Context Clues
What is a context clue?
clues that good readers use to find the meaning of unknown words in the text
"I hate the idea of having all those people out there watching me...I just don't like it when I'm around so many people. I wish I just could hide somewhere," whispered Violet.
What can you infer about Violet?
she's shy
What is another word for theme?
message, moral or lesson
The man hummed along with the song playing in his headphones.
onomatopoeia
Sparky had drank a lot of water and now he needs to go outside. He tried standing by the door, but his people didn't notice. Santiago was playing a video game, Dad was watching tv, and Mom wasn't even home. He tried whining a little, but they still didn't hear. Sparky was getting desperate! He went up to Santiago and grabbed the sleeve of his shirt with his mouth. Then he tried to pull him toward the door. Finally, Santiago got the hint and let Sparky outside!
What problem did Sparky have? How did he solve his problem?
Problem: He needed to go outside
Solution: He tried to pull Santiago to the door
The teacher was appalled, or disgusted, by the honey-covered homework the student turned in. What does appalled mean?
disgusted
Weather reporters have to give out a lot of information. That's why they use pictures. The pictures help them tell us about the weather without using so many words. Weather reporters need to know where the cold air is. They need to know where the warm air is. They have to know where it is raining and what types of clouds are in the area. Their reports need to be correct, but they also need to be short. The pictures help weather reporters get the information out in a fast way.
Which sentence best describes the main idea of the paragraph?
Pictures help weather reporters get information out in a fast way
What is the definition of theme?
What the reader can learn from the text
We were stopped at that red light for an eternity.
hyberbole
Malaria is a serious problem for people who live south of the Sahara Desert in Africa. People can get malaria when they are bitten by mosquitos that carry the disease. Malaria makes people very sick and may even cause death. One way people can lower their risk of getting malaria is to sleep under mosquito nets. Mosquito nets protect people from being bitten while they sleep. Fewer people get malaria in areas where beds nets are used.
what problem is described in this paragraph? How was the problem solved?
Problem: people are at risk for getting malaria
Solution: sleeping under mosquito nets
I meandered through the mall taking my time looking at all the clothes in the windows.
What does meandered mean?
a. hurried. b. ran. c. wandered. d. jogged
c. wandered
Seated on his throne, King Midas wore a golden crown. He had golden rings on each finger and held a golden scepter. His vest was embroidered with golden thread and even his shoes had golden ornaments. He had a golden box filled with gold coins. He named his daughter Marigold.
What is the main idea of this paragraph?
King Midas loved gold
What is the theme of Hatchet?
survival, nature, and family
Don't mind Mikey. He's a grizzly bear until he's had his breakfast.
metaphor
Early school start times for middle school and high school students often result in those teens not getting enough sleep. To address this issue, start times at middle schools and high schools in Seattle, Washington were changed to nearly an hour later. This has resulted in students not only getting more sleep, but also getting better grades.
Problem: they are not getting enough sleep
solution: they changed the start time to nearly an hour later
When you are reading and come to an unknown word, what should you do first?
a. Look for clues in the text
b. Skip it and keep reading
c. Look it up in a dictionary.
d. Ask the teacher what it means.
a. Look for clues in the text
If you are feeling sad, you can make yourself feel better by doing a few simple things. You can take a walk (or get another form of exercise), you can talk to a friend, or you can write down your feelings. Writing down the good things in your life will help too. Doing something good for someone else will also help you feel better. If you still feel a little sad, act happy. It works like magic to make you feel better!
What is the main idea?
What is the theme of Wonder?
kindness
The candle flamed danced when anyone walked by.
personification
Dogs living in shelters spend most of their time in small cages while they are waiting to be adopted. Unfortunately, shelter workers don't have time to take them on many walks. However, some shelters have created programs to let community members take shelter dogs for walks or hikes. People who want to walk shelter dogs must take a class first. They learn how to care for the dog and what to do in case of an emergency. These programs have resulted in many happy dogs and even a few adoptions.
problem: dogs don't go on enough walks
solution: they let community members walk the dogs
Q.
Ben is so APPREHENSIVE about appearing in the play that he has an upset stomach.
a. thrilled. b. modest. c. bored. d.nervous
d.nervous
Danger often appears in the most unexpected places. People usually think of the bathtub as a safe, quiet place. But more accidents occur there than anywhere else in the home. Slips or falls that occur while entering and leaving the tub injure thousands of people every year. Most people think of a baker as having a safe and pleasant job; however, rolling, kneading, and pounding dough causes clouds of flour dust, which can enter the lungs and disable the baker.
Which of the following is NOT a supporting detail?
a. Some activities are more dangerous than they look
b. thousands of people are hurt in tub accidents every year
c. People think bakers have a safe job
d. Bakers can be disable by flour in their lungs
Some activities are more dangerous than they look
When determining the theme of a story, the reader should first consider...
a. the illustrations b. the subject or topic
c. the title d. the length of the story
b. the subject or topic
The sad student sat silently in the room.
alliteration
In many developing countries, families cook their food over fires. These fires need fuel, which people must either spend time collecting or buy. Often, families do not have enough time to collect it. Solar Cookers International is a nonprofit group that provides solar cookers and training to families developing countries. Families with solar cookers can use free sunlight to cook their meals, saving both time and money.
What problem is described in this paragraph? How did they solve the problem?
Problem: families in developing countries have to collect or buy fuel for fire
solution: using solar cookers save time and money