Idioms
Context Clues
Fact & Opinion
Organizational Patterns
Literary Devices
100
Grandpa tried his best to understand the terms of the contract that he was about to enter, but he couldn't wrap his head around all of the sprawling clauses and financial jargon. What does wrap one's head around mean?
Fully understand
100
I wouldn't mind sharing with Patrick if he didn't act like being a part of the Witherspoon family entitled him to a piece of everything on campus. What clues gives you the definition of entitled?
Patrick comes from a privileged family
100
What is a fact?
What is an opinion?
Fact is something that is true and cannot be disputed.
Opinion is a judgment that you can agree or disagree with.
100
Text that describes or defines a topic
Descriptive
Signal Words: For example, Characteristics, For instance
100
comparison between two things, typically for the purpose of explanation.
Analogy
*points out similarities between two things*
*type of argument
200
We tried to figure out why our teacher was wearing bunny slippers and pajamas, but we couldn't find any rhyme or reason to it. What does rhyme or reason mean?
No understandable meaning behind it
200
The magnanimous judge released the young offender who had been caught stealing bread by saying, "Everybody has to eat," and slamming down his gavel.
What clues lead to the meaning of Magnanimous?
The judge is a good-natured person.
200
Robert Frost's "Death of a Hired Man" is written in blank verse.
True (it can be proven)
200
Text that describes events using time order, steps or procedures
Chronological or Sequence
Ex) Step 1, Step 2....
First, Second, Finally
200
Comparison of two things without using like or as.
Metaphor
*directly states the comparison*
EX) Time is a thief. (comparing time to a thief, stealing)
300
After being drafted into the NFL and receiving his signing bonus, Victor bought a new sports car with all of the bells and whistles. What does bells and whistles mean?
Premium options and features
300
The workers wrote an anonymous letter to their boss in which they expressed their grievances: long working hours, low pay, and dangerous working conditions. What clues lead to the definition of grievances?
Workers do not like working long hours in dangerous places for low pay.
300
I really don't mind going to virtual school!
Opinion ( you can agree or disagree)
300
Text that shows similarities and differences
Compare and Contrast
300
The difference between what is expected to happen and what actually happens
Irony
400
Just as the teacher had given up on Jake, he submitted a flawlessly composed essay at the eleventh hour. What does at the eleventh hour mean?
Last possible time for something to occur
400
Though Joseph was the true king, his uncle usurped the throne and was now ruling the land quiet cruelly.
What clues in the sentence gives you the meaning of usurped?
Joseph's uncle doesn't belong on the throne.
400
Virginia in springtime is the prettiest place in the United States!
Opinion (you can agree or disagree)
400
Text that explains a cause and an effect
Cause and Effect
Signal Words: because, as a a result, resulted, caused
400
an indirect expression substituted for a one that is not too harsh
Euphemism
Ex) Dead (passed away)
Ex) Old People (Senior Citizen)
500
I appreciate the pleasantries but as the crows flies, I'd like to know the reason that you are calling me at this hour! What is the meaning of as the crows flies?
To get to the point or to travel in a straight direction.
500
Angela did not want to go to the party. She wanted to study for the exam, but her sister nagged her so much that Angela finally acquiesced and agreed to go.
What clues gives you the meaning of acquiesced?
Angela ended up doing what her sister wanted her to do.
500
Ernest Hemingway loved fishing and hunting
Fact (can be proven if you read about Hemingway you might find this out)
500
Text that gives an author's point of view, support that view, and suggested actions to implement.
Point of View Text
Signal Words: In my opinion, Definitely, Obviously, In fact, How do they impact behavior
500
When words have more than one meaning, making the sentence/proposition unclear
Ambiguity