Unpack the Task
After reading “The River Between Us,” analyze how the author develops the relationship between the two siblings as they face the rising floodwaters. Explain how their dialogue and actions reveal changes in their feelings toward each other. Use evidence from the text to support your ideas.
T- The River Between Us
G- Literary Analysis
P- Explain how their dialogue and actions reveal changes in their feelings toward each other.
S- HATMAT & TIPS
The sun was already sinking behind the houses, painting the sky orange. Kids hurried home with their backpacks bouncing. The cold air wrapped around me like a wet towel. I shivered and picked up my pace.
Sentence with FL:
“The cold air wrapped around me like a wet towel.”
Type: Simile
During recess, the school garden became a favorite spot for students. They enjoyed watering the plants, checking on the tomatoes, and watching butterflies land on the flowers. Even students who didn’t usually like being outside found themselves visiting the garden. It quickly became a peaceful place where everyone could relax.
The school garden became a calming, popular place where students enjoyed spending time.
During the class trip to the aquarium, Maya noticed a glimmering fish swimming near the glass. Its scales sparkled every time it turned. Maya pressed her face closer, amazed by how bright it looked. She wished she could stay and watch it all day.
glimmering = shining or sparkling
Every morning, the school announcements share the weather, lunch menu, and upcoming events. Today, the principal reminded students about the book fair and encouraged everyone to visit. She also listed the times each grade could attend. Students listened carefully so they wouldn’t miss their turn.
What is the author’s purpose?
A. To entertain
B. To inform
C. To persuade
D. To describe
Correct Answer: B. To inform
You have read the article “Should Cities Ban Single‑Use Plastics?” The author presents several claims about the environmental impact of plastic waste. Evaluate the strength of the author’s argument by examining the evidence provided. Explain whether the author’s reasoning is convincing and why.
Text: Informational article
Genre: Argumentative
Purpose: Evaluate the strength of the author’s argument
Structure: HATMAT + TIPS
The hallway was silent as students filed into class. Papers rustled softly on the teacher’s desk. The clock on the wall glared at us, daring anyone to speak. No one wanted to be the first to break the quiet.
“The clock on the wall glared at us, daring anyone to speak.”
Type: Personification
Every Saturday, Jordan helped his grandmother at the community center. They sorted donated clothes, packed food bags, and greeted families who needed support. Jordan didn’t always feel like waking up early, but he loved seeing how grateful people were. Over time, he realized helping others made him feel proud and connected to his neighborhood.
Helping at the community center teaches Jordan the value of supporting others and strengthens his connection to the community.
When the science experiment began to bubble, the students stepped back. A pungent smell filled the air, making a few kids wrinkle their noses. The teacher quickly opened a window to let in fresh air. Everyone laughed once the smell faded.
pungent = strong, sharp, or unpleasant smell
A local animal shelter posted a message asking families to consider adopting older pets. The message explained that senior animals are calm, loving, and often overlooked. It also shared stories of families who adopted older pets and felt grateful they did. The shelter hoped more people would give these animals a chance.
What is the author’s purpose?
A. To persuade
B. To entertain
C. To describe
D. To explain
Correct Answer: A. To persuade
After reading “The Clockmaker’s Apprentice,” continue the story by showing what happens after the apprentice discovers the hidden room behind the workshop wall. Your writing should build on the events and tone of the original text while introducing a new conflict that challenges the apprentice.
Text: The Clockmakers Apprentice
Genre: Narrative
Purpose: Continue the story with a new conflict that fits the original tone
Structure: Freytag’s Pyramid / Plot Diagram
The team gathered in a tight circle before the game. Coach gave a quick pep talk and nodded. My nerves were a storm inside my chest, crashing and roaring. Still, I stepped onto the field ready to play.
Sentence with FL:
“My nerves were a storm inside my chest, crashing and roaring.”
Type: Metaphor
The town library had been losing visitors for years, but everything changed when a new librarian arrived. She added colorful displays, organized weekend events, and created a reading challenge that excited kids and adults. Soon, the library was full again, buzzing with energy. Her creativity helped transform the library into a lively community space.
The new librarian’s creative ideas revived the library and made it an active, welcoming place again.
