Text Structure
If the author writes with a description organizational pattern, what might their purpose be?
To tell the reader facts about a topic
What does the author's language emphasize in this paragraph?
Ziiiiippp. I unzip the tent door as quietly as I could. Peeking outside slowly, I checked to make sure the coast was clear. My heart felt like it was beating a million miles an hour. It felt like it would jump out of my chest at any moment. I turned slowly to the others and signaled with my finger to my mouth to be quiet.
The narrator is nervous and trying to be quiet
There are eight different species of bears in the world. The smallest is the sun bear. This bear has a distinctive patch of yellow or orange fur on its chest. The sun bear has a long tongue and curved claws.
In this paragraph, the word distinctive means-
special, different
The fairy king adjusted the crown that sat upon his head. The flower itself weaved a throne from vines for him to sit upon. The fairy king gazed at his subjects with affection. They were children and he their protector. His smile was bright like the sun itself. He settled into his throne, taking his time to get comfortable. The other fairies waited without speaking.
What can the reader conclude about the king's relationship with the fairies?
He treats them well
Rabbits and hares are not the same. Rabbits live together in burrows. Their babies are born blind and without fur. Hares live alone above ground. Their babies are born with fur and are not blind. In addition, hares are usually bigger than rabbits.
What is the main idea of this paragraph?
Rabbits and hares are different
If the author writes with a compare and contrast organizational pattern, what might their purpose be?
To show the differences and similarities between two or more things
What does the author's language emphasize in this paragraph?
The Hershey's candy bar melted all over my brand new leather backpack. The bottom, the sides, and even the stitching were coated with sticky, moist chocolate.
The mess that the chocolate has made
For most of the day, the sun bear forages for food. If there are too many humans around, it will stay up during the night to look for food.
In this paragraph, the word forages means-
searches, looks
Michael walked into the salon with his mom. His hair was much too long. His mother dragged him through the salon to the chair. “But I don’t want to!” Michael complained.
How does Michael feel about getting a haircut?
He wasn't excited
Some types of roller coasters use magnets to make them stop. Strong magnets are put into both the coaster and the end of the track. As the coaster approaches the end of the track, the attracting forces of the magnets bring it to a gentle stop.
What is the main idea of this paragraph?
If the author writes with a cause and effect organizational pattern, what might their purpose be?
To tell about something that happened and the effects of what happened.
What does the author's language emphasize in this sentence?
The warm scent of popcorn wafts throughout the theater.
The smell of a movie theater, popcorn.
Walt Disney grew up doodling and drawing everything his imagination could come up with. He started selling his sketches to friends when he was only seven. He showed an avid interest in cartoons.
In this paragraph, the word avid means-
a lot of enthusiasm
There is a long history of yard and garage sales. They were first referred to as rummage sales, the idea being one "rummages" through someone else's unwanted items. Garage sales have continued as a beloved tradition. Purchasing something used at a value price is exciting. There are stories of finding incredible treasures at garage sales when owners have unknowingly sold something worth a lot of money.
What can the reader conclude about finding treasures at a garage sale?
It can happen, but probably not often
Incense cedar wood is used for making pencils because it does not break easily, but is soft enough to be sharpened without splintering. It also won't bend or warp in hot temperatures. Incense cedar trees are grown in California and Oregon.
What is the main idea of this paragraph?
Cedar wood is good for making pencils
If the author writes in a sequential organizational pattern, what might their purpose be?
To tell steps or events in the order that they happen
What does the author's language emphasize in this paragraph?
The stew had a strong, spicy scent and it was hot on her tongue. Even the small bite she had taken was enough to warm her throat as it slid down.
The warmth/spiciness of the stew
A group of three judges walked slowly up and down the rows. Malcolm straightened his tie. He fiddled with his hair then blew out a nervous breath. He wanted to make a good impression on the judges. He had worked very hard on his science project. He just wasn't very good at talking to adults. He took a deep breath when they approached him. When they smiled and asked what his project was about Malcolm felt calm. He knew all the answers.
In this paragraph, the word fiddled means-
touch in a nervous way
Shadow was upset. He couldn’t remember where he buried his bone. He sat still in the sun and tried to think about where it was, but he just couldn’t remember. He howled at the sky and looked up at it with sad eyes.
What type of pet is Shadow?
a dog
A shark may have up to 3,000 teeth at one time. Shark teeth grow in rows. When a shark loses a tooth, it is replaced by a new tooth from the row behind it. A shark may have over 20,000 teeth over the course of its life.
What is the main idea of this paragraph?
Sharks have a lot of teeth
If the author writes in a problem and solution organizational pattern, what might their purpose be?
To tell about a problem and suggest solutions
What does the author's language emphasize in this paragraph?
Gummy bears are a sweet, delicious treat that squish in my mouth. I feel the sticky gel texture between my fingers. One side of the colorful bear is flat, while the other side is bumpy.
The way a gummy bear feels
A group of three judges walked slowly up and down the rows. Malcolm straightened his tie. He fiddled with his hair then blew out a nervous breath. He wanted to make a good impression on the judges. He had worked very hard on his science project. He just wasn't very good at talking to adults. He took a deep breath when they approached him. When they smiled and asked what his project was about Malcolm felt calm. He knew all the answers.
In this paragraph, the word impression means-
an idea or opinion of someone
As the final notes played, Nancy glided gracefully to a stop and posed with her arms above her head. The crowd erupted in cheers. Nancy collected the flowers that people had thrown onto the ice for her.
What is Nancy doing?
figure skating
When most animals look into a mirror, they think that the reflection is another animal. A few animals do recognize themselves. These include: elephants, dolphins, chimps and great apes.
What is the main idea of this paragraph?
Most animals do not recognize themselves in a mirror.