Informational Text
First, a caterpillar hatches from an egg. Next, it eats leaves and grows bigger. Then, it forms a chrysalis. Finally, a butterfly emerges!
Purpose: Tells events in order or explains steps in a process.
Clue words: first, next, then, finally, after, before
Sequence & Order
The people or animals in a play.
Characters
The word “and” connects two ideas that go together. It is this type of word.
Conjunction
The sequence of events in a story.
Plot
Butterflies go through four stages in their life cycle. They start as eggs on a leaf. Next, they hatch into caterpillars that eat and grow. Then, the caterpillar forms a chrysalis. Finally, it becomes a butterfly.
Butterflies change through four stages during their life cycle.
Problem and Solution
The school garden was full of weeds, and the plants couldn’t grow. The students solved the problem by pulling weeds every Friday.
Purpose: States a problem and explains how it is or could be solved.
Clue words: problem, solution, challenge, solve, answer
Problem & Solution
The written words that tell what each character says.
Dialogue
“For, And, Nor, But, Or, Yet, So” spell this word.
FANBOYs
The lesson or message the author wants you to learn.
Theme
Beavers are nature’s builders. They use branches, mud, and rocks to build dams across streams. These dams create ponds that give them a safe place to live and store food.
Beavers build dams to create safe homes and store food.
The desert is a dry, sandy place with very little rain. Many cacti grow there, and animals like lizards and snakes have adapted to the heat.
Purpose: Gives details about a topic so the reader can visualize or understand it better.
Clue words: for example, such as, characteristics, looks like, includes
Description
The instructions in parentheses that tell actors what to do.
Stage Directions
Choose the right FANBOY:
“I wanted to go outside, ___ it started to rain.”
but
The part of the plot where the problem is introduced.
Conflict
Volcanoes can be dangerous when they erupt. Hot lava flows down the mountain and can destroy forests and homes. Ash fills the air and makes it hard to breathe.
Volcanoes cause damage when they erupt.
Lions and tigers are both large cats that hunt for food. However, lions live in groups called prides, while tigers usually hunt alone.
Purpose: Shows how two or more things are alike and different.
Clue words: both, but, however, unlike, similar, on the other hand
Compare & Contrast
A play is divided into these major parts.
Acts or Scenes
This conjunction shows cause and effect, like in
“I studied hard, ___ I passed the test.”
so
The highest point of excitement in the story.
Climax
Elephants are the largest land animals on Earth. They can weigh up to 12,000 pounds. Their trunks help them eat, drink, and lift heavy objects. They also use their large ears to stay cool in the hot sun.
Elephants have special features that help them survive.
Because the beaver built a dam, the water level in the pond rose. As a result, new plants began to grow along the shore.
Purpose: Explains why something happens and what happens as a result.
Clue words: because, since, as a result, therefore, due to
Cause & Effect
The part of the play where the problem is solved.
Resolution
This conjunction offers a choice, like in
“Do you want pizza ___ tacos?”
or
The topic of a story that explores the theme of 'never giving up' is?
Perseverance
Recycling helps protect our planet. When people recycle paper, glass, and plastic, less trash goes to landfills. It also saves energy and keeps our Earth cleaner.
Recycling is important because it helps keep the Earth clean and saves energy.