Author's Purpose
What are the three author's purposes?
To persuade, inform, and entertain.
What are supporting details?
Supporting details describe the main idea of a paragraph or text.
Pick out the major supporting detail:
If you are feeling sad, you can make yourself feel better by doing a few simple things. You can take a walk, you can talk to a friend, or you can write down your feelings. Writing down the good things in your life will help too.
You can take a walk, you can talk to a friend, or you can write down your feelings.
Which detail does not support the passage?
I'm going to go to the park so I can get on the swings. I love to swing high and fast. If I close my eyes and reach my hands out I can use my imagination to pretend that I'm flying. My dad brings my scooter to the park.
My dad brings my scooter to the park.
1. (1) The house on Mango Street is not the way they told it at all. (2) It’s small and red with tight steps in front and windows so small you’d think they were holding their breath. (3) Bricks are crumbling in places, and the front door is so swollen you have to push hard to get in. (4) There is no front yard, only four little elms the city planted by the curb. (5) Out back is a small garage for the car we don’t own yet and a small yard that looks smaller between the two buildings on either side. (6) There are stairs in our house, but they’re ordinary hallway stairs, and the house only has one washroom. (7) Everybody has to share a bedroom—Mama and Papa, Carlos and Kiki, me and Nenny.
The tone of the passage is
a. admiring.
b. disappointed.
c. grateful.
b. disappointed.
(1) Those using the defense reaction known as compensation emphasize a strength in one area to cover up a weakness in another. (2) For instance, a guilty parent might keep up the facade of being conscientious by protesting, “I may not be around much, but I give those kids the best things money can buy!” (3) Likewise, you might try to convince yourself and others that you are a good friend by compensating: “Sorry I forgot your birthday. (4) Let me give you a hand with that job.” (5) There’s nothing wrong with most acts of compensation in themselves. (6) The harm comes when they are not used sincerely but rather insincerely to maintain a fictitious presenting image.
A1. The keys to the important ideas in this passage are
a. a definition and examples.
b. enumerations.
c. definition and an enumeration.
a. a definition and examples.
What is the purpose of this passage?
The tallest tree in the world is a giant redwood located in Humboldt Redwoods State Park in Northern California. This tree is 380 feet (116 m) tall. That's more than twice as tall as the Statue of Liberty! Only a few people know exactly where this tree is. The people who discovered it have kept it a secret so that people will not damage it.
This passage is informing (or teaching) the reader about the tallest tree in the world.
What is a supporting detail?
Supporting details are facts that an author uses to prove their main idea. Details are the evidence for their point or claim.
What is the major supporting detail?
Hurricanes are large, intense storms that begin over the ocean, where they gather heat and energy from the water. Hurricanes move slowly toward land, usually moving 10-20 miles per hour for more than one week. The most dangerous part of the hurricane is the storm surge, when it reaches land and causes flooding.
Hurricanes move slowly toward land, usually moving 10-20 miles per hour for more than one week.
Which detail does not support the passage?
In December, people celebrate Christmas, Hanukkah, Kwanza, and other celebrations. In February, people celebrate Valentine's Day. My favorite holiday is Thanksgiving. People celebrate the Fourth of July in the summer.
My favorite holiday is Thanksgiving.
(1) Kimberly let herself into the apartment, calling out “Dad, I’m home. (2) Was the baby good for you?” (3) But no one answered. (4) She put her grocery bags on the kitchen counter and stepped quietly into the living room. (5) For several long minutes she stood gazing down at the two figures sleeping peacefully in the recliner. (6) Her father’s brawny arms protectively circled his tiny granddaughter, her downy head nestling into his shoulder. (7) His hand, so huge and rough-looking, cupped the baby’s back as gently as if he were holding a fragile piece of porcelain. (8) When the sleeping baby made a tiny mewing sound, her grandfather instinctively tightened his grip, softly rocking her with a soothing, rhythmic motion. (9) Kimberly wondered if her father was dreaming of years before, when he had held her in that same loving grasp. (10) She quietly went back to the kitchen, knowing her baby daughter was in the best of hands.
The tone of the passage is:
a. tender.
b. tragic.
c. worried.
a. tender.
(1) Those using the defense reaction known as compensation emphasize a strength in one area to cover up a weakness in another. (2) For instance, a guilty parent might keep up the facade of being conscientious by protesting, “I may not be around much, but I give those kids the best things money can buy!” (3) Likewise, you might try to convince yourself and others that you are a good friend by compensating: “Sorry I forgot your birthday. (4) Let me give you a hand with that job.” (5) There’s nothing wrong with most acts of compensation in themselves. (6) The harm comes when they are not used sincerely but rather insincerely to maintain a fictitious presenting image.
