Author's Purpose
Text Structures
Author's Perspective
Figurative Language
Context Clues
100

The State of Ohio has put into effect a "Buy Ohio" law, saying that people have to buy things made in Ohio, even if they cost more and aren't as good as the same things made someplace else. This law is unfair and you should vote against it!

The author wants you to vote against the law and agree with their opinion.




100
Name this type of text structure: The car was yellow. It had a sunroof and shiny rims. It is very fast. In addition to the sunroof, another perk is the great sound system.
What is "description"?
100

Deer are beautiful creatures. They are so graceful to watch as  they run through the forest. It's hard to understand how anyone could do anything to harm these beautiful animals. 

What is the narrator's perspective?

a.The author likes deer hunting.

b.The author thinks there are too many deer.

c.The author does not like deer hunting.

d.The author thinks deer harm the environment

c.The author does not like deer hunting.

100

She was as fast as a cheetah on the soccer field!
What kind of figurative language is this?

What is a simile?

100

A habitat is the natural home of an animal, like a forest for a bear.
What does the word habitat mean?

What is a home or place where an animal lives?

200

We are excited to tell all students about this year's fundraiser. Instead of asking you to sell magazines or candy, we are holding an online Read-a-Thon! Improve your reading ability and support your school at the same time. Get started today!

The author is giving students information about the Read-a-Thon and how to join.

200
Name the type of text structure: When I went on a trip, I encountered a roadblock on the way home. There were no detour signs. So, I took out my GPS and put in my address. As a result, I got home fifteen minutes later than usual.
What is problem and solution?
200

Kathy's parents made her attend a baby-sitting workshop before she could baby-sit her neighbor's five-year-old son, Matthew. It seemed as soon as his parents left, Matthew fell and hit his chin on the coffee table. Without panicking, she remembered what she learned in her baby-sitting class and applied first-aid.

The author wants to show that

 a. Matthew should not run in the house.

 b. Kathy is ready to baby-sit.

 c. Kathy needs to attend more baby-sitting workshops.

b. Kathy is ready to babysit.


200

My little brother is a tornado when he plays in the living room.
What kind of figurative language is used here?

What is a metaphor?

200

The baby was very sleepy, so he dozed off during the car ride.
What does the word dozed mean?

What is slept?

300

Julie was the youngest in her family, and often felt overlooked.  Today, she would get noticed!  She was going to try out for the school play, and was sure she would get the lead.  Her older sisters would be so jealous!

The author is telling a fun story about a girl trying out for a play to make the reader enjoy it.

300
Name the type of text structure: Nests and houses are both shelters. People live in houses and birds live in nests. We both use these shelters to keep out wind and rain. Houses are built on the ground and nests are generally built in a tree or bush.
What is compare and contrast?
300

Dolphins have suffered from the carelessness of humans. Many dolphins are killed each year in fishing nets. Oil has been spilled into ocean, polluting the dolphins' environment.

What is the narrator's perspective?

a.The author's favorite animal is a dolphin.

b.The author thinks that humans harm dolphins.

c.The author thinks that dolphins are dangerous.

d.The author thinks that humans are helping dolphins.

b.The author thinks that humans harm dolphins.

300

The sun peeked through the clouds and smiled at the earth.
Which type of figurative language gives human actions to something not human?

What is personification?

300

Unlike his grumpy brother, Jason was cheerful and full of smiles.
What does cheerful most likely mean?


What is happy?

400

Hillsdale High School's annual arts festival will take place June 1 at the Hillsdale Performing Arts Center. On display will be paintings, sculpture, collages, and drawings. In addition to these works of art, which will remain on display for one year, the festival will feature several music events.

The author is giving details about the arts festival, like the date, place, and what will be there.

400
You have to be careful when you go outside this time of year. There are ticks in the grass and bushes. If you get bitten by a tick you, the bite may result in Lyme disease. Consequently, you may have to take some medicine to make you feel better.
What is cause and effect?
400

I wonder who invented paper plates? He was a clever guy! Imagine having to lug heavy glass plates to a picnic, and then have to carry them home again. What a great invention!

What is the narrator's perspective?

a. The author thinks that paper plates are bad for the environment. 

b. The author thinks that paper plates are wonderful.

c. The author wishes there was a larger variety of paper plates.

d. The author wants the reader to use paper plates more often. 

b. The author thinks that paper plates are wonderful.

400

Silly snakes slither silently through the sand.
What is the name for this kind of sentence where many words start with the same sound?

What is alliteration?

400

After the long hike, my legs were sore and I could barely walk up the stairs.
What does the word sore mean?

What is painful or hurting?

500

Harry had never been inside Filch's office before; it was a place most students avoided. The room was dingy and windowless, lit by a single oil lamp dangling from the low ceiling. A faint smell of fried fish lingered about the place. Wooden filing cabinets stood around the walls; from their labels, Harry could see that they contained details of every pupil Filch had ever punished.

The author is telling an interesting story with lots of details to keep the reader hooked.

500
Name the text structure: At first, the small fish asked the whale if he had ever tasted man. Then, the small fish sent the whale to where the man was on a raft. Next, the whale at the man. Following that, the man made a grate out of his raft. Finally, the man returned home safely.
What is sequence?
500

Most people think that gorillas are mean, but actually they are shy. It seems that such a huge animal with very large teeth would be aggressive. Hollywood movies help convey this image of the scary, ferocious gorilla. In fact, gorillas only attack if they are provoked.

What is the author's perspective?

 a. Gorillas are misunderstood as vicious animals.

 b. Gorillas are mean animals.

 c. Gorillas don't like other animals.

a. Gorillas are misunderstood as vicious animals.

500

I'm so hungry I could eat a whole elephant!
What kind of figurative language is used when something is exaggerated to sound extreme?

What is hyperbole?

500

The submarine went deep below the surface of the ocean.
What does the prefix sub- in submarine mean?

What is under or below?

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