Citing Evidence & Making Inferences
Define inference
What is a logical guess based on evidence + what you already know.
What does "interaction mean in literature?
Interaction= how story elements (characters, setting, events) affect each other
What is theme?
the life lesson or message
What is connotation?
the emotional meaning of a word
What is repetition?
repeating words, phrases, or lines
What counts as textual evidence?
Textual evidence is words, phrases, or sentences directly from the text.
Give one example of character vs character interaction.
Two characters arguing or solving a problem together
What should NOT go in a summary?
No opinions, no small details, no dialogue
Which word has a more positive connotation: "slim or skinny"?
slim (positive)
Identify the type of figurative language. "People were as small as ants."
simile
Inference or not? "The character is likely because the author says she sits alone at lunch."
Yes, The evidence is: she sits alone at lunch
How can setting impact a character's actions?
The setting can force the character to react
Identify the theme:
"Always hold on to your goals."
The theme is perseverance or holding onto dreams/goals.
What is a technical meaning?
A word used in a subject area (science, social studies, etc)
How does rhyme affect meaning?
Rhyme creates rhythm and can make meaning more memorable
Why do we cite evidence when making inferences?
Because evidence proves your inference and makes it accurate, not a guess
How do characters' decisions affect the plot?
Their choices lead to new events, conflicts, or solutions in the plot.
How is theme different from the main idea?
Theme is a life lesson; main idea is what the text is mostly about
Identify the figurative word meaning: "My mind was a storm."
Comparing mind to a storm- confusion or chaos
What message does the poem "Dreams" express through repetition?
Repetition shows the importance of holding on to dreams
Make an inference: "He slammed the door and stomped down the hall." What evidence supports it?
Inference: He is angry. Evidence: slammed the door, stomped down the hall
Explain how two story elements (character + setting or conflict + character) interact in a text.
Any correct response explaining how two elements connects (The storm forces the characters to work together)
Summarize this: "She struggled at first, but with practice, she learned to trust herself." (Keep it under 20 words)
Sample: "She practiced and learned to trust herself over time."
Explain how connotation can change the tone of a sentence.
Connotation changes the tone by making the sentence feel positive or negative.
Explain how figurative language + word choice work together to show tone in a poem
Figurative language creates imagery; word choice creates tone- both reveal meaning.