Author's Purpose/Text Features
What are the three purposes an author writes?
Persuade, Inform, Entertain
She took a trip to Florida.
A. Be careful, or you will trip!
B. We planned our trip together.
C. I trip over things very often.
B. We planned our TRIP together.
Name the text structure that uses key words such as:
First, Next, Then, Finally
Years, Dates, etc
Chronology; Chronological Order
What is the TOPIC of this passage.
The Statue of Liberty is visited by thousands of people every year. The Statue of Liberty is a 151 foot statue of woman holding a book and a torch. It was a gift of friendship from the people of France. It has become the universal symbol for freedom.
The Statue of Liberty
Past, Present or Future tense verb?
The girl will dance on stage.
Future Tense Verb
True or False
Synthesizing is like making an inference in a nonfiction text.
True
Why might an author include a picture in an informational text?
A. To help readers better understand the information
B. To make the text harder to read
C. To replace all the words in the text
D. To tell readers what the author likes best
A. To help readers better understand the information
I turned on the light so I could see better.
A. The feather was very light.
B. She wore light colors because
it was going to be a hot day.
C. There is only one light in the living room.
C. There is only one LIGHT in the living room.
What text structure tells about how two things are alike?
Comparison
Which sentence states the central idea?
Niagara Falls is one of the most beautiful sights in North America. It is on the Niagara River halfway between Lake Ontario and Lake Erie. Niagara Falls is located on the American and Canadian border. The American Falls is 167 feet high. On the Canadian side, the Horseshoe Falls is 161 feet high.
Niagara Falls is one of the most beautiful sights in North America.
Past, present, or future tense verb?
The girl dances on stage.
Present Tense
What does it mean to synthesize information?
A. To copy one important sentence from a text
B. To combine information from different parts of a text to create a new understanding
C. To find the meaning of an unfamiliar word
D. To tell what a text is mostly about
B. To combine information from different parts of a text to create a new understanding
What is the author's purpose for writing this:
The Slim-O-Matic will cause you to lose pounds and inches from your body in one month. This amazing machine helps you to exercise correctly and provides an easy video to show you the proper way to exercise. Send $75.99 and begin exercising today.
A. To Inform B. To Entertain C. To persuade
C. To persuade
Explain why you think like you do.
Seeds of Change”
Every tree begins as a seed. Some seeds are tiny, like those from a birch tree, while others, like acorns, are large and heavy. But no matter their size, all seeds hold the same promise — the beginning of new life.
When a seed lands in the right place, it starts to grow roots that reach down into the soil. The roots pull in water and nutrients, helping the seed sprout into a small plant. As sunlight warms its leaves, the plant grows taller and stronger.
Trees do more than just grow tall. They clean the air, provide shade, and give homes to animals. A single tree can make a big difference in its environment.
So the next time you see a seed fall to the ground, remember — it might be the start of something that will one day help the world breathe a little easier.
1. Which detail from paragraph 2 shows how seeds begin to grow?
A. Trees clean the air and provide shade.
B. Roots pull in water and nutrients.
C. Some seeds are tiny, while others are large.
D. A single tree can make a big difference.
B. Roots pull in water and nutrients.
Which text structure tell about a reason and a result?
Cause and Effect
What is the central idea:
The Erie Canal changed the way people moved goods in the 1800’s. The 363 mile canal connected Albany, New York to Lake Erie in Buffalo for the first time. When the Canal opened in 1825, building supplies and goods could be transported quickly and cheaply across New York State. Canal boats pulled by mules carried people and supplies across New York.
Central Idea: Lake Erie changed the way people moved goods.
Which sentence uses commas correctly?
1. Jasmyn, ran jumped and skipped at recess.
2. Jasmyn ran, jumped, and skipped at recess.
3. Jasmyn ran jumped, and skipped at recess.
2. Jasmyn ran, jumped, and skipped at recess.
A Garden at School
Many schools have gardens where students grow flowers, vegetables, and herbs. Before planting, students learn what each plant needs to grow. They may study how much sunlight and water the plants need.
Students also have jobs in the garden. Some students loosen the soil, while others plant seeds or pull weeds. Students must work carefully because young plants can be damaged easily. They also take turns caring for the garden throughout the week.
A school garden can help students learn in several ways. Students observe changes in plants, practice measuring, and learn about healthy foods. Working together in the garden also teaches students to be responsible for living things.
