Vocabulary
Define "key event" in one sentence as used in RI.6.3.
"A key event is an important happening in the text that affects the topic or changes what happens."
Name one way an author might introduce a key event (list one of the items from the guide).
e.g., a date, a person involved, a problem, background info, or a short explanation.
List one type of detail that "illustrates" an event (from the guide).
examples, facts, descriptions, evidence, specific information
Name one thing an author might explain when elaborating on an event (from the guide)
why it happened; what happened next; who was affected; what changed; why important.
From the guided practice passage: What is the key event? (one-word/phrase answer)
A scientist discovered a plant could survive with very little water.
What does "analyze" mean when you are asked to analyze a text?
"Analyze = look closely and explain."
In the Apollo 11 example, what introduction detail did the author give first?
The date and identification of the mission (July 20, 1969; Apollo 11).
In the Apollo 11 example, which illustrating detail shows the scale of public attention?
"Millions watched" shows the scale of public attention.
In the scientist example, what elaboration shows the event’s long-term impact?
Researchers later used findings to develop drought-resistant crops.
In the Exit Ticket passage (First Moon Landing), what is the key event?
Apollo 11 reached the Moon / Neil Armstrong walking on the lunar surface.
Give two examples of words an author might use to show a cause in a cause-and-effect relationship.
examples: "because," "as a result," "therefore," "due to."
Read this prompt to students: "A news article begins: 'On March 14, the town celebrated...' " — Ask: How does this introduction help the reader identify the key event? (short answer)
It gives a date and action, so readers know when and what event to focus on.
Provide an example of a specific fact an author could use to illustrate a scientific breakthrough
Example: "Researchers measured a 50% increase in water-use efficiency."
How can an author elaborate by explaining "who was affected"? Give a short example sentence that shows this
Example: "Farmers in arid regions could grow more food, improving local food security."
Using the RI.6.3 formula FIND → TRACE → EXPLAIN, give a one-sentence example of what "TRACE" might look like for the scientist passage.
TRACE example: "The author gives dates and facts about the scientist's study, then explains later research that applied the findings.
Explain the difference between a "key event" and a "small detail" in two short sentences.
Key event: important, affects text, explained in detail. Small detail: brief, supports bigger idea.
What introductory detail would help a reader understand the significance of a historical discovery? Give two possible details.
Possible details: exact date; named people involved; background on prior events.
Explain how a descriptive example and a statistic together make an illustration stronger (two sentences).
Descriptive example gives a vivid image; statistic provides measurable proof — together they build credibility and clarity.
Explain how "what happened next" as elaboration can help show the event’s importance (two sentences).
"What happened next" connects the event to consequences, showing relevance and long-term effects.
Given a short paragraph: "A mayor announced a new park. Volunteers cleared land and planted trees. The neighborhood now has a place for families to meet." — Identify the key event and list one detail that illustrates it and one that elaborates it.
Key event: "A new park was announced." Illustrate: "Volunteers cleared land and planted trees." Elaborate: "The neighborhood now has a place for families to meet."
Use the sentence starter "The author includes ______ to show ______" to create a full sentence about why an author might add an anecdote.
Sample: "The author includes a short anecdote about the scientist's first discovery to show how careful observation led to later breakthroughs.
Describe how background information in the introduction can change a reader’s understanding of a key event (two sentences).
Background can show why the event mattered by connecting it to earlier problems or expectations.
Given: "The scientist recorded plant survival rates of 90% in dry trials." Explain how this detail illustrates the key event and what it adds to understanding (two or three sentences).
The 90% survival rate shows measurable success and helps readers understand the breakthrough’s effectiveness.
Read the Exit Ticket passage about the First Moon Landing: identify one elaboration detail and explain why it qualifies as elaboration (two or three sentences).
Example: "The mission showed humans could travel to another world and return safely to Earth" — this explains broader significance and future possibilities.
Write a strong short answer (2–3 sentences) to this prompt based on the Moon Landing passage: "Explain how the author introduces, illustrates, and elaborates the key event, and why those choices show the event's importance." (Answers should use specific details from the passage.)
Sample strong answer: "The author introduces the Moon landing by giving the date and mission (July 20, 1969; Apollo 11). He illustrates the event with details like Armstrong walking on the Moon and millions watching. He elaborates by explaining the mission showed humans could travel to another world and return safely, which shows its historical importance."