📚 Main Idea & Details
What is the main idea of a passage?
A one sentence summary of what the author wants you to understand.
If a boy is wearing a raincoat and carrying an umbrella, what can you infer?
It is probably raining or about to rain.
What is a character trait?
A word that describes a character’s personality, like “brave” or “kind.”
What does “author’s purpose” mean?
The reason why the author wrote the text (to inform, entertain, or persuade).
What genre tells a made-up story?
Fiction.
Read this sentence: "Tornadoes can cause lots of damage in a short time." What detail supports the idea that tornadoes are dangerous?
They can cause a lot of damage quickly.
Why do we make inferences when reading?
To understand what the author is hinting at but not directly saying.
What is the problem in a story called?
The conflict.
If an author uses lots of jokes and silly pictures, what is their purpose?
To entertain.
What genre teaches facts about a real topic?
Nonfiction.
After reading a paragraph, how do you figure out the main idea?
Look at what all the details have in common.
“Lena slammed her locker shut and stomped down the hall.” What can you infer?
Lena is upset or angry.
Why is the climax important in a story?
It’s the turning point, when the problem starts to get solved.
What is a simile?
A comparison using “like” or “as.”
What clues help you know a story is a fable?
It has talking animals and a moral or lesson.
What’s the best summary of a passage that describes how volcanoes form and their effects on nearby areas?
Volcanoes form from melted rock and can change land and affect people nearby.
If a character keeps looking at the clock during class, what might that tell you?
They are either bored or waiting for something.
How can you tell how a character feels in a story?
Look at their actions, thoughts, and what they say.
What does the word “devoured” tell us in this sentence: “He devoured the pizza”?
He ate it quickly or hungrily.
Which genre includes stage directions and is meant to be performed?
Drama or play.
Why are supporting details important in a passage?
They give facts and examples that explain the main idea.
In a story, a girl hides behind the curtain when she hears footsteps. What can you infer?
She is hiding from someone or scared of being caught.
A character lies to her friend but then apologizes later. What does this tell you about her?
She feels guilty and wants to make things right—she's responsible.
Why might an author repeat the phrase “never give up” in a passage?
To emphasize the theme or message.
A text with rhyming lines and stanzas is most likely what genre?
Poetry.