Vocabulary & Academic Language
Author’s Purpose & Features
Text Structure
Question Vocabulary Inferences, & Details
Summary & Response Skills
100
What does the word “analyze” mean in a test question?
To break down the text and explain how parts work together.
100
What are three common author purposes?
To inform, to persuade, or to entertain.
100
What text structure shows events in time order?
Chronological order.
100
If a passage says “Maria shivered as she pulled her coat tighter,” what can you infer?
It was cold outside.
100
What does it mean to summarize a text?
To briefly retell the main idea and most important details in your own words
200
If a question asks you to identify the “central idea,” what is it asking for?
If a question asks you to identify the “controlling idea,” what is it asking for?
200
Why might an author use a chart in an informational text?
To present data visually so readers can understand it more easily.
200
A passage explains the steps in baking bread. What text structure is used?
Sequence/process.
200
What does the word infer most closely mean in a test question?
To use clues from the text plus what you already know to figure something out.
200
What should NOT be included in a summary?
Minor details or personal opinions.
300
In a test question, what does the word “support” mean?
To give details or evidence that back up an answer.
300
If an author uses strong emotional words in an article about recycling, what is their likely purpose?
To persuade readers to care about the environment and recycle.
300
If a passage describes the problem of plastic pollution and offers recycling as a solution, what text structure is this?
Problem and solution.
300
If the question says “Which detail best supports the controlling idea?”, what key word helps you know what to do?
Supports means you must find evidence that backs up the main (controlling) idea.
300
Read this short passage:
“Dogs are loyal pets. They can be trained to protect homes and help people with disabilities. Many families adopt dogs for companionship.” What is the best summary?
Dogs are helpful and loyal pets that serve many purposes for people.
400
If a passage uses the phrase “as a result,” what is it signaling about the structure?
It shows cause-and-effect organization.
400
In an article about space exploration, the author includes bold subheadings like “Life on Mars.” What feature is being used, and why?
Subheadings are used to organize ideas and signal key topics.
400
Why does an author choose a compare-and-contrast structure?
To show similarities and differences between two ideas or topics.
400
A student asks: “Why does the author include this fact?” What skill are they practicing?
Generating questions to analyze the text.
400
Why is summarizing an important skill?
It shows you understand the main idea and can explain it clearly without extra details.