Central Idea
What is the definition of central idea?
It describes what a text is mostly about.
What is a theme?
a message or lesson about life
What is textual evidence?
Quotes or details from the text that support and idea
What is direct information?
Information that is clearly stated in the text.
Who is the narrator of a story?
The person telling the story.
What would be the central idea of a text that explains how a student struggles to fit in at a new school?
Adjusting to change to overcoming social changes.
identify a possible theme for a story where a character learns the consequences of lying.
Honesty is important and lies have consequences
which is stronger evidence: direct quote or a vague summary?
a direct quote
What is implied information?
Information the reader must infer or figure out.
What does it mean to annotate a text?
To take notes, underline, or comment while reading.
How is the central idea different from a summary?
The central idea focuses on the message of the text, while a summary paraphrases the events.
Theme is a universal lesson, while central idea is what the text is mainly about
why must textual evidence be relevant to the claim being made?
irrelevant evidence does not support the argument
If a text says, "There was a terrible screaming from the nursery," what is implied (Bradbury 181)?
Something horrific happened in the nursery that caused them to scream
Why is understanding the author's purpose important?
It helps readers interpret meaning and intent.
A story follows one family thought multiple generations facing similar struggle. What is likely the central idea?
How patterns or struggles repeat across generations.
A character gains power, but loses all meaningful relationships. What theme does this suggest?
Power can lead to isolation/corruption
describe the best evidence to support the claim that a character feels isolated
a quote or detail showing the character alone, ignored, or excluded
Why do authors use implied information instead of stating them directly?
To engage readers and encourage deeper thinking.
How does conflict develop a story?
It drives the plot and reveals character growth.
Explain how multiple events in a text work together to develop a single central idea.
Each event contributes evidence that reinforces the author's main message.
Explain how a theme can be implied rather than directly stated in a text?
Readers infer the theme by analyzing character actions, conflicts, and outcomes
explain why multiple pieces of textual evidence are often more effective than one
they strengthen the argument and show consistency throughout the text
Explain how context clues help readers infer implied meaning.
Details like tone, actions, and dialogue provide hints about unstated ideas.
Explain how word choice (diction) can affect the tone of the text?
Specific words create mood and influence how the reader feels.