TEXTUAL EVIDENCE
Using a mixture of the author's words and your own to prove an answer.
Paraphrasing
A character struggles through repeated failures but refuses to quit. Even when others doubt them, they keep practicing until they finally succeed. Their journey shows that progress comes from staying determined.
Perseverance / Never give up
During the storm, Maya felt a sudden surge of fear as thunder shook the windows. The feeling rushed through her so quickly that she had to take a deep breath to calm down.
surge – a sudden, powerful increase
I couldn’t believe how fast the hallway filled with students. I clutched my folder and rushed to class, hoping I wouldn’t be late again.
1st person
When the bell rang, students poured out of classrooms like a burst of confetti, scattering in every direction across the hallway.
Simile
Words around another word that can help you figure out the meaning of the word.
Context Clues
Two friends discover that keeping secrets leads to confusion and hurt feelings. Only when they finally tell the truth do they repair their friendship. Their experience shows that honesty keeps relationships strong.
Honesty / Truthfulness
The scientist gave a meticulous explanation of her experiment, checking every detail so her students wouldn’t misunderstand a single step.
meticulous – extremely careful; showing great attention to detail
Jordan stared at the broken trophy on the floor. He picked it up slowly, wondering how he would explain this to his team.
3rd person limited
During the test, Maya’s mind became a tangled forest, where every idea seemed lost behind twisting thoughts and confusion.
Metaphor
When the author tells you exactly what they mean?
Explicit
A student joins a new school and feels lonely at first, until someone shows them kindness. That small act inspires them to help others feel welcome too. The story teaches how compassion can spread.
Kindness / Compassion
Even though Leo was tired, his coach encouraged him to persevere, reminding him that finishing strong would help him reach his goals.
persevere – to keep going despite difficulties
Aiden stared out the window, wishing the school day would end, while across the room Mia secretly hoped it would last longer so she could finish her project. Neither of them realized they were thinking the exact opposite.
3rd person omniscient
As the storm rolled in, the wind howled angrily and the trees reached out, clawing at the windows.
Personification
When the author does not tell you exactly what they mean so you have to infer.
Implicit
A character wants to fit in with a popular group, so they pretend to like things they don’t. In the end, they realize they’re happier being themselves, even if it means fewer friends.
Be yourself / Individuality
The old mansion had an ominous silence, as if something unpleasant might happen at any moment. Even the air felt heavy and uneasy.
ominous – giving the impression something bad is about to happen
All day, I kept replaying the conversation in my head. If I had just spoken up sooner, maybe things wouldn’t have turned out this way.
1st person
Jon was so hungry after practice that he said he could eat a mountain of pizza in one sitting.
Hyperbole
Making notes while reading to help with understanding and answering questions.
Annotations
A family faces a major challenge that forces everyone to work together. Each person contributes something different, and only by relying on one another do they solve the problem.
Teamwork / Unity / Cooperation
Sofia tried to counteract the effects of staying up too late by drinking water, stretching, and taking short walks to stay awake during class.
counteract – to work against something to reduce its effect
As the thunder rumbled, Carlos tried to look brave, but inside he felt anxious. His sister, however, wasn’t scared at all—she loved storms and hoped the lightning would flash again.
3rd person omniscient
Sophie sorted silver seashells on the shore, stopping every so often to study the shapes she found sparkling in the sand.
Alliteration