Study notes on this selection should consist of
a. the definition of compensation.
b. the definition and an example of compensation.
c. examples of compensation.
b. the definition and an example of compensation.
What is the purpose of this passage?
Giant river otters live in South America. Families of giant river otters live in dens that they dig into the banks of rivers and lakes. Mother river otters give birth to their babies in their dens. Baby river otters are called cubs. Cubs are born blind and helpless. They do not leave the den until they are about two months old.
The purpose of this passage is to inform (or teach) the reader about giant river otters.
Which supporting detail does not belong?
Which supporting detail does NOT belong? -Bears eat fish -Bears eat berries -Bears are scary animals -Bears eat insects
-Bears are scary animals
What is the major supporting detail?
I can't wait until this weekend! We’re going to my grandparents’ house and my entire family will be there. I will spend most of my time playing games with my cousins. We always have such a good time together! The day goes by so fast, and by the end we are all exhausted... but we still don’t want to leave!
I will spend most of my time playing games with my cousins.
Which detail does not support the passage?
Books can be about countries and other cultures. Books are fun to read. Books can be make believe like a fairy tale. Some books are about famous people and the important things they have done.
Books are fun to read
(1) I thought I’d drop you a note to catch you up on what has been going on in our lives. (2) It’s been another amazing year, with everyone in the family really outdoing themselves. (3) Junior and Sally are both at the top of their classes academically, and everyone agrees that they are also the best-looking and most talented students at their school. (4) Although nobody can believe it, I’ve just turned 49. (5) Most people tell me I could pass for Sally’s sister! (6) I do take better care of my looks and figure than most women my age. (7) Randall has been elected to our town council. (8) Everyone tells him he should run for a higher office, but he could never stand the atmosphere in Washington, D.C.—he’s just too honest and ethical. (9) Our golden retriever, Buffy, was recently named Most Beautiful Dog by our local newspaper. (10) Isn’t it wonderful that even our pets are beautiful and successful!
The tone of the passage is
a. loving.
b. conceited.
c. sentimental.
b. conceited.
(1) Galen, a famous Greek physician of the second century A.D., prepared an elaborate chart of the human body, showing exactly where it might be pierced without fatal injury. (2) How did he know the vulnerable spots? (3) He just knew them. (4) True, he had learned a good deal of human anatomy through his observations and those of his associates, but beyond this, he relied upon his intuition to tell him which zones were fatal. (5) Intuition is any flash of insight (true or mistaken) whose source the receiver cannot fully identify or explain. (6) Hitler relied heavily upon his intuition, much to the distress of his generals. (7) His intuition told him that France would not fight for the Rhineland, that England would not fight for Czechoslovakia, and that both England and France would quit when he attacked Russia. (8) He was right on the first two insights and wrong on the last one.
B4. Study notes on this selection should consist of
a. the definition of intuition.
b. the definition and an example of intuition.
c. examples of intuition.
b. the definition and an example of intuition.
What is the purpose of this passage?
Homemade pizza is delicious but I think Pizza Hut is tastier than what we can make at home. Pizza Hut also delivers which means we don't even have to leave the house! This saves money spent on gas and gives us more time to get activities done at home.
The purpose is to persuade you that Pizza Hut has better pizza and is more convenient than making homemake pizza.
Which supporting detail does NOT go with the main idea of giraffes are unique animals?
-Giraffes are the tallest mammal in the world. -Giraffes sleep for only 20 minutes a day to stay alert for predators. -Lions live near giraffes -Giraffe's coats vary in color from white to nearly black, depending on what they eat and where they live.
Lions live near giraffes.
What is the major supporting detail?
I have a dog whose name is Paco. He is almost 10 years old. Paco is very loveable with a brown face and short black fur.
He is almost 10 years old.
Which detail does not support the passage?
Pets are a big responsibility. Pets need to be fed every single day. Pets make you happy. Pets should be taken outside to exercise. Pets need lots of love and attention
Pets make you happy
1) Dear Sir or Madam:
(2) I recently subscribed to Guideposts and received my first issue of the magazine. (3) I was dismayed to read on one of the opening pages that my name and address may occasionally be sold to other companies, who will then solicit me on behalf of their services or products.
(4) This letter is to formally notify you that I do NOT want my name released for such purposes.
(5) Thanks for honoring my request.
The tone of the letter is
a. angry.
b. malicious.
c. straightforward.
c. straightforward.
