Fiction
What do we call the words that describe what kind of person a character is?
Character Traits
Define both cause and effect.
Cause is why something happens. Effect is what happens because of it.
Example: If it rains (cause), the game gets canceled (effect).
“Sofia pulled her hood over her head and crossed her arms while the teacher spoke.”
What can you infer about how Sofia is feeling?
She is upset, annoyed, or not interested
“During the group project, Ava noticed her team was confused about what to do next. She reread the directions quietly at her desk. Then, she told everyone what to do, assigned each person a task, and made sure the group got started.”
Which detail BEST supports the idea that Ava is a leader?
A. noticed her team was confused
B. reread the directions quietly
C. told everyone what to do and assigned tasks
D. worked on the project
C. told everyone what to do and assigned tasks
When writing about the main idea of an article, what do you use to support your thinking?
Text evidence
What do we call what a character wants or what makes them act a certain way?
Character Motivation
What text structure is used when a text is written in a series of steps or events that happen in order?
Sequence or Chronological Order
“Even though no one was watching, Tyler picked up the trash on the floor and threw it away before leaving.”
What character trait does Tyler show?
He is responsible, respectful, helpful, etc.
"The article explains that many cities are increasing the number of trees in neighborhoods. Trees provide shade during hot weather, improve air quality by filtering pollution, and can reduce temperatures in crowded areas. In several cities, residents have reported that streets with more trees feel cooler and more comfortable. Some community groups have even volunteered to help plant and maintain trees in their neighborhoods.”
Which detail does NOT support the idea that trees improve city environments?
A. provide shade during hot weather
B. improve air quality
C. community groups help plant trees
D. reduce temperatures in crowded areas
C. community groups help plant trees
This is an action, not a benefit
Name two things you can do to prepare for MCAP
What do we call the lesson that a character learns and can be applied to other stories?
Theme
Which one is NOT another way to say main idea?
A. Central Idea
B. Main Point
C. Key Detail
D. Big Idea
C. Key Detail
“You can go ahead," Malik said, stepping back from the line. ‘Are you sure?’ Tessa asked. "Yeah, you’ve been waiting longer," he replied. Later, when there were only a few spots left, Tessa turned and said, "You can take mine. I’ll wait for the next round."
What can you infer about Tessa and Malik's relationship?
They are considerate toward each other and likely have a respectful or kind relationship.
“Lena wanted her final project to be high quality. After finishing her draft, she looked over it and noticed parts that were unclear. She rewrote several paragraphs to make her ideas clearer. After a short break, she came back to it and added stronger examples to support her points. Her dad read over her work and told her that it looked great.”
Which TWO details BEST show how Lena improved her writing?
A. looked over her draft
B. noticed parts were unclear
C. rewrote several paragraphs
D. added stronger examples
E. her dad said it looked great
C. rewrote several paragraphs
D. added stronger examples
Name three text features
Here are a bunch of options you can choose from:
What author's technique is being used when objects or symbols are repeated throughout a story to represent a deeper meaning?
Symbolism
Identify the text structure:
Penguins are well-adapted birds that survive in cold environments. They have thick blubber and waterproof feathers that keep them warm in freezing temperatures. Their wings work like flippers, helping them swim quickly through icy water to catch fish, squid, and krill. Most penguins live in places like Antarctica, where they huddle together in groups to stay warm and protect themselves from the cold wind.
Description
An article explains how lack of sleep affects the brain, includes expert quotes, and gives tips for getting better rest.
What can you infer is the author’s purpose?
To inform and help readers improve their sleep or teach them the importance of sleep
"The author discusses how technology is used in classrooms to support student learning. The passage describes students using devices to research information, collaborate on group projects, and access interactive lessons. It also acknowledges that devices can be distracting if not used carefully. However, most of the article focuses on strategies teachers use to guide students, such as setting clear expectations, monitoring usage, and teaching students how to stay focused while working online.”
Which ONE detail BEST supports the idea that the author believes technology can be useful for learning?
“strategies teachers use to guide students…” (or the sentence about helping students stay focused while using technology)
Which sentence best explains an example of author’s craft?
A. The author uses descriptive language to help the reader picture the setting.
B. The author gives a lot of information to make the passage longer.
C. The author repeats ideas to fill up space in the text.
D. The author uses dialogue to make the story more difficult to read.
A. The author uses descriptive language to help the reader picture the setting.
Maya had practiced for weeks for the school talent show. Every afternoon, she stayed after school, repeating her routine until it felt perfect. When the day of the performance arrived, she stepped onto the stage, took a deep breath, and began.
Halfway through, Maya forgot part of her routine. For a moment, she froze as the audience watched in silence. Her mind raced, and she considered running off the stage. Instead, she paused, took another breath, and continued, making up new steps as she went.
When she finished, there was a brief pause before the audience began clapping. Later, Maya didn’t win first place, but her friends told her how impressed they were that she kept going. As she packed up her things, Maya smiled, realizing she had done something she didn’t think she could do.
What is the theme of this passage? Use evidence from the text to support your answer.
Theme: Don’t give up, even when things go wrong
(or: perseverance leads to personal growth / success isn’t always winning)
Evidence: Maya forgot her routine but kept going. She made up new steps instead of quitting
Some people believe schools should have longer recess. They argue that students need time to move, play, and take a break from learning. Studies have shown that students who get more physical activity during the day are better able to focus when they return to class. In addition, recess gives students a chance to socialize and build friendships, which is important for their overall well-being.
However, others believe longer recess would take away valuable learning time. They argue that students already have limited time in the classroom and need to focus on academic subjects to be successful. Even so, many educators still support longer recess because the benefits to students’ focus and well-being can actually help improve learning throughout the day.
Identify: the claim, one reason that supports the claim, and one piece of evidence from the passage
Claim: Schools should have longer recess
Reason: Students need time to move and take a break from learning (or: helps students focus / build friendships)
Evidence: “Studies have shown that students who get more physical activity… are better able to focus”
“The article explains that some schools have improved focus after limiting screen time. It includes one short student quote saying the rule is ‘frustrating,’ but most of the article focuses on test score increases and fewer distractions in class."
What can you infer about the author's perspective of student screen time?
The author’s perspective is that limiting screen time helps students, even though they briefly mention a negative opinion.
Some people believe school uniforms are a good idea. They argue that uniforms help reduce distractions in the classroom because students are not focused on what others are wearing. In some schools, teachers have reported that students stay more focused during lessons when uniforms are required. Uniforms can also make mornings easier for families since students do not have to spend time choosing outfits.
Others believe students should not be required to wear uniforms. They argue that clothing is a way for students to express their personality and creativity. Some students feel that wearing the same clothes every day is uncomfortable or boring. In addition, families may have to spend money on uniforms, which can be difficult for some households.
What are the two sides of this argument? Provide one detail from each side that best supports their argument.
Supports uniforms:
Against uniforms:
Name two tools that you can use to help you on the ELA MCAP test