As the debate continued, one student offered a tentative suggestion, unsure if the group would agree. Her voice wavered slightly, but she pushed forward with her idea. The others paused, considering her words carefully. Slowly, they began to nod, realizing her plan might actually work.
tentative = uncertain, hesitant, or not fully confident
When the volcano erupted, thick clouds of ash rose into the sky. Scientists quickly recorded data about the eruption, noting how far the ash traveled and how hot the lava was. They explained that studying eruptions helps predict future activity. Their report helped the community understand what happened and what to expect next.
What is the author’s purpose?
A. To entertain
B. To persuade
C. To explain
D. To describe
Correct Answer: C. To explain
You have read “The Science of Sleep,” which explains how sleep affects memory, mood, and physical health. Write an explanation that describes the most important ways sleep influences the human body. Use details from the text to clarify how each effect works and why it matters.
Text: The Science of Sleep
Genre: Expository
Purpose: Explain how sleep affects the human body
Structure: HATMAT + TIPS
Students crowded around the bulletin board to see the field trip list. Some groaned, others cheered. I waited in line for a million years before I finally reached the front. My name was there, and the wait suddenly felt worth it.
“I waited in line for a million years before I finally reached the front.”
Type: Hyperbole
When the river near the town began to rise, many residents worried about flooding. Instead of panicking, neighbors worked together to fill sandbags, move supplies, and check on elderly families. Their teamwork helped protect the town and kept everyone calm. The experience showed how powerful a community can be when people support one another.
The town’s cooperation during the rising river demonstrates how community teamwork can overcome challenges.
The robotics club gathered around their newest invention, a small machine designed to sort objects by color. As it whirred to life, students watched closely, amazed at how smoothly it worked. The advisor explained that the robot’s success came from a meticulous design process that required patience and precision. Everyone agreed the effort had paid off.
meticulous = extremely careful and detailed
As the hikers climbed the mountain trail, the air grew thinner and colder. Trees gave way to jagged rocks, and the wind howled through narrow gaps. Still, the group pushed forward, determined to reach the summit before sunset. Their journey was difficult, but the view waiting at the top made every step worth it.
What is the author’s purpose?
A. To entertain
B. To inform
C. To persuade
D. To explain
Correct Answer: A. To entertain
You have read two poems in “Voices of the March.” Compare how each poet uses imagery and tone to express their perspective on standing up for a cause. Explain how the poets’ choices shape the message of each poem, using evidence from both texts.
Text: Voices of the March
Genre: Literary Analysis
Purpose: Compare imagery and tone across two poems
Structure: HATMAT + TIPS
The hallway buzzed with chatter as students rushed to their next class. Lockers slammed, papers fluttered, and footsteps echoed in every direction. In the middle of all the chaos, I found a moment of deafening silence as I waited for my name to be called. It felt like the whole world paused for just a second.
“I found a moment of deafening silence as I waited for my name to be called.”
Type: Oxymoron
For months, students at Ridgeview Middle School debated whether technology was helping or hurting their learning. Some argued that tablets made research faster and lessons more engaging. Others felt constant notifications and games made it harder to focus. After surveying the entire school, the student council discovered a surprising truth: technology wasn’t the problem—students needed better habits and clearer guidelines to use it responsibly.
The school learns that responsible habits and clear guidelines—not the technology itself—determine whether devices help or distract students.
For weeks, the research vessel drifted along the edge of the Arctic ice, collecting data on shifting temperatures and melting patterns. One morning, the lead scientist detected a precipitous drop in ice thickness across several miles, a change far more dramatic than any previous measurement. The team immediately rechecked their instruments, but every reading confirmed the same alarming trend. Realizing the implications, they prepared a report that would challenge long‑held assumptions about the region’s stability.
precipitous = sudden, steep, or extremely rapid
In recent years, researchers have examined how noise pollution affects students’ ability to focus. Their studies show that constant background noise—such as traffic, construction, or loud hallways—can reduce concentration and memory. As a result, many schools are redesigning classrooms to minimize sound distractions. These findings highlight the importance of creating quiet learning environments.
What is the author’s purpose?
A. To persuade
B. To inform
C. To entertain
D. To describe
Correct Answer: B. To inform