Central Idea
What is the central idea?
A. The main point the author wants the reader to understand
B. The small details in the text that support the story
C. The author’s opinion and why they are correct
D. The setting of the article
A. The main point the author wants the reader to understand
What is text structure?
A. The way the author organizes information in a text
B. The details that explain the author’s opinion
C. The theme and message of the text
D. The supporting details that make up the text
A. The way the author organizes information in a text
What is the author’s purpose in nonfiction text?
A. The reason the author writes the text
B. The central idea of the text
C. The way the author organizes the text
D. The tone of the text
A. The reason the author writes the text
What are context clues?
A. Details surrounding the word that help determine the meaning
B. Definitions of unknown words found in a glossary or dictionary
C. The main idea of the paragraph
D. The author’s purpose for writing
A. Details surrounding the word that help determine the meaning
What is a claim?
A. A fact that cannot be changed
B. A statement the author tries to prove
C. A summary of the entire article
D. A description of the topic in detail
B. A statement the author tries to prove
An article explains how recycling helps reduce pollution and protect wildlife.
What is the central idea?
A. Recycling is difficult
B. Recycling helps the environment
C. Wildlife should live in zoos
D. Pollution is always visible
B. Recycling helps the environment
A passage explains what causes wildfires to occur and then describes their effects on the environment.
Which text structure is used?
A. Problem and solution
B. Cause and effect
C. Compare and contrast
D. Chronological order
B. Cause and effect
An article explains how hurricanes form and the conditions that make them stronger.
What is the author’s purpose?
A. To persuade readers to prepare for storms
B. To entertain with storm stories
C. To inform readers about hurricanes
D. To argue against weather forecasting
C. To inform readers about hurricanes
In the sentence: The arid climate made farming difficult because rainfall was scarce, what does “arid” most likely mean?
A. Soft
B. Wet
C. Cold
D. Dry
D. Dry
Which is the strongest evidence for the claim that exercise improves academic performance?
A. Many students enjoy physical education classes
B. Some athletes go to college to become famous
C. Exercise equipment is available in schools for students to use
D. Research shows a positive link between exercise and focus
D. Research shows a positive link between exercise and focus
Which detail best supports the central idea that exercise improves health?
A. Maya wears running shoes every day
B. Regular exercise strengthens the heart and muscles
C. The gym opens at 8:00 a.m.
D. Some people dislike sports
B. Regular exercise strengthens the heart and muscles
A text explains the steps for assembling a solar-powered device in order.
Which structure is used?
A. Chronological
B. Cause and effect
C. Compare and contrast
D. Description
A. Chronological
A writer lists reasons why school uniforms should be required in all schools.
What is the author’s purpose?
A. To inform
B. To entertain
C. To describe
D. To persuade
D. To persuade
Which strategy is most effective when trying to determine the meaning of an unfamiliar word in a nonfiction text?
A. Skip the paragraph and move on
B. Look only at the pictures in the text
C. Use surrounding words and sentences
D. Replace the word with any word that sounds correct
C. Use surrounding words and sentences
What is bias?
A. A neutral presentation of facts
B. A preference that affects information
C. A summary of key ideas
D. A type of argument
B. A preference that affects information
Which statement best explains how supporting details help the central idea?
A. They distract from the main idea
B. They replace the central idea
C. They explain and prove the central idea
D. They summarize the conclusion
C. They explain and prove the central idea
Why would an author choose a problem-and-solution structure in an informational text?
A. To present information that could make readers worried
B. To explain an issue and propose ways it can be addressed
C. To describe a topic using sensory details that explain the importance of the topic
D. To encourage readers to compare different issues
B. To explain an issue and propose ways it can be addressed
Which detail best helps identify an author’s purpose?
A. The number of graphs and pictures used in the text
B. The type of evidence, word choice, and tone used
C. The length of the text and number of technical terms used
D. The supporting details in the text
B. The type of evidence, word choice, and tone used
In the sentence: The scientist was meticulous, double-checking every measurement to ensure accuracy, what does “meticulous” most likely mean?
A. Careless
B. Careful
C. Confused
D. Relaxed
B. Careful
Which statement most clearly shows bias?
A. Recycling reduces landfill waste and helps the environment
B. School uniforms are required in many schools
C. This school rule is the worst policy ever created for students
D. Water boils at 100°C
C. This school rule is the worst policy ever created for students
A text about saving water includes facts about droughts, water shortages, and ways to conserve water.
What is the relationship between the supporting details and the central idea?
A. The details develop and support the central idea
B. The details are unrelated examples
C. The details replace the central idea
D. The details add unnecessary information
A. The details develop and support the central idea
An article explains that rising global temperatures are causing glaciers to melt. It then describes how this melting leads to higher sea levels, which can flood coastal cities.
Why did the author most likely choose this structure?
A. To compare and contrast two environmental issues
B. To persuade readers to find a solution using emotional language
C. To describe the appearance of glaciers in detail
D. To show a chain of events where one change leads to another
D. To show a chain of events where one change leads to another
Why would an author include statistics and expert testimony in an informational article?
A. To inform the reader of more information
B. To entertain the reader
C. To strengthen credibility
D. To replace explanations
C. To strengthen credibility
How can a reader use word parts to determine the meaning of an unfamiliar word?
A. By breaking the word into prefixes, roots, and suffixes
B. By looking at how many syllables the word has
C. By guessing based on the title of the text
D. By checking how often the word appears in the paragraph
A. By breaking the word into prefixes, roots, and suffixes
Why might an author use emotionally charged language in an argument?
A. To restate the central idea and prove a point
B. To present only scientific data
C. To avoid using evidence
D. To persuade readers by appealing to feelings
D. To persuade readers by appealing to feelings