Vocabulary
What does the word "persevere" mean?
What is to keep trying even when something is difficult?
What is the beginning, middle, and end of a story called?
Plot
What is a summary?
a short retelling of the most important parts of a story or text
What does "point of view" mean in a story?
the perspective from which the story is told
What is an inference?
a logical guess or conclusion based on clues in the text
Use context clues to determine the meaning of decrepit: "The old, decrepit house was falling apart and needed repairs."
decrepit means old, worn out, or in bad condition?
Define the term "character" and give an example.
What is a person, animal, or creature in a story? (Accept any appropriate example)
What are key details?
the important pieces of information that support the main idea
Name the three types of point of view used in stories.
1st, 2nd, 3rd
When you make an inference, what two things do you use to support it?
What is clues from the text and your own knowledge/experience
"Maya was determined to win the race. She trained every day, even when her legs ached. On race day, she pushed harder than ever before and crossed the finish line first." What is the main idea of this passage?
Maya's hard work and determination helped her win the race
Sarah wanted to go to the party, but her best friend was sick and alone. Sarah decided to stay home and visit her friend instead. Her friend was so grateful for her kindness." What character trait does Sarah show?
Kindness, loyalty, compassion
"Polar bears live in the Arctic where it is very cold and icy. They have thick fur that keeps them warm. Their fur is white, which helps them hide in the snow. Polar bears hunt seals for food by waiting by holes in the ice." What is the main idea?
polar bears are adapted to live in cold Arctic environments
"I was terrified when I had to give my presentation in front of the whole class. My hands were shaking as I walked to the front of the room. But when I started talking about my topic, I felt more confident." How does the first-person point of view help us understand the character?
it lets us know the character's thoughts and feelings directly
"Emma packed her backpack carefully. She put in a water bottle, snacks, and a map. She wore hiking boots and a warm jacket." What can you infer about what Emma is about to do?
she is going hiking/going on a nature adventure
"The Amazon rainforest is home to thousands of species of animals and plants. Scientists estimate that many species have not yet been discovered. The rainforest also produces much of the world's oxygen. However, the rainforest is being destroyed by logging and farming. If we don't protect it, we could lose important species forever." What is the author's purpose in writing this passage?
To inform readers about the importance of the Amazon rainforest and persuade them to protect it?
"The storm arrived suddenly. Rain pounded against the windows. Lightning lit up the dark sky. Thunder shook the whole house. Maya huddled under her blanket, scared." What is the mood or tone of this passage?
scary, tense, or frightening
"Frogs are amphibians that live part of their lives in water and part on land. Baby frogs, called tadpoles, live in water and breathe through gills. As they grow, tadpoles develop lungs and legs. Adult frogs live on land but return to water to lay eggs. This life cycle repeats year after year." Name two key details from this passage.
tadpoles live in water and breathe through gills, and adult frogs develop lungs and legs (Accept any two correct details)
"Did you know that recycling can save the planet? Every piece of plastic takes hundreds of years to break down in nature. When we recycle, we reduce waste and help protect Earth for future generations. You can recycle paper, plastic, and metal. Start today—it's easier than you think!" What is the author's purpose?
to persuade readers to recycle
"The classroom was quiet. All the students had their heads down, writing quietly. The teacher walked around, checking everyone's work. When the bell rang, everyone put down their pencils immediately." What can you infer about what is happening?
The students are taking a test or quiz?
"The sun rose slowly over the mountains, painting the sky in shades of orange and pink. Birds began to sing their morning songs. A gentle breeze carried the smell of pine trees through the air. It was the perfect start to a new day." Which literary device is the author using to help readers experience the scene? Explain your answer.
Sensory details/imagery. The author uses descriptions of sight (colors), sound (birds singing), smell (pine), and touch (gentle breeze) to help readers imagine the scene
"Jake had always been afraid of water. When his little sister fell into the pool, he didn't think—he just jumped in and pulled her out. Later, his parents hugged him and said, 'You were so brave.' Jake realized that being brave doesn't mean you're not scared. It means you do the right thing anyway." What is the theme of this passage?
true courage means doing the right thing even when you're afraid (or similar answer about overcoming fear or bravery)
"Many students struggle with math because they think they're not good at it. However, research shows that anyone can learn math with practice. Some students need more time, while others learn quickly. Teachers can help by explaining concepts in different ways. When students believe in themselves and keep trying, they improve. Math is a skill, not a talent you're born with." What are two key details that support the main idea that anyone can learn math?
Research shows anyone can learn math with practice, teachers can explain concepts in different ways, or students improve when they believe in themselves and keep trying? (Accept any two)
Compare these two passages about the same event: Passage A (First Person): "I was so excited when I won the spelling bee. I practiced for weeks, and all my hard work paid off. I felt proud standing on stage." Passage B (Third Person): "The winner of the spelling bee stood on stage. She had practiced for weeks. The audience clapped." How does the point of view change how we experience each passage?
the first-person passage lets us feel the character's emotions and excitement directly, while the third-person passage is more objective and distant, letting us observe the event without feeling the character's inner thoughts?
"Liam hadn't spoken to his friend Marcus in three weeks. When they finally saw each other at school, Marcus turned away and walked in the other direction. Later, Liam found a note in his locker that said, 'You hurt my feelings.' Liam felt his heart sink. He realized he had forgotten Marcus's birthday." What inference can you make, and what text evidence supports it?
Liam and Marcus had a conflict because Liam forgot Marcus's birthday, which hurt Marcus's feelings Text evidence: Marcus avoided Liam and left a note saying Liam hurt his feelings