Central Idea
Hani waited at the bus stop, tapping her foot. The bus was never this late. She started to worry she’d miss the spelling test she’d studied so hard for. When the bus finally arrived, she sprinted on board, determined not to let one late morning ruin her day.
Question: What is the central idea of this story?
Stayed determined and positive
Tyson didn't tie his shoes, and it caused to trip and fall.
What is the story structure?
A. Compare and Contrast
B. Cause/Effect
C. Sequence
D. Problem and Solution
B Cause and Effect
Bees are some of the most important creatures on Earth. They pollinate plants, helping fruits and vegetables grow. But their numbers are shrinking. You can help by planting flowers and avoiding harmful sprays. Every bee matters!
What is the author’s purpose in writing this passage — to persuade, entertain, or inform?
Inform
I couldn’t believe it—I had finished my math homework last night, but now it was gone. I checked my desk, my backpack, even under my bed. Nothing. I guess I’ll have to tell Mrs. Harper the truth.
1st or 3rd person?
1st Person
A. walk
B. will walk
C. walked
B will walk
Henry was playing soccer in the living room, even though his mom had told him not to. When the ball hit her favorite plant, the pot shattered. Henry cleaned up the mess and told her what happened. She was upset, but she thanked him for being honest.
Question: What is the central idea of this story?
Be Honest and take Responsibility
Pineapple and Watermelon are both so juicy and delicious. Watermelons have a smooth exterior, and pineapples have pokey exteriors.
What is the story structure?
A. Compare and Contrast
B. Cause/Effect
C. Sequence
D. Problem and Solution
A compare and Contrast
Bentley carried his double scoop of mint chocolate chip proudly through the park. Then—plop!—it tumbled right off the cone and landed face down on the sidewalk. The pigeons seemed thrilled. Bentley, not so much.
Question: What is the author’s purpose in writing this passage?
Entertain
Ella opened the door and gasped. Balloons floated everywhere, and her friends shouted, “Surprise!” She couldn’t stop smiling as she hugged everyone in the room.
1st or 3rd Person
3rd Person
Which sentence is written correctly?
A. Hani likes to eat pizza, chicken nuggets, and, popcorn.
B. Hani likes to eat pizza chicken nuggets, and popcorn.
C Hani likes to eat pizza, chicken nuggets, and popcorn.
C Hani likes to eat pizza, chicken nuggets, and popcorn.
Harleigh wanted to do all the work on the science project herself so it would be perfect. But when she got sick, her teammates had to finish without her. They did a great job. Harleigh realized that everyone’s ideas mattered and teamwork made their project even better.
Question: What is the central idea of this story?
Working together and trusting others
First, Murphie got a bowl and picked out her favorite cereal. Then she got milk and a spoon. Finally, she added milk and ate some yummy cereal.
What is the story structure?
A. Compare and Contrast
B. Cause/Effect
C. Sequence
D. Problem and Solution
C Sequence
Tornadoes form when warm, moist air meets cool, dry air. The change in temperature and wind speed causes the air to spin in a funnel shape. Tornadoes can cause serious damage, so it’s important to take shelter if one is nearby.
Question: What is the author’s purpose in writing this passage?
Inform
The teacher walked into the art room just as Jamal knocked over the paint jar. Red paint splashed across the table, and Maya jumped up to grab paper towels. Everyone started talking at once.
1st or 3rd person?
3rd Person
Write this sentence correctly with the correct punctuation.
Mr. D likes to run skip hunt hike and swim.
Mr. D likes to run, skip, hunt, hike, and swim.
Mr. Derousseau held up an empty jar in front of his class. He filled it with rocks, then pebbles, then sand, showing how everything fit together. “This jar is like your life,” he said. “If you fill it first with small things, you won’t have room for what matters most.”
Question: What is the central idea of this story?
Focus on the important things in life before the small things.
Harleigh and Sydney are both dancers, both have a sister in kindergarten, and live in Haugen. Yet, they are each unique in their own way.
What is the story structure?
A. Compare and Contrast
B. Cause/Effect
C. Sequence
D. Problem and Solution
A compare and contrast
Students should have more recess time each day. Playing outside helps kids stay healthy, focused, and ready to learn. When kids move their bodies, they return to class with more energy and better moods. Schools should make recess a priority!
Question: What is the author’s purpose in writing this passage?
Persuade
I watched Ben open his lunchbox and frown. He didn’t know that I had eaten his cookie earlier when no one was looking. I felt a little guilty, but it was chocolate chip.
1st or 3rd Person
1st person
I felt slightly frightened tricking treating in the dark near the spooky graveyard.
Is the bold noun abstract or concrete?
A tiny brown puppy followed Khiah home one rainy afternoon. She gave it food, made posters, and searched for its owner. After two days, a man came to claim his missing dog. Khiah was sad to say goodbye but happy she’d done the right thing.
Question: What is the central idea of this story?
Doing the right thing can be hard, but it feels good to help others.
Easton forgot to pack his lunch for school today. Luckily, Mr. Derousseau called his mom and she brought it in!
What is the story structure?
A. Compare and Contrast
B. Cause/Effect
C. Sequence
D. Problem and Solution
D. Problem and Solution
Henry dipped his paintbrush into the shimmering blue paint. With a single stroke, a real ocean wave splashed out of his picture! Soon her room was filled with dolphins and sea foam. He grinned—this was going to be his best masterpiece ever.
Question: What is the author’s purpose in writing this passage?
Entertain
Khiah stepped up to the starting line. My heart was pounding. The whistle blows, and I could see her feet fly down the track. Every stride I took I got closer to the finish line.
1st or 3rd Person?
1st Person.
Write this sentence correctly:
Henry Tyson Bentley and Easton are all the boys in our class.
Henry, Tyson, Bentley, and Easton are all the boys in our class.