RL 1.3
The sequence of things that happen in a story
What is the plot?
Read the paragraph below.
Huge stone slabs dot a grassy field on a plain located in southern England. Some stones lie scattered; others stand upright and form part of a large circle. For centuries, visitors have wondered how and why this giant structure was built.
The structure of this text is...
Description
The argument the author is trying to make the reader believe.
What is claim?
Read the paragraph below.
The gravity within Earth, the Sun, and the Moon create tidal flow, which occurs twice daily. Propeller-like turbines can harness tidal energy as it enters channels along shorelines. Barrages or dam-like structures capture the water, and then release it. The water flow then turns turbines to generate energy. The natural ebb and flow of the tide creates a constant source of power on any given day.
Select one statement that supports the idea that the ocean is a renewable resource.
“The gravity within Earth, the Sun, and the Moon create tidal flow, which occurs twice daily.”
The dictionary definition of a word
What is denotation?
The major problem that occurs in the text.
What is conflict?
Read the paragraph below.
These slabs are part of Stonehenge, an ancient stone construction that dates back 5,000 years. In their quest to unlock the structure’s mysteries, archaeologists have found many artifacts at the site including animal bones, stone tools, and bone skewers. But even though some questions about the site’s purpose have been answered, many remain.
The purpose of this paragraph is to
Inform the reader about the questions of Stonehenge.
Read the paragraph below.
A bully uses strength or power to harm or intimidate those who are weaker, according to the Google Dictionary. Bullies, as we know them, are continuing to increase their strength. As several recent movies and TV shows have brought to light, bullies continue to rule schools. Adults need to start taking it more seriously.
What is the claim of this paragraph?
Adults need to start taking bullying more seriously
Read the paragraph below.
Because of their immense size, oceans are the largest solar collectors in the world. This is evident to anyone descending into the ocean. The surface is warmed by the Sun, while the lower depths are much colder. Ocean Thermal Energy Conversion (OTEC) uses the thermal energy present in ocean waters to generate electricity.
Select one phrase that supports the idea that the ocean is a good alternative to fossil fuels.
“Because of their immense size, oceans are the largest solar collectors in the world.”
Read the paragraph below.
Sally looked out over the vast ocean. It seemed to be never ending. She watch as the waves crashed on the shore. Sailboats miles away slowly moved across the horizon.
What is the meaning of the vast as it is used in the text?
Never ending
Read the paragraph below.
Following Rebecca’s invitation, Carmen had pulled the hand-me-down skates from the bag of winter clothes her cousin had sent her and tried them on. She had to layer three pairs of socks before they were snug, but she liked the fact that their broken-in look gave no clues to her novice status. Carmen left the skate guards on and walked up and down through the kitchen, trying to get used to the feel of the clunky boots. Then she took them off, donned a pair of socks, and “skated” through her narrow galley kitchen.
How does the plot unfold in this paragraph?
First, Carmen gets her hand-me-down skates and puts them on. Second, she enjoys the way they look. Third, She walks around to get used to the way they feel. Fourth, she put on a pair of socks to skate through her kitchen.
Read the paragraph below.
At first, Stonehenge included just a circular ditch surrounding two barrows, or burial mounds, and a smaller circle of 56 pits. Archaeologists have found ashes in these pits and in the circular ditch, and they believe the ashes are from the cremation, or ritual burning, of dead bodies. One theory is that Stonehenge was initially a place where people held religious ceremonies and buried the dead.
How does this paragraph fit into the overall structure of the text?
It explains one of the ways Stonehenge might have been used.
Read the paragraph below.
Not only can bullying create severe mental health conditions in children, but it can also have many negative physical consequences. Pathstone Mental Health is a Canadian group that works to treat children's mental health conditions. It says that bullying can bring anxiety and flu-like symptoms. If bullying isn't stopped, innocent school children will continue to be physically and mentally hurt.
What is the evidence in this paragraph? How does the evidence help get the author's point across?
"It says that bullying can bring anxiety and flu-like symptoms" is the evidence. This shows the different physical conditions kids could suffer from if they get bullied.
Read the paragraphs below.
While the concept of ocean power is very promising, the technologies to use it are still in their infancy. Existing problems must be addressed. For example, the ocean is often a tumultuous environment. Powerful storms can dislodge wave-power machines. Algae, corrosion, and barnacles (sea organisms) can interfere with mechanical components. Furthermore, these components are still very expensive because they are not manufactured on a larger scale.
However, the threat of completely depleting Earth’s natural resources has prompted more interest in this technology. As a result, many investors are beginning to dedicate money, time, and creativity into renewable resources. Our current energy problems are not going away, so perhaps it is now time to “go with the flow.”
Make an inference based on these two paragraphs about researching renewable resources.
Putting more research and time into renewable resources is valuable
Read the stanza below.
“Hope” is the thing with feathers -
That perches in the soul -
And sings the tune without the words -
And never stops - at all -
What is the figurative meaning of "thing with feathers" as it is used in the text?
It is a metaphor comparing hope to a bird
Read the paragraph below.