1) Not all parents are created equal. (2) Some parents take a strict stance with their children, some are liberal with their rule-making, and others fall in-between. (3) Sociological researchers have identified four basic parenting styles. (4) Authoritarian parents control their children’s behavior rigidly and insist on unquestioning obedience. (5) They are likely to produce children who generally have poor communication skills and are moody, withdrawn, and distrustful. (6) Permissive-indifferent parents exert too little control, failing to set limits on their children’s behavior. (7) They are also neglectful and inattentive, providing little emotional support to their children. (8) The children of permissive-indifferent parents tend to be overly dependent and lacking in social skills and self-control. (9) Permissive-indulgent parents are very attentive and supportive of their children, but fail to set appropriate limits on their behavior. (10) The children of permissive-indulgent parents tend to be immature, disrespectful, impulsive, and out of control. (11) Authoritative parents represent the most successful parenting style. (12) These parents provide firm structure and guidance without being overly controlling. (13) They listen to their children’s opinions and give explanations for their decisions, but it is clear that they are the ones who make and enforce the rules. (14) Parents who use this approach are the most likely to have children who are self-reliant and socially responsible.
C5. The keys to the important ideas in this passage are
a. enumerations.
b. definitions.
c. an enumeration and definitions.
c. an enumeration and definitions.
What is the purpose of this passage?
It's such a nice day outside. The sun is shining and the weather is at least 80 degrees. I think we should get some ice cream and take a dip in the pool. My mom thought that sounded like a great idea. My mom and I set all of our stuff down at the pool and I walked over to test out the temperature of the water. Suddenly I tripped and I saw my ice cream moving -- slow motion -- right into the water. "Well, I guess I could have an ice cream float," I said as my mom and I started laughing.
The purpose of this passage is to entertain you with a story about a kid dropping his ice cream at the pool.
Which supporting detail does NOT go with the main idea that there are many different ways to make yourself feel better when you are sad?
-You can exercise or go for a walk -You can draw a picture -You can write a letter to a friend or write in a journal -You should think of a sad movie
You should think of a sad movie
What is the major supporting detail?
Eric gripped the bat in his hands. His palms were sweaty but he took a deep breath as he stepped up to the plate. He had to score a run or his team would lose the game.
His palms were sweaty but he took a deep breath as he stepped up to the plate.
Which detail does not support the passage?
Firefighters help keep people safe. Teachers help students learn. Mail carriers deliver packages and mail. Police officers patrol the streets. Zookeepers have a fun job
-Zookeepers have a fun job
(1) Everyone, of course, has seen a rainbow. (2) Rainbows occur when the sun shines through a rainfall and a multi-colored arc appears not too far above the land. (3) There are, however, other visions in the sky that may not be as common but are certainly just as spectacular. (4) Among these spectacles in the sky (known as “optical phenomena”) is a brilliant burst of greenish light that may last only a second. (5) It is known, appropriately enough, as a “green flash,” and it happens precisely at the moment the sun sets on an ocean horizon. (6) Because it is rare and wonderful, people often gather in seaside locations at sunset to watch for it. (7) Another phenomenon that’s sure to draw a crowd is the Northern Lights. (8) These ghostly pink and green and violet lights shimmer and pulsate so quickly that it is often difficult to photograph them. (9) They appear and disappear in sheets of color that can fill the entire sky. (10) And a moonbow, the nighttime version of the rainbow, can be seen on occasion when the moon is exceptionally bright and shines through a night rainfall. (11) While the moonbow’s colors are subtler and blurrier than a rainbow’s, the image of a curve of color across the moon is an extraordinary and memorable treat.
The tone of the passage is
a. prideful.
b. encouraging.
c. appreciative.
c. appreciative.
(1) Not all parents are created equal. (2) Some parents take a strict stance with their children, some are liberal with their rule-making, and others fall in-between. (3) Sociological researchers have identified four basic parenting styles. (4) Authoritarian parents control their children’s behavior rigidly and insist on unquestioning obedience. (5) They are likely to produce children who generally have poor communication skills and are moody, withdrawn, and distrustful. (6) Permissive-indifferent parents exert too little control, failing to set limits on their children’s behavior. (7) They are also neglectful and inattentive, providing little emotional support to their children. (8) The children of permissive-indifferent parents tend to be overly dependent and lacking in social skills and self-control. (9) Permissive-indulgent parents are very attentive and supportive of their children, but fail to set appropriate limits on their behavior. (10) The children of permissive-indulgent parents tend to be immature, disrespectful, impulsive, and out of control. (11) Authoritative parents represent the most successful parenting style. (12) These parents provide firm structure and guidance without being overly controlling. (13) They listen to their children’s opinions and give explanations for their decisions, but it is clear that they are the ones who make and enforce the rules. (14) Parents who use this approach are the most likely to have children who are self-reliant and socially responsible.
Study notes on this selection should include
a. the first and last sentence of the passage.
b. a list and definitions of the four basic parenting styles.
c. examples of different kinds of children.
b. a list and definitions of the four basic parenting styles.