Words in Context
This is what you call the feeling or emotional meaning a word carries, like calling someone “childish” instead of “youthful.”
What is connotation?
In the sentence “The wind whispered secrets through the trees,”
What kind of figurative language is being used?
What feeling or mood does this phrase create?
What is personification?
What is a mysterious or peaceful mood?
This is the main point or message the author wants you to understand after reading a text.
What is the central idea?
A story has the theme of “courage.” Which of these details best supports that theme?
A) A character faces their fears.
B) A character talks about the weather.
C) A character eats lunch alone.
What is A) A character faces their fears?
This is the main reason an author writes a text, whether to inform, entertain, or persuade.
What is author’s purpose?
You read the sentence: “The volcano unleashed its fury on the island.” The word “unleashed” most likely means this.
What is released or let go suddenly?
The phrase “a blanket of fog” appears in a novel.
What two things are being compared?
How does this comparison affect the reader’s understanding of the setting?
What are fog and a blanket?
It shows the fog is thick, soft, and covers everything.
Why is it important for an author to include specific facts and examples in a nonfiction text?
What is to support and explain the central idea?
Why is it important to look beyond the plot and consider the author’s message when identifying a theme?
What is because the theme is the deeper meaning or lesson, not just what happens in the story?
If an article explains how recycling works and why it’s important, the author’s purpose is most likely this.
What is to inform?
In a biography, the author says the leader’s speech was electrifying. This word is figurative and most likely means this.
What is exciting or inspiring?
In a poem, the line says, “Hope is the thing with feathers.”
What type of figurative language is this?
What idea about hope does this suggest?
What is a metaphor?
That hope is light, uplifting, or gentle like a bird.
"The rainforest is home to thousands of species. Deforestation threatens these animals by destroying their habitats. Conservation efforts are working to protect the rainforest."
Which detail supports the central idea that protecting the rainforest is important?
What is that deforestation destroys habitats and conservation efforts help protect it?
A story has multiple themes such as “forgiveness” and “family.” How can a reader determine which theme is the most important?
What is by identifying which theme is most supported by the key events and character choices?
An author writes a story about a hero saving a town from danger.
What is the author’s likely purpose?
How might the author keep the reader interested in this story?
What is to entertain?
By including exciting events, vivid descriptions, and suspense.
In the sentence “She was drowning in paperwork,” the word “drowning” is not literal. It means this.
What is overwhelmed or overloaded?
In the story, the author writes, “Time crawled by as she waited for the results.”
What type of figurative language is used here?
What does this expression suggest about how the character is feeling?
What is personification?
That she is anxious or impatient and time feels very slow.
"Solar power is becoming more popular because it is renewable and clean. Many homes now use solar panels to save money and reduce pollution."
How do the details about solar panels support the central idea?
What is they show how solar power benefits people and the environment?
A story ends with the main character realizing that true happiness comes from helping others.
What might the theme of this story be?
How does the ending help reveal this theme?
What is the theme is kindness or selflessness?
The ending shows the character’s realization, which highlights the lesson the author wants to share.
A commercial talks about the benefits of a new phone and encourages you to buy it.
What is the author’s purpose?
What techniques might the author use?
What is to persuade?
Appealing language, testimonials, or special offers.
The word “sluggish” is used to describe the economy. This word has a negative connotation and suggests this.
What is that the economy is slow or not performing well?
In a novel, a character says, “My backpack weighs a ton, and my feet are going to fall off by the time I get home.”
What type of figurative language is used in this sentence?
How does this help the reader understand the character’s experience or mood?
What is hyperbole?
It emphasizes how exhausted and burdened the character feels, adding drama or humor to their struggle.
"Urban gardens are growing in cities worldwide. These gardens provide fresh produce, improve air quality, and create community spaces for neighbors to gather and learn."
What is the central idea of this excerpt, AND which detail best supports it?
What is urban gardens benefit cities by providing food, cleaner air, and community?
The detail about gardens providing fresh produce, improving air quality, or creating community spaces.
In a story, recurring images of locked doors appear whenever the character faces a tough choice.
How might these locked doors symbolize a theme?
What theme could these locked doors represent?
What is the locked doors symbolize obstacles or challenges?
The theme could be about overcoming obstacles or facing fears.
An author writes a book about how to care for pets and includes step-by-step instructions.
What is the author’s purpose?
How does including instructions help achieve this purpose?
What is to explain?
Instructions provide clear, helpful guidance that teaches the reader what to do.