Rebecca crossed the ice to talk to her dad. The two of them returned in tandem, pushing the sleigh. Rebecca introduced Carmen to her dad and her little brother Billy. “You’d be doing me a huge favor if you could push Billy around in the sleigh, while I have a cup of coffee,” Rebecca’s dad told Carmen. Carmen nodded, gripped the sleigh’s handles, and took a few tentative steps forward. She thought Rebecca would go back to her hockey game, but Rebecca called over for them to resume play without her.
At first, Rebeca is confident that Carmen can skate as well as she can. But Carmen told her that she had no idea how. Instead of getting angry that Carmen told her too late, she changes her idea on what they will do that day. Use this paragraph to explain how Rebeca's behavior changes after finding this out.
Rebeca changes because she offers Carmen the sleigh so she can learn to skate and be stable. She could have just left Carmen, but she decides to help her learn instead.
Read the paragraph below.
Some scientists believe that Stonehenge is much more than a burial ground. On the summer solstice, the rising sun’s rays align perfectly with a huge outlying stone and the center of the stone circle. This suggests that Stonehenge may have been used to track the seasons. Whatever its true purpose, however, Stonehenge remains a majestic sight.
How does this paragraph fit into the overall structure of the text?
It answers another way Stonehenge might have been used
Read the paragraph below.
In the study, "Authoritative School Discipline: High School Practices Associated With Lower Bullying and Victimization" from the University of Virginia, it was found that schools are safer when rules are enforced and adults are available to support students. "Structure and support" were shown to be related to a decline in bullying and victimization. It's important that staff at schools emphasize anti-bullying efforts and create safer school communities.
How does the author support the argument that there should be harsher punishments for bullies in this paragraph? What is the evidence that proves this?
The evidence is "it was found that schools are safer when rules are enforced and adults are available to support students" this supports the argument because it shows that rules need to be enforced.
Read the paragraph below.
Hydropower uses moving water to power machinery or generate electricity. Humans have been using hydropower from rivers for thousands of years. Ancient Greeks used it to grind grain. Modern cultures have used it to generate electricity.
Select one phrase that explains how hydropower is being used to make electricity.
"Hydropower uses moving water to power machinery or generate electricity."
Read the paragraph below.
Human have an amazing ability to adapt to their surroundings. For example, if a human is living in a warm environment they will begin to feel heat less intense. If that same person were to move to a colder environment, they would feel the cold more than someone living in that same environment. Animals have the same ability to change based on their environment.
How does the word adapt contribute to the tone of the paragraph?
Adapt means to change. It contributes to the tone by making it sound more scientific.
Read the paragraphs below.
Usually the Sun lifted Carmen’s spirits, but not this time. Rebecca had extended an invitation to go skating on the pond once it had frozen over. Ever since then, the temperatures had hovered around 32 degrees—just cold enough to tease wannabe skaters. As Carmen walked by the pond to and from the bus stop every day, she willed it to freeze over, even though she felt like a raspberry ice pop herself.
Carmen was still getting used to the social life at Seabury Middle School, where conversations revolved around hockey and baseball. Carmen felt like a perpetual outsider—she might as well have been from Jupiter or Mars. When Rebecca asked Carmen to go skating, she’d agreed without hesitation. Never mind that she didn’t know how to skate. The opportunity to get to know one of the most popular girls in seventh grade might not present itself again.
Describe how the plot unfolds in these two paragraphs.
First, Carmen accepts Rebeca's invitation to go skating once the pond freezes over. Second, Carmen waits for the pond to freeze and watches it everyday. Third, readers find out how Carmen feels at the new school. Fourth, we find out that Carmen doesn't know ho to skate.
Compare and contrast, description, sequence, cause and effect, problem and solution.
What are the four types of text structure?
Read the paragraph below.
I've seen physical, verbal and cyberbullying firsthand. When there's physical bullying at my school, the kid gets suspended for three days and then comes back and does what he or she did again. When verbal bullying occurs, the teachers usually pretend not to hear or do anything about it. Once, I was called a name and my friend told a teacher who was standing right next to us. That teacher said that wasn't very nice and then walked away.
What evidence is being used in this paragraph? How does the evidence support the overall claim that bullying should have harsher punishments?
The author is using personal experience to show that suspensions do not stop bullying and teachers should making punishments harsher.
Read the paragraphs below.
While the concept of ocean power is very promising, the technologies to use it are still in their infancy. Existing problems must be addressed. For example, the ocean is often a tumultuous environment. Powerful storms can dislodge wave-power machines. Algae, corrosion, and barnacles (sea organisms) can interfere with mechanical components. Furthermore, these components are still very expensive because they are not manufactured on a larger scale.
However, the threat of completely depleting Earth’s natural resources has prompted more interest in this technology. As a result, many investors are beginning to dedicate money, time, and creativity into renewable resources. Our current energy problems are not going away, so perhaps it is now time to “go with the flow.”
Select two phrases that support the idea that we need to put more research intro renewable resources.
"dedicate money, time, and creativity into renewable resources" and "problems are not going away"
Read the paragraph below.
The student was completely oblivious to what she had just done. She had no idea the problems she just created for herself.
How does the word oblivious contribute to the meaning of the paragraph?
Oblivious means to be completely unaware. It contributes to the meaning because it shows that the student had absolutely no idea of what she had done. Instead of just saying she didn't know it shows it adds emotion to the paragraph.