Citing Evidence (RL.5.1 / RI.5.1)
What does it mean to “quote accurately” from a text?
To copy the author’s exact words to support your answer or idea.
What is the main idea of a story?
What the story is mostly about.
What does it mean to compare and contrast two characters?
To tell how they are alike and different.
What is a context clue?
A hint in the sentence that helps you figure out what a word means.
“Ava watched her little brother’s sandcastle collapse under the wave. She wanted to laugh, but when she saw his face crumple, she knelt beside him and helped rebuild it.”
Question: What does this scene reveal about Ava’s character? Support your answer with evidence.
Ava is kind and caring; the text shows she helped her brother instead of laughing at him (“she knelt beside him and helped rebuild it”).
(RL.5.1, RL.5.3)
Why should you use evidence from the text when answering questions?
To show proof that your answer is correct and based on what the text says.
What is a theme?
The message or lesson the author wants you to learn.
How can you tell how a character responds to a challenge?
Look at what they say, do, and feel in the story.
What does figurative language mean?
Words that don’t mean exactly what they say (like similes, metaphors, idioms, hyperboles, or personification).
"During droughts, trees lose their leaves to conserve water. This change helps them survive longer until rainfall returns.”
Question: What is the main idea of this passage, and how do the details support it?
Main idea: Trees adapt to survive during droughts.
Details: Losing leaves helps conserve water so they can last until rain returns.
(RI.5.1, RI.5.2)
Read this sentence: “Maria knew it was wrong, but she stayed quiet.” What evidence shows how Maria feels?
She feels guilty or unsure because she knew it was wrong.
How can you find the main idea of an informational text?
Look for repeated ideas or key details that tell what it’s mostly about.
Comprehension (Informational): “Benjamin Franklin’s curiosity led him to experiment with electricity, which later inspired many inventions.” What relationship is shown? (Think cause and effect)
His curiosity led to his scientific discoveries.
In the sentence “The wind whispered through the trees,” what does whispered suggest?
The wind was soft and quiet (personification).
“The classroom buzzed with excitement as students waited to open their report cards.”
Question: What does the figurative language “buzzed with excitement” mean, and what is the tone?
“Buzzed” means the room was full of energy and noise.
The tone is eager or excited.
(RL.5.4)
Comprehension: In an article about animal habitats, the author writes: “When forests disappear, many animals lose their homes.” What evidence supports the main idea that deforestation harms wildlife?
The fact that animals lose their homes supports that idea.
Comprehension: “Even though Mia fell during the race, she got up and finished strong.” What is the theme?
Never give up / Keep trying even when things are hard.
Comprehension: “When Sam’s kite got stuck, he climbed the tree himself instead of asking for help.” What does this show about Sam?
He is independent and determined.
In informational text, what helps you figure out the meaning of a new word?
Context clues, examples, or definitions in the text.
Fiction: “Sam worked all summer to earn enough money for a bike.”
Informational: “Studies show that saving money teaches children responsibility.”
Question:
What similar idea is shown in both texts?
Both show the importance of working and saving to achieve goals and develop responsibility.
(RL.5.2, RI.5.2, RI.5.3)
How can you tell the difference between a personal opinion and text evidence?
Text evidence comes from the passage; an opinion is what you think.
Why are supporting details important?
They explain or give evidence for the main idea.
In informational text, what does “relationship between ideas” mean?
How events, people, or ideas connect or influence each other.
Comprehension: “The author’s tone in the passage about pollution is serious and concerned. What clues show this?”
Words like dangerous, urgent, and problem show a worried tone.
"The explorer recorded that after months of travel, the team finally saw sunlight again as they climbed out of the dark cave. Their discovery of rare crystals made the danger worthwhile.”
Question:
What is the theme of this passage, and how does the author’s word choice create tone?
Theme: Perseverance leads to success or discovery.
Tone: Hopeful and triumphant — words like finally, sunlight, and worthwhile show relief and achievement.
(RL.5.1–5.4)