Author’s Purpose & Text Structure
What is the author’s purpose in a passage that explains how hurricanes form using facts and diagrams?
Inform (Explain)
Identify the figurative language: “The classroom was a zoo.”
Metaphor
What does the word “reluctant” most nearly mean in context: “She was reluctant to speak in front of the class.”
Hesitant
What is the central idea of a text?
The main point or message the author wants to convey.
What is a claim?
The author’s main argument or position.
How does a chronological structure help readers understand a historical event?
It shows events in time order, helping readers follow cause and effect over time.
What effect does imagery have in a descriptive passage?
It helps readers visualize and engage with the text.
Which strategy helps determine the meaning of an unknown word?
Context clues (definitions, examples, synonyms, antonyms)
How is theme different from central idea?
Theme is a universal message or lesson. Central idea is the main topic being spoken about, it is specific to the text.
What type of evidence is most reliable?
Facts, statistics, and credible sources.
A text describes a problem with plastic waste and proposes solutions. What structure is used and why?
Problem and solution; it highlights an issue and offers ways to fix it.
Explain how symbolism contributes to meaning in a story where a storm represents conflict.
The storm symbolizes tension or struggle, deepening the theme.
How do connotations affect meaning?
They add emotional or cultural associations beyond the literal definition.
How do details support the central idea?
They provide evidence and explanation that develop the main point.
Explain the difference between a claim and a counterclaim.
A claim is the main argument; a counterclaim is the opposing viewpoint.
Analyze how a cause-and-effect structure strengthens the author’s argument in a text about climate change.
It links actions (causes) to consequences (effects), making the argument more logical and convincing.
Analyze how tone is developed through figurative language in a passage.
Specific word choices and figurative language create mood and reveal the author’s attitude.
Analyze how the author’s word choice impacts meaning in a persuasive text.
Strong or emotional words influence the reader’s opinion.
How does a theme develops over the course of a text.
Through events, characters, and conflicts that reveal deeper meaning.
Analyze how an author uses evidence to support a claim.
Evidence (facts, examples) strengthens credibility and supports reasoning.
Compare how two different text structures (e.g., compare/contrast vs. problem/solution) could present the same topic differently.
Compare/contrast highlights similarities and differences, while problem/solution focuses on identifying an issue and resolving it, shaping how readers interpret the topic.
Evaluate how multiple types of figurative language work together to develop a theme.
Devices like metaphor, imagery, and symbolism reinforce ideas and create deeper meaning.
Evaluate how changing a key word in a passage would alter tone and meaning.
Different words carry different connotations, shifting tone and reader interpretation.
Compare themes across two texts on a similar topic.
Identify similarities/differences in messages and how each author develops them.
Is an argument is effective based on reasoning and evidence.
Yes. Strong arguments use relevant, sufficient, and credible evidence with clear reasoning.