Main Idea/Theme
What is the main idea of a paragraph?
The main idea is what the paragraph or text is mostly about.
What are context clues?
Context clues are hints in the sentence or paragraph that help readers understand the meaning of a word.
What is a simile?
A simile compares two things using like or as.
What text feature helps you find topics quickly in a book?
Table of Contents
Sarah walked outside wearing a coat, scarf, and gloves. Her breath made little clouds in the air.
What can you infer about the weather?
It is very cold outside
What is the theme of a story?
a message or lesson
“The desert was arid, with almost no rain for months.”
What does arid most likely mean?
Arid means very dry with little rain.
“Her smile was as bright as the sun.”
Is this a simile or metaphor?
Simile
What text feature shows where places are located?
map
The classroom lights were off, chairs were stacked on desks, and the hallway was quiet.
What can you infer?
The school day is over
What is the difference in main idea and theme?
Main idea is a specific summary of a text with specific details. Theme is a lesson or message from the story without specific details, it can be applied to any story.
“She was exhausted after running the race, so she immediately sat down.”
What does exhausted mean?
Exhausted means very tired.
“The classroom was a zoo during the party.”
What type of figurative language is this?
Metaphor
How does a caption help a reader understand a picture in a nonfiction book?
A caption explains what is happening in the picture or gives extra information about the topic.
Tommy’s dog ran to the door wagging its tail when he grabbed the leash.
What can you infer the dog thinks is about to happen?
The dog thinks it is going for a walk.
A story tells about a boy who lies to his friends many times. Eventually, no one believes him when he tells the truth. The lesson learned is “Honesty is important.”
theme
“The puppy was timid, hiding behind the couch when guests arrived.”
What does timid most likely mean?
Timid means shy or scared.
“The wind whispered through the trees.”
What type of figurative language is used?
Personification
What is the difference between a heading and a subheading?
A heading tells the main topic of a section, while a subheading gives more specific details about parts of that topic.
Maria studied her notes every night, asked questions in class, and practiced the review sheet before the test.
What can you infer about Maria?
Maria wants to do well or is prepared for the test?
A passage explains how dolphins communicate using clicks and whistles and how scientists study their sounds.
main idea
Name two types of context clues authors use to help readers understand words.
Examples:
Definition clues
Synonym clues
Antonym clues
Example clues
Explain the difference between a simile and a metaphor.
A simile uses “like” or “as” to compare, while a metaphor compares two things directly without using like or as.
Why do nonfiction books often include a glossary at the back?
To help readers understand the meanings of important or difficult words used in the book.
When the teacher announced it was time for presentations, Liam suddenly began flipping through his notebook quickly. He whispered to a classmate, erased part of his paper, and avoided looking at the teacher.
What can you infer about Liam?
Liam is nervous or not prepared for his presentation?