Text Structure Buster
Every Halloween, families carve spooky faces into pumpkins and place them on their porches. However, these decorations often begin to rot after only a few days. When a pumpkin is carved, its protective outer skin is broken, exposing the soft inside to air, moisture, and bacteria. As a result, microorganisms begin breaking down the pumpkin, causing it to become soft and mushy. Warm temperatures can speed up this process because bacteria and mold grow more quickly in warmer conditions. Additionally, leaving a carved pumpkin in direct sunlight causes it to lose moisture, making it shrivel and collapse. Because of these factors, many jack-o'-lanterns become moldy or rotten before Halloween night. To help pumpkins last longer, families can keep them in cool, shaded areas and wait until closer to Halloween to carve them.
What organizational structure is used in this paragraph?
Cause and effect.
OR
Problem and solution.
Combine the following sentences using a subordinating conjunction. Make sure to use/not use commas correctly.
The vampire hid inside his coffin. The sun began to rise.
As the sun began to rise, the vampire hid inside his coffin.
(many possible answers)
The old mansion's staircase was precarious; several steps were cracked, the railing wobbled, and visitors feared it might collapse beneath them.
What does precarious mean?
A. Difficult to locate
B. Unsafe and unstable
C. Ancient and valuable
D. Narrow and winding
B. Unsafe and unstable
Why does Mrs. Billups call Melody's mom?
Melody is having a tornado explosion.
What day is Mrs. Payne's birthday?
October 1st
The tradition of wearing Halloween costumes began hundreds of years ago. First, ancient Celtic people wore disguises during the festival of Samhain to protect themselves from wandering spirits. Later, people in Europe began dressing in costumes and traveling from house to house in exchange for food. As Halloween traditions spread to America, costumes became more popular among children. Eventually, stores began selling costumes of ghosts, witches, and popular characters. Today, people dress up in creative costumes to celebrate Halloween.
Sequence/Chronological Order
Rewrite the sentence correctly.
Every pumpkin on grandma rose's porch have a frightening face.
Every pumpkin on Grandma Rose's porch has a frightening face.
Marcus spent several minutes trying to haggle with the seller before finally agreeing to purchase the baseball glove.
What does the word haggle mean?
A. To examine an item carefully
B. To complain about a product
C. To negotiate the price of something
D. To make a quick decision
C. To negotiate the price of something
What movie is mentioned in Chapter 8?
The Wizard of Oz
How old is Mrs. Payne?
28
The Vampire Bat
Vampire bats are small mammals that live in parts of Central and South America. Unlike most bats, which eat insects or fruit, vampire bats feed on the blood of other animals. They have sharp front teeth, short snouts, and strong legs that allow them to move along the ground. Their dark brown fur helps them blend into their surroundings at night. Vampire bats also have special heat sensors near their noses that help them locate warm areas on an animal's skin. These unusual features make vampire bats one of the most fascinating creatures associated with Halloween.
Description
Combine the following sentences using one of the FANBOYS.
The werewolf howled at the full moon. The nearby villagers rushed into their homes.
The werewolf howled at the full moon, so the nearby villagers rushed into their homes.
When Liam tapped on the old tree trunk, he heard a hollow sound and wondered if an animal had made its home inside.
What does the word hollow mean?
A. Having a rough surface
B. Being extremely fragile
C. Made of solid wood
D. Having an empty space inside
D. Having an empty space inside
What did Melody get for her eighth birthday?
A dog (Butterscotch)
What is Mrs. Payne's daughters name? (Hint: starts with a P)
Paisley
Candy corn is a popular Halloween treat that is made through a series of steps. First, manufacturers heat sugar, corn syrup, and other ingredients to create a thick, sweet mixture. Next, the mixture is divided and colored yellow, orange, and white. Then, the colored candy is poured into small, corn-shaped molds, one layer at a time. After the candy cools and hardens, it is removed from the molds. Finally, the finished candy corn is packaged and shipped to stores in time for Halloween.
Sequence/Chronological Order
Rewrite the sentence correctly.
"That haunted mansion looks absolutley terrifying"! whispered Emma.
"That haunted mansion looks absolutely terrifying!" whispered Emma.
Two errors!
When Ethan noticed that his former friend was sitting near the cafeteria entrance, he decided to take a different route to his table. Ever since their argument last week, Ethan had made an effort to avoid him, hoping to prevent another uncomfortable conversation.
As used in the passage, the word avoid means to —
A. not meet a person
B. keep away from someone
C. not go through with something
D. end by law or rule
B. Keep away from someone
What is the name of Melody's goldfish?
Ollie
Name 3 of the AAAWWUBBIS
After Although As When While Until Because
Before If Since
Halloween decorations can create unexpected dangers for wildlife. Fake spiderwebs and loose strings can trap birds, squirrels, and other small animals, making it difficult for them to escape. Additionally, discarded candy wrappers can be mistaken for food and harm animals that swallow them. To solve these problems, families can use decorations made from solid materials instead of stretchy webbing. They can also secure decorations and throw away candy wrappers properly. By making these simple changes, families can enjoy Halloween while protecting the animals in their neighborhoods.
Problem and Solution
The witch flyed over the haunted forest, falled off her broomstick, and breaked her magic wand.
The witch flew over the haunted forest, fell off her broomstick, and broke her magic wand.
Despite several disappointing results, Olivia remained resolute in her decision to compete in the science fair. Her classmates suggested choosing an easier project, but she continued improving her experiment each afternoon. Even when her final test failed, Olivia refused to abandon her original goal.
As used in the passage, the word resolute means to —
A. be unwilling to accept advice
B. remain determined despite difficulties
C. feel confident about future success
D. become frustrated by repeated failures
B. remain determined despite difficulties
Who is the author of the novel Out of My Mind?
A. R. J. Palacio
B. Katherine Applegate
C. Sharon M. Draper
D. Jacqueline Woodson
C. Sharon M. Draper
Name all of the FANBOYS!
For And Nor But Or Yet So