Central Idea
What is the central idea?
The main point the author wants the reader to understand. (Who & What)
Theme is best described as a __________ about life.
Message or lesson the author wants you to learn.
What does it mean to compare two texts?
To look for similarities and differences.
What is text evidence?
Information from the text that supports an answer or claim.
Should you reread the question before answering?
ALWAYS!!!
Is the central idea supported by opinions or facts?
Facts
Can theme be stated in one word?
NO
Name one thing you can compare between two informational texts.
Topic, central idea, evidence, or author’s focus.
What phrase often introduces text evidence?
“According to the text…”
What should you do first when answering a multiple-choice question?
Read the question carefully.
What is the difference between a central idea and a detail?
The central idea is the main point; details support it.
What theme fits: In a story, a character cheats on a test, feels guilty, confesses, and accepts the consequences.
The theme is that honesty is important or taking responsibility for your actions matters.
If two texts share a topic but have different main ideas, are they similar or different?
Both
What is the difference between evidence and commentary?
Evidence comes from the text; commentary explains it.
If two answers seem correct, what should you do?
Go back to the text and look for evidence.
A passage explains that many communities lack clean water, describes how pollution contaminates rivers, and explains how this affects health and farming.
The central idea is that lack of clean water negatively impacts communities.
What is the difference between theme and central idea?
Theme is a life lesson in fiction; central idea is the main point of informational text.
What is the topic and what is the purpose of each?
Text A explains the causes of climate change.
Text B explains the effects of climate change on animals.
Both texts discuss climate change, but they focus on different aspects of the topic. The reason we have climate change and the other is to show the effects of climate change.
Which sentence best supports the claim that plastic pollution harms ocean animals?
A. Many people visit the beach every year.
B. Plastic waste is found in many oceans.
C. Sea turtles often mistake plastic bags for jellyfish and can choke.
D. Recycling programs exist in many cities.
C. Sea turtles often mistake plastic bags for jellyfish and can choke.
Why is using text evidence important on tests?
Because correct answers must be supported by the text.
A text describes how recycling reduces waste, saves energy, and protects natural resources.
The central idea is that recycling benefits the environment.
What is the theme: A character gives up when things get hard but later learns to keep trying and succeeds.
The theme is perseverance leads to success or never give up.
What is the topic and purpose of each text?
Text A uses statistics to explain water pollution.
Text B uses examples and expert quotes.
Both texts share the same topic (water pollution), but they use different types of evidence.
Which sentence is the strongest evidence that exercise improves health?
A. Exercise can be fun.
B. Many people like sports.
C. Doctors report that regular exercise lowers the risk of heart disease.
D. Gyms are popular.
C. Doctors report that regular exercise lowers the risk of heart disease.
Why is eliminating wrong answers helpful?
It increases your chance of choosing the correct answer.