Context Clues
When the teacher told us our project was optional, everyone was relieved we didn’t have to do it.
Question:
What does the word optional most likely mean?
A. Required
B. Free
C. Not needed
D. Not required
D. Not required
The author lists several facts about tornadoes, including how they form and how to stay safe during one.
Question:
What is the author’s purpose?
A. To persuade the reader to move away from tornado areas
B. To inform the reader about tornadoes
C. To entertain the reader with a story about a tornado
D. To describe what a tornado looks like
B. To inform the reader about tornadoes
What is the main purpose of argumentative writing?
A. To tell a story
B. To explain how something works
C. To convince the reader to agree with your claim
D. To describe a person or place
C. To convince the reader to agree with your claim
The cafeteria went silent when Coach Ramirez walked in. Even the usual chatter from the football table stopped immediately.
Question:
What can the reader infer about Coach Ramirez?
A. He is friendly and likes to joke with students.
B. He is new to the school and everyone is curious about him.
C. He is respected or feared by the students.
D. He is a substitute teacher filling in for someone else.
C. He is respected or feared by the students.
Claim: The main character is nervous about performing on stage.
Which sentence best supports this claim?
A. “He smiled proudly at the audience.”
B. “His hands shook as he stepped into the spotlight.”
C. “He thanked his teacher for helping him practice.”
B. “His hands shook as he stepped into the spotlight.”
The desert was arid, with no rain for months and cracked earth everywhere.
Question:
What does arid mean?
A. Very hot
B. Very dry
C. Full of plants
D. Hard to walk on
B. Very dry
I believe every student should read for 20 minutes a day. Reading helps improve vocabulary, focus, and imagination.
Question:
What is the author’s purpose?
A. To persuade readers to read daily
B. To entertain with a story about reading
C. To explain how to read faster
D. To describe different books
A. To persuade readers to read daily
What is a claim in an argumentative essay?
The main opinion or position the writer is trying to prove.
Every time the group argued, Jay stayed quiet until the very end, then suggested one calm idea that solved everything.
Question:
What can you infer about Jay’s personality?
A. Jay is bossy and likes to take control.
B. Jay is thoughtful and level-headed.
C. Jay doesn’t care about the group’s problems.
D. Jay is shy and afraid to speak up.
B. Jay is thoughtful and level-headed.
Claim: The storm caused serious damage to the town.
Which sentence best proves the claim?
A. “The thunder rumbled in the distance.”
B. “People watched the clouds gather from their porches.”
C. “Several trees had fallen, and the power was out across the neighborhood.”
C. “Several trees had fallen, and the power was out across the neighborhood.”
After hearing the bad news, her expression was somber and she didn’t speak for the rest of the day.
Question:
What does somber mean in this sentence?
A. Happy
B. Serious or sad
C. Angry
D. Surprised
B. Serious or sad
When I was seven, I entered a spelling bee and forgot how to spell the word “banana.” I’ll never forget that moment!
Question:
What is the author’s purpose?
A. To inform the reader about spelling rules
B. To explain how to win a spelling bee
C. To entertain the reader with a personal story
D. To persuade the reader to study harder
C. To entertain the reader with a personal story
What is a counterargument in argumentative writing?
The opposing viewpoint or idea that disagrees with the writer’s claim.
Elena stared at her essay covered in red ink. She quietly folded it and slipped it into her backpack without saying a word.
Question:
What can you infer about how Elena feels?
She likely feels disappointed or embarrassed about her essay grade.
Maria frowned at her test paper. She had studied for hours, but the red marks covered every page. Still, she flipped to the back, picked up her pencil, and began rewriting the answers.
Question:
Which sentence best supports the claim that Maria doesn’t give up easily?
A. “She had studied for hours.”
B. “The red marks covered every page.”
C. “She picked up her pencil and began rewriting the answers.”
C. “She picked up her pencil and began rewriting the answers.”
The scientist’s meticulous notes helped others repeat the experiment without any mistakes.
Question:
What does meticulous mean?
A. Careless
B. Very careful
C. Excited
D. Quick
B. Very careful
Recycling plastic bottles reduces waste and keeps our oceans clean. If everyone recycled just one bottle a day, we could make a huge difference.
Question:
What is the author’s purpose?
A. To explain how to recycle correctly
B. To persuade the reader to recycle
C. To entertain the reader with a recycling story
D. To describe how the ocean looks
B. To persuade the reader to recycle
What is a rebuttal, and why is it important in argumentative writing?
A. A statement that repeats the main idea of the essay
B. A sentence that agrees with the opposing side’s argument
C. A response that explains why the counterargument is wrong or weak
D. A fact used to support the opposing viewpoint
C. A response that explains why the counterargument is wrong or weak
The old sign at the park read “No Trespassing,” but the fence was broken and the path was worn down from footprints.
Question:
What can you infer about what people in the area do?
A. They avoid going near the park.
B. They ignore the sign and still walk through the park.
C. They recently fixed the fence and cleaned the path.
D. They built a new sign to warn others.
B. They ignore the sign and still walk through the park.
Some people argue that social media distracts teens, but I believe it helps us stay informed. I learn about community events, scholarships, and volunteer opportunities every week online.
Question:
Which sentence best supports the claim that social media can be positive for students?
A. “I learn about community events, scholarships, and volunteer opportunities every week online.”
B. “Some people argue that social media distracts teens.”
C. “Social media is popular with most teenagers.”
A. “I learn about community events, scholarships, and volunteer opportunities every week online.”
Unlike her outgoing sister, Lila was reticent, rarely speaking unless someone directly asked her a question
Question: What does the word reticent mean?
Quiet or reserved
Schools should adopt later start times. Research shows more sleep boosts focus, grades, and mental health.
to persuade the reader that schools should start later to help students succeed.
(S1) Some people believe students shouldn’t have homework because it causes stress. (S2) However, homework teaches responsibility and helps students review what they learned in class. Without it, many students might forget important material.
Which sentence is the counterargument? Which sentence is the rebuttal?
Rebuttal= S2
The lights were off, the cake was on the table, and everyone was hiding behind the couch when the door opened.
Question:
Based on the details in the paragraph, what can the reader infer is about to happen?
Support your answer with evidence from the text.
The reader can infer that a surprise party is about to happen. The text says “the lights were off” and “everyone was hiding behind the couch."
(S1) Some people say technology isolates us, but I disagree. (S2) My closest friendships began through online study groups where we shared ideas and supported each other.
Question:
Which sentence best supports the claim that technology can bring people together?
Explain how this sentence supports the claim.
(S2) “My closest friendships began through online study groups” shows technology helps people make friends and stay connected.