Based on the information throughout the selection, what can the reader conclude about school gardens?
A. School gardens are used only to grow food for students.
B. School gardens help students learn by caring for plants and working together.
C. School gardens are easier to care for than plants at home.
D. School gardens are mostly used by students who enjoy science.
B. School gardens help students learn by caring for plants and working together.
How a Seed Begins to Grow
A seed may look small, but it contains a tiny plant. When a seed gets water, it begins to change. The seed becomes larger, and its outer covering may crack open.
First, a small root grows down into the soil. The root holds the plant in place and takes in water. Next, a shoot grows upward. The shoot pushes through the soil to reach the sunlight.
When the shoot reaches the light, its first leaves open. The leaves use sunlight, air, and water to help the plant make food. The process of a seed beginning to grow is called germination.
The Three Steps of Germination
2. Why does the author use bold/italicized words such as root, shoot, and germination?
A. To introduce and define key vocabulary words
B. To show words that are the funniest parts of the passage
C. To tell the reader which words should be skipped
D. To explain where the picture was taken
A. To introduce and define key vocabulary words
Which sentence shows a cause-and-effect relationship?
A. A seed may look small, but it contains a tiny plant.
B. The root grows down into the soil, and the shoot grows upward.
C. When a seed gets water, it begins to change.
D. Some seeds can stay still for a long time.
C. When a seed gets water, it begins to change.
From Seed to Sunflower
A sunflower begins as a small seed. The seed has a hard covering that protects the tiny plant inside.
First, the seed is placed in soil. The seed needs water and warmth to begin growing. Next, a small root pushes down into the soil. The root takes in water for the plant.
After that, a green stem pushes up through the soil. Tiny leaves open on the stem. The plant uses sunlight to help it grow.
Finally, the sunflower grows tall. A yellow flower opens at the top of the stem. Later, the flower makes new seeds. Those seeds can grow into more sunflowers.
How is the information in the article organized?
A. It describes how a sunflower looks at different times of the year.
B. It explains the steps in the growth of a sunflower.
C. It compares a sunflower with another kind of flower.
D. It explains a problem that keeps sunflowers from growing.
B. It explains the steps in the growth of a sunflower.
Animal Builders
Many animals build their own homes. These homes keep them safe from weather and predators. They also provide a place to rest and raise their young. Each animal builds in a special way that fits its needs.
Busy Bees
Bees are tiny builders that work together in large groups called colonies. They make their homes, called hives, out of wax. The wax comes from their own bodies! Inside the hive are hundreds of small, six-sided cells called honeycombs. Bees use these cells to store honey and pollen. The queen bee lays her eggs in some of the cells, and worker bees care for the young.
Clever Birds
Birds build nests in many different places. Some nests are high in trees, while others are on the ground or even on cliffs. Birds use twigs, grass, leaves, and sometimes bits of string or paper to make their nests. Each bird species builds in its own way. For example, robins shape their nests into small bowls, while woodpeckers carve holes in tree trunks. Nests keep eggs and chicks safe until they are ready to fly.
Amazing Ants
Ants live in large groups called colonies, too. They build their homes underground or inside logs. Ant homes, called nests, have many tunnels and rooms. Some rooms are for storing food, while others are for caring for eggs and young ants. Worker ants dig the tunnels and carry food back to the nest. Ants work together to keep their colony strong and safe.
What is the main idea of the passage?
A. Many animals build homes that help them live and stay safe.
B. Bees and birds both make their homes out of wax.
C. Ants and bees live in trees.
D. All animals build their homes in the same way.
A. Many animals build homes that help them live and stay safe.
Abstract or Concrete Noun?
-The lady had many memories about her family.
Abstract Noun
How Animals Use Camouflage
Some animals have colors and patterns that help them blend into their surroundings. This ability is called camouflage. A green tree frog may be difficult to see when it rests on a leafy plant. A snowy hare may blend into the white ground during winter.
Camouflage can help animals stay safe. When an animal is hard to see, a predator may not notice it. Some animals also use camouflage to get close to the animals they hunt. For example, a tiger’s stripes can make it harder to see in tall grass.
Animals do not all use camouflage in the same way. Some animals match the color of their homes, while others have patterns that break up their shapes. These different kinds of camouflage help animals survive in different environments.
What can the reader conclude about the way animals use camouflage?
