Inferencing
Main Idea & Key Details
Connections & Relationships
Nonfiction Text Structure
Summarizing Nonfiction Texts
100

True or False:

You can make an inference by using clues from the text and what you already know.

True! 

Inferencing is taking your background knowledge + what you've learned from the text to make a guess about what is going on.

100

The main idea is best described as:
A. One small fact
B. What the text is mostly about
C. A personal opinion
D. A prediction

B. What the text is mostly about

100

True or False:

You can make connections between two texts even if they are about different topics.

True.

You can connect ideas, concepts, text structure, etc.

100

Which text structure shows events in time order?
A. Cause and Effect
B. Compare and Contrast
C. Chronological
D. Problem and Solution

C. Chronological

100

True or False:

A good summary includes every detail from the text.

False.

You should only include the three most important details when writing your summary.

200

If a character slams the door and avoids eye contact, what can you most likely infer?
A. The character is excited
B. The character is upset
C. The character is confused
D. The character is sleepy

B. The character is upset

200

True or False: 

Key details support the main idea.

True.

We use the key details to help support the main idea!

200

When comparing two texts on the same topic, you should look for:
A. The author’s opinion only
B. Similar and different ideas
C. The font and layout
D. The length of the text

B. Similar and different ideas

200

True or False:

Signal words like because and as a result often show cause and effect.

True.

200

Which is the best summary of a paragraph?
A. A retelling with lots of details
B. A list of events in order
C. A short paragraph with the most important ideas
D. A personal opinion

C. A short paragraph with the most important ideas

300

Laura keeps checking the clock and tapping her pencil during a test. She is constantly looking around the room at her peers to see what they are doing. As she works, she can feel her heart beating in her ears and she starts feeling hot. She can already see her grade tanking from an A to a C.

What can you infer about how the student is feeling? Use one text clue.

Answers May Vary - must include a clue from the sentences.

300

 The Importance of Sleep

Getting enough sleep is important for students. When children sleep well, they are better able to focus and learn in school. Sleep also helps the body grow and stay healthy. Without enough rest, students may feel tired, have trouble paying attention, or become easily frustrated. That is why doctors recommend that children get at least nine hours of sleep each night.

Which detail explains why sleep helps learning?

When children sleep well, they are better able to focus and learn in school.

300

What does it mean to make a text-to-text connection?


Answers May Vary.

It means to connect big events to people, problems and solutions, causes and effects, and parts to whole.

300

Which structure explains a problem and then gives ways to fix it?
A. Description
B. Chronological
C. Compare and Contrast
D. Problem and Solution

D. Problem and Solution

300

Why is it important to leave out minor details when writing a summary?


Your summary should be no longer than 5 sentences, or a short paragraph. We only need key details when writing a summary that supports the main idea.

400

Which clue would be most helpful when making an inference about a character’s feelings?
A. The setting of the story
B. The character’s dialogue and actions
C. The font size of the text
D. The title of the chapter

B. The character's dialogue and actions

400

Which detail best supports this main idea?


Main Idea: Exercise is important for staying healthy.
A. Exercise can be fun
B. Exercise helps your heart and muscles
C. Some people dislike exercise
D. Gyms are expensive

B. Exercise helps your heart and muscles

400

Two texts both discuss weather disasters. One focuses on causes, and the other focuses on effects. How are they connected?
A. They share the same author
B. They use the same structure
C. They explain different aspects of the same topic
D. They give opinions

C. They explain different aspects of the same topic

400

Name two signal word for compare and contrast and explain how it helps the reader: one for compare and one for contrast.

Answers May Vary:

similarities, differences, alike, different, same, similar, differing, compare, contrast

400

Which sentence would NOT belong in a summary?
A. The main idea of the text
B. Important supporting details
C. A personal connection
D. Key events or facts

C. A personal connection

500

Explain the difference between a text clue and background knowledge, and how both are used to make an inference.

Text Clue is from the text.

Background Knowledge is something a reader already has or knows.

We use both together to make inferences.

500

Passage 1: School Gardens

Many schools are starting gardens on their campuses. These gardens give students a chance to learn about plants and where food comes from. Students help by planting seeds, watering vegetables, and pulling weeds. School gardens also teach responsibility because students must care for the plants regularly. In addition, the food grown in school gardens can sometimes be used in the cafeteria.

What is the main idea of this passage?

Answers May Vary, but it needs to be something about schools starting their own gardens for the good of students.

500

Passage 1: Recycling at Home

Recycling at home helps reduce the amount of trash sent to landfills. Items like paper, plastic, and glass can be reused instead of thrown away. Recycling also saves energy because making new products from old materials uses less power. When families recycle, they help protect the environment for the future.

Passage 2: Recycling at School

Many schools encourage students to recycle during the school day. Classrooms often have bins for paper and plastic, and students are taught how to sort items correctly. Recycling at school helps students build good habits they can use at home. It also reduces waste and keeps the school cleaner.

How are the two texts connected?

The texts tell us how we can recycle in different places.

500

Why is it important for readers to identify the text structure of a nonfiction text?

It helps us better understand the main idea.

500

Learning to play a musical instrument takes time and practice. At first, students may struggle to read music or play the correct notes. Over time, regular practice helps improve skill and confidence. Playing an instrument can also improve memory and focus. Many students feel proud when they learn a new song.

What is the most important detail to include?

Regular practice helps improve skill and confidence. 

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