Main Idea
Mount Everest is the tallest mountain in the world. Thousands of climbers try to reach the top each year. Some succeed, but many face dangerous weather and steep cliffs.
Climbing Mount Everest is popular but dangerous.
Maria looked at the thermometer, which read 32°F. She put on her coat, hat, and gloves before stepping outside.
Q: What can you infer?
A: The weather is cold.
Sentence: The dessert was scrumptious, or very tasty.
Question: What does “scrumptious” mean? What type of context clue is used?
Answer: It means “tasty”; definition clue.
Sentences: I like apples. I like oranges.
Question: Join with a conjunction.
I like apples and oranges.
Sentence: I was so hungry I could eat a horse.
Question: What does this mean?
Answer: The person is very hungry.
Bees are important pollinators. When they move from flower to flower, they help plants produce fruits and seeds. Without bees, many crops would not grow as well
Bees play a vital role in helping plants grow.
The museum’s parking lot was completely full, and a long line of people stretched out the front door.
Q: What can you infer?
A: The museum is hosting a popular event or exhibit.
Sentence: Unlike his gregarious brother, who loves parties, Kyle prefers staying home alone.
Question: What does “gregarious” mean? What type of clue is used?
Answer: It means “sociable”; contrast clue.
Sentences: We can go to the park. It is raining.
Question: Join with a conjunction.
Answer: We can go to the park, but it is raining.
Sentence: Don’t spill the beans about the surprise party.
Question: What does this mean?
Answer: Don’t tell the secret.
During the Great Depression, millions of Americans lost their jobs. Families struggled to buy food, and many had to leave their homes in search of work. The government created programs to provide relief.
The Great Depression caused major hardships for Americans.
Passage: During the drought, the river’s water level dropped so low that boats could no longer travel through it.
Q: What can you infer about the drought’s effect?
A: The drought made transportation by river impossible.
Sentence: The birds migrated south, traveling to warmer places during the winter.
Question: What does “migrated” mean? What type of clue is used?
Answer: It means “moved/traveled”; explanation clue.
Sentences: She studied hard. She passed the test.
Question: Join with a conjunction.
Answer: She studied hard, so she passed the test.
Sentence: After she heard the good news, she was on cloud nine.
Question: What does this mean?
Answer: She was very happy.
Plastic waste is filling the world’s oceans. Marine animals can mistake plastic for food, which harms their health. Some countries are banning plastic bags to reduce pollution.
Plastic waste is a serious problem for oceans and marine life.
Passage: A scientist records data every day on melting ice in the Arctic. Over the past 20 years, her charts show the ice covering less and less area each summer.
Q: What can you infer?
A: The Arctic is warming and losing ice over time.
Sentence: The floor was immaculate. Not a single crumb, speck of dust, or dirty shoe print could be seen.
Question: What does “immaculate” mean? What type of clue is used?
Answer: It means “perfectly clean”; example clue.
Sentences: You can eat pizza. You can eat pasta.
Question: Join with a conjunction.
Answer: You can eat pizza or pasta.
Sentence: Trying to learn that whole book in one night is a tall order.
Question: What does this mean?
Answer: It’s a difficult or challenging task.
The invention of the printing press in the 1400s allowed books to be made more quickly and cheaply. This spread new ideas across Europe, encouraged more people to read, and helped spark the Renaissance.
The printing press helped spread knowledge and ideas across Europe.
Passage: After the factory opened in town, local residents began complaining of coughing and poor air quality. The city soon tested the air and found high levels of smoke and chemicals.
Q: What can you infer?
A: Pollution from the factory is harming the town’s air quality and health.
Sentence: The old mansion was dilapidated—its windows were broken, paint peeling, and the roof sagging.
Question: What does “dilapidated” mean? What type of clue is used?
Answer: It means “run-down”; description clue.
Sentences: He didn’t study. He still got a good grade.
Question: Join with a conjunction.
Answer: He didn’t study, yet he still got a good grade.
Sentence: Even though he was nervous, he decided to bite the bullet and give his speech.
Question: What does this mean?
Answer: He faced something difficult or unpleasant with courage.