Meaning of Unknown Phrases and Vocabulary
Read the sentence: “Maya approached the stage with hesitant steps, glancing nervously at the crowd.” What does the word hesitant most likely mean? Use clues from the sentence.
Hesitant means unsure or nervous. Clues: “glancing nervously,” “approached the stage” suggest she was uncertain or afraid.
What does it mean to “quote accurately” from a text? Why is it important?
It means to copy the exact words from a text. It’s important because it proves your answer and shows evidence.
What is the main idea of a nonfiction text? What is a theme in fiction?
Main idea: the central point or focus. Theme: the life lesson or message.
What does it mean to compare and contrast characters or events in a story or informational text?
To compare and contrast means to analyze how characters, settings, or events are alike and different based on their actions, motivations, or consequences. In nonfiction, it includes examining how ideas or events are connected through causes and effects or sequences.
Answer: It means to look at similarities and differences in how things or people behave, respond, or relate to one another in a text.
What does “racing against the clock” mean in this sentence: “We had to finish the project before midnight—we were racing against the clock.”?
this is an idiom that means working under intense time pressure to meet a strict deadline. The phrase emphasizes urgency and the stress of completing a task before time runs out.
Read the sentence: “The ancient monument stood proudly, its stones weathered by time.” What does ancient mean, and what word helps you figure it out?
Ancient means very old. Clue: “weathered by time” suggests it has been there a long time
Passage: “Liam’s stomach growled as he stared at the empty fridge.” What can you infer about Liam? What words help you know?
Liam is hungry. Evidence: “stomach growled,” “empty fridge.”
Passage: “Americans throw away millions of plastic bottles daily. Recycling can reduce waste and protect wildlife.” What is the main idea?
Recycling reduces plastic waste and helps protect the environment.
As the blizzard struck, Daniel rushed to gather supplies for his neighbors, while Kayla stayed indoors, worried about her own family’s needs.” How are the characters’ responses different?
Daniel demonstrates selflessness and leadership, acting quickly to help others during a crisis. In contrast, Kayla is cautious and family-focused, choosing to protect her immediate loved ones.
Read the sentence: “As soon as the principal walked in, the students froze like statues.” What does the phrase “froze like statues” mean, and what tone does it create?
The phrase means the students suddenly became still and quiet, likely out of fear or respect. It uses a simile to create a serious or tense tone, suggesting they were caught off guard or trying to avoid getting in trouble.
Which sentence shows the correct meaning of the phrase “on thin ice”?
A) “After skipping practice, Marcus was on thin ice with his coach.”
B) “The ice skater spun on thin ice.”
C) “She put her drink on thin ice to keep it cold
A is correct. The phrase means in trouble or at risk of punishment
Passage: “Bees transfer pollen between flowers. This helps plants grow fruits and seeds.” What evidence supports the idea that bees are important to nature?
Bees help plants grow by spreading pollen, which allows them to make fruits and seeds.
Despite failing twice, Emma kept training for the race. She never gave up.” What theme does this show?
Perseverance or never giving up.
“Protecting Coral Reefs”, the author explains: “Tourism has damaged reefs, but conservation programs have started to reverse the harm.” What type of relationship is described here?
This is a cause and effect relationship. Tourism (cause) has led to damage (effect), but conservation efforts (new cause) are now having a positive impact, helping repair the ecosystem. The author highlights how human behavior can both harm and heal the environment.
“The community faced a devastating drought, leaving crops parched and rivers bone-dry.” What does “bone-dry” mean, and how does it contribute to the tone?
“Bone-dry” means completely dry, without any moisture. This vivid description creates a harsh and urgent tone, emphasizing the severity of the drought’s impact on the land and community.
In the sentence “Elena reluctantly handed the last slice of pizza to her brother,” what does reluctantly mean, and how does the sentence show that?
Reluctantly means unwillingly or not wanting to do it. The clue: she gave up the last slice, implying she didn’t want to.
Passage: “Max stared at the dark clouds and ran to close the windows.” What can you infer, and what quote supports your answer?
Inference: A storm is coming. Quote: “dark clouds” and “ran to close the windows.”
Story: “A lonely dragon rescued a trapped villager. The people cheered and invited him to stay.” What is the theme?
Friendship and acceptance. Summary: A dragon saves a person and is welcomed by villagers.
In a story, one setting is a quiet, foggy marsh where a girl solves a mystery, and another is a busy urban city where her cousin gets lost in the crowd. How do these settings shape the events and mood?
The marsh creates a mysterious, suspenseful mood, allowing the girl to focus and uncover clues in isolation. The city introduces chaos and confusion, making it harder for the cousin to find help. These contrasting settings influence the characters’ actions and the plot’s tone and pace.
In the passage: “Jasper was always the black sheep of the family, choosing painting over law school.” What does “black sheep” mean, and what does the phrase reveal about the tone?
“Black sheep” is an idiom that refers to someone who is seen as different or a misfit in a group, especially within a family. The tone is critical or reflective, suggesting Jasper’s choices were seen as unconventional or disappointing by others.
Read: “He tried to conceal his nervousness during the audition, forcing a confident smile.” What does conceal mean and how do you know?
Conceal means to hide. Clues: “tried to…nervousness,” “forcing a confident smile” shows he was pretending.
“Hurricanes last for days and can flood entire cities. Earthquakes are quick but destroy buildings.” Which disaster can be more damaging and why? Use two quotes.
Hurricanes can be more damaging: “last for days,” “flood entire cities.” (Extended impact and wider area.)
Article: “Space exploration leads to new inventions like memory foam and satellite TV.” What is the main idea?
Main idea: Space exploration leads to useful inventions.
“Dr. Ahmed spent a decade researching an ocean virus that destroyed kelp forests. His data inspired new environmental laws.” How do Dr. Ahmed’s actions relate to the development of environmental policy?
Dr. Ahmed’s persistence and expertise directly influenced the creation of new laws. His scientific contributions provided factual evidence that policymakers used to enact regulations. This demonstrates the connection between individual initiative and societal change, emphasizing how research can drive environmental progress.
Passage: “The old mansion stood silent, its windows like empty eyes staring into the night.” What is the meaning of “windows like empty eyes” and how does this simile influence the tone?
Answer: The simile compares the windows to “empty eyes,” suggesting the mansion is lifeless, abandoned, or haunting. This figurative language creates a dark, eerie, or suspenseful tone, setting up a mood of mystery or dread.