A. Animals use camouflage to survive in many different places.
B. Animals use camouflage only when they are being hunted.
C. Animals with bright colors cannot use camouflage.
D. Animals change their camouflage every time they move.
A. Animals use camouflage to survive in many different places.
How Chameleons Change Color
Many people think chameleons change color to blend in with their surroundings, but that's not the whole story. Scientists have discovered that chameleons change color mainly to communicate with other chameleons and to show how they are feeling.
When a chameleon is calm and relaxed, it usually stays green or brown. But when it gets excited or wants to show it is the boss, it might turn bright colors like yellow, orange, or red. If a chameleon is scared or sick, it may turn dark colors or even black.
Chameleons have special cells under their skin called chromatophores. These cells contain different colored pigments. When the chameleon's brain sends signals to these cells, they expand or shrink, making different colors appear. It's like having tiny paint bags under their skin that can open and close!
While chameleons do sometimes match their environment, they change colors mostly to "talk" to other chameleons without making any sounds.
What is the author's main purpose for writing this passage?
A. To entertain readers with a funny story about chameleons
B. To explain how chameleons change color
C. To persuade readers to get a pet chameleon
D. To describe what chameleons look like
B. To explain how chameleons change color
“Seeds of Change”
Every tree begins as a seed. Some seeds are tiny, like those from a birch tree, while others, like acorns, are large and heavy. But no matter their size, all seeds hold the same promise — the beginning of new life.
When a seed lands in the right place, it starts to grow roots that reach down into the soil. The roots pull in water and nutrients, helping the seed sprout into a small plant. As sunlight warms its leaves, the plant grows taller and stronger.
Trees do more than just grow tall. They clean the air, provide shade, and give homes to animals. A single tree can make a big difference in its environment.
So the next time you see a seed fall to the ground, remember — it might be the start of something that will one day help the world breathe a little easier.
2. Which detail from paragraph 3 supports the key idea that trees are helpful to the environment?
A. Trees do more than just grow tall.
B. Trees clean the air and give homes to animals.
C. A seed starts to grow roots in the soil.
D. Sunlight warms the plant’s leaves.
B. Trees clean the air and give homes to animals.
From Seed to Sunflower
A sunflower begins as a small seed. The seed has a hard covering that protects the tiny plant inside.
First, the seed is placed in soil. The seed needs water and warmth to begin growing. Next, a small root pushes down into the soil. The root takes in water for the plant.
After that, a green stem pushes up through the soil. Tiny leaves open on the stem. The plant uses sunlight to help it grow.
Finally, the sunflower grows tall. A yellow flower opens at the top of the stem. Later, the flower makes new seeds. Those seeds can grow into more sunflowers.
What is the most likely reason the author uses a sequence organizational structure in the article?
A. To explain why sunflowers need sunlight to grow
B. To compare sunflowers with other kinds of flowers
C. To show the steps in the growth of a sunflower
D. To describe the parts of a sunflower
C. To show the steps in the growth of a sunflower
Which sentence best supports the idea that animals build homes to protect their young?
A. “Bees use these cells to store honey and pollen.”
B. “Birds use twigs, grass, leaves, and sometimes bits of string or paper to make their nests.”
C. “Nests keep eggs and chicks safe until they are ready to fly.”
D. “Worker ants dig the tunnels and carry food back to the nest.”
C. “Nests keep eggs and chicks safe until they are ready to fly.”
Abstract or Concrete Nouns?
The lady had many memories about her family
Concrete Nouns
More Than Books
A library is a place where people can find books, but books are not the only resource libraries provide. Many libraries have computers that people can use to research topics or complete schoolwork. Some libraries also offer newspapers, magazines, and music.
Libraries often have activities for people of different ages. Children may listen to stories or take part in craft programs. Older students may attend homework help sessions. Adults may join a class or use the library to learn a new skill.
Libraries also give people a quiet place to read, study, and think. People can visit the library to learn on their own or to share ideas with others. Because libraries offer many kinds of resources and activities, they can be useful to an entire community.
Based on the information in the selection, what can the reader conclude about libraries?
A. Libraries are mainly places for children to attend story time.
B. Libraries are useful only to people who need to borrow books.
C. Libraries provide many resources and activities that help people learn.
D. Libraries are usually too noisy for people to study.
C. Libraries provide many resources and activities that help people learn.