Central Idea/ Vocabulary In Context
What is the central idea of a text?
The most important idea the author wants to convey.
What is theme?
The universal message or lesson about life.
What is tone?
The author’s attitude toward the subject.
What is an author’s claim?
The author’s main argument or position.
What is a prefix?
A word part added to the beginning.
If “reluctant” is used in a sentence showing hesitation, what is its meaning?
Unwilling or hesitant.
Theme is NOT…
A. A moral
B. A lesson
C. A topic
D. A universal truth
C. A topic.
What is mood?
The reader’s emotional response.
Define “counterclaim.”
The opposing viewpoint.
What does the root “bio” mean?
Life.
If a sentence says “the solution was inevitable,” what does “inevitable” mean?
A. Unavoidable
B. Uncertain
C. Impossible
D. Preventable
A. Unavoidable
If a character repeatedly fails before succeeding, which theme is likely?
Persistence, never give up, keep going (these things will all lead to success)
Identify the tone: “The sky brooded over the village, thick with unspoken warning.”
Ominous / foreboding.
Which text structure shows steps?
A. Cause/effect
B. Description
C. Compare/contrast
D. Sequence
D. Sequence
Break the word “unpredictable” into meaningful parts.
un- / predict / -able
If “meticulous” describes how someone completes a task, what does it imply?
They are extremely careful and detailed.
Which detail BEST supports a theme about inequality?
A. A character wins the lottery
B. A character is denied opportunities
C. A character enjoys nature
D. A character moves to a new city
B. A character is denied opportunities
Which sentence creates a hopeful mood?
A. The shadows crept across the ground.
B. She smiled as sunlight poured through her window.
C. The forest howled with a bitter wind.
B. She smiled as sunlight poured through her window.
What rhetorical appeal uses logic and evidence?
Logos.
If “sub” = under and “terranean” = earth, what does subterranean mean?
Under the earth.
How does an author’s use of cause-and-effect structure help develop central idea?
It shows how one event leads to another, clarifying why the central idea matters.
Explain how characterization helps reveal theme.
A character’s choices, changes, and consequences reveal the underlying message.
What is a quick strategy to find tone on FAST?
Identify connotative words that reveal attitude.
How does compare/contrast strengthen an argument?
By showing differences that highlight why one idea is stronger.
If “bene” = good and “dict” = speak, what is benediction?
(yes, I giggled, too, it's fine.)
A blessing or expression of good wishes.