Theme & Central Idea
What is the difference between theme and central idea?
Theme = message or lesson (literary); Central Idea = main idea (informational)
What does it mean to compare two texts?
To find similarities
What does it mean to determine a word’s meaning using context clues?
Using surrounding words to understand meaning
What are the three main author’s purposes?
Inform, persuade, entertain
What does SWBST help readers do?
Summarize a story (Somebody, Wanted, But, So, Then)
What does R.A.C.E stand for?
Restate, Answer, Cite, Explain
Is “Never give up” more likely a theme or a central idea? Explain.
Theme — it’s a lesson/message
What does it mean to contrast two texts?
To find differences
Name one type of context clue.
Definition, example, synonym, antonym
What does POV stand for?
Point of View
What does QAR stand for?
Question–Answer Relationship
Why is citing evidence important in writing?
It supports claims and strengthens arguments
Which type of text focuses on a theme: literary or informational?
Literary
Name one signal word used for compare or contrast.
Both, however, similarly, unlike
If the word reluctant is followed by “she hesitated and sighed,” what might it mean?
Hesitant or unsure
If a text uses “I” and shares personal thoughts, what POV is it written in?
First-person POV
Which strategy helps you ask questions before, during, and after reading?
TQSE
What does TAG the detail require you to do when reading a text?
Annotate the text for key details (underline, highlight, etc)
How do you prove a theme or central idea using the text?
By citing multiple pieces of evidence and explaining how they support the idea
Why do authors write about the same topic differently?
Authors have different purposes, perspectives, or audiences
Which strategy helps you break down prefixes, roots, and suffixes?
CLUE (Context clues, Look for word parts, Use figurative language, Explain)
Why does knowing the author’s purpose help readers understand a text?
It helps readers understand why the text was written
What does the CLUE strategy help you figure out?
Word meaning
What does V.O.I.C.E.S help writers improve?
Voice, Organization, Ideas, Conventions, Evidence, Sentence fluency
A story shows a character failing, learning, and succeeding. What TOPIC could this support?
Examples: perseverance, growth through struggle, resilience
If two texts discuss the same event but focus on different details, what skill are you using?
Compare and contrast
Why is using context clues better than guessing?
It’s based on evidence from the text, not assumptions
A text presents only one side of an issue. What does this suggest about the author’s POV?
The author may be biased or persuasive
How does the “What if?” strategy deepen understanding of a text?
It helps readers think critically and explore alternative outcomes
Why is explaining your evidence just as important as stating it?
It shows understanding and connects evidence to the claim