neutral in connotation.