Inferencing!
Why were Jordan and Lila curious about the oak tree?
It was taped off and marked “under investigation,” which was unusual.
How does the author organize the events?
Chronological Order
What is the most likely reason the author included chronological order in sentences 1–3?
To show how the day begins and introduce the characters and setting clearly.
What change, if any, should be made to sentence 2?
He had planned to meet his best friend lila at the park to test out his new camera.
He had planned to meet his best friend Lila at the park to test out his new camera.
What is needed to write an ECR?
1.) Thesis
2.) Body Paragraph 1 w/ text evidence
3.) Body Paragraph 2 w/text evidence
4.) Conclusion
What can you infer about the footprints near the tree?
They likely belonged to a child or smaller person.
How does the overall structure of the passage (chronological order) contribute to the theme of the story?
It allows the reader to follow the events step by step as the mystery unfolds, helping develop the theme that curiosity and careful observation lead to discovery.
How does the author create suspense?
By revealing clues slowly
What change, if any, should be made to sentence 3?
recently, jordan had become fascinated with photography; snapping pictures of everything from puddles to pigeons.
Recently, Jordan had become fascinated with photography, snapping pictures of everything from puddles to pigeons.
What does SCR stand for?
Short Constructed Response
Why might someone have been digging near the tree?
They may have been searching for the time capsule.
What is the most likely reason the author uses problem/solution structure in sentences 5–7?
To present the main problem of the story—the mysterious tree area being investigated
Why include the older woman’s story about the time capsule?
To provide background and deepen the mystery
What changes need to be made to sentences 7 and 11?
7. a small sign hung nearby it read “Area Closed for Investigation”.
11. jordan nodded “i wonder what happened”.
7.A small sign hung nearby. It read, ‘Area Closed for Investigation.’”
11.Jordan nodded, "I wonder what happened.’”
A footnote is a note placed at the bottom of a page that gives extra information about something in the text.
What does the shadowy figure in the photo suggest?
Someone was secretly near the tree, possibly involved.
What is the most likely reason the author uses description in sentences 1–2?
To introduce the setting and characters in a clear and engaging way.
What is the most likely reason the author uses foreshadowing in sentences 26–30?
To hint that something important, like the time capsule, is connected to the mystery and build anticipation.
What changes need to be made to sentence 4?
lila on the other hand preferred sketching (in her notebook often capturing details that others overlooked.
Lila, on the other hand, preferred sketching (in her notebook), often capturing details that others overlooked.
Which statement best paraphrases the entire passage?
A. Jordan goes to the park to take pictures, but nothing interesting happens, so he and Lila leave.
B. Jordan and Lila visit a park, notice a strange situation with a tree, investigate clues, and discover a possible mystery involving a hidden figure.
C. Lila spends the day drawing while Jordan takes pictures of nature, and they learn about photography techniques.
D. A park worker explains that the tree must be removed, and Jordan and Lila help solve the problem.
B. Jordan and Lila visit a park, notice a strange situation with a tree, investigate clues, and discover a possible mystery involving a hidden figure.
Why did Jordan and Lila feel the mystery wasn’t over?
They discovered new clues, especially the figure in the photo.
What is the most likely reason the author uses sequence of events in sentences 18–20?
To show how the characters gather clues step by step.
What is the most likely reason the author uses an unresolved ending in sentences 36–42?
To leave the reader thinking about the mystery and encourage curiosity about what might happen next.
What changes, if any, need to be made to sentence 27?
“well” she said lowering her voice “people say there’s something buried beneath it: a long time ago a group of children created a time capsule and hid it there.”
“Well,” she said, lowering her voice, “people say there’s something buried beneath it. A long time ago, a group of children created a time capsule and hid it there.”
What is a metaphor?
A metaphor is a figure of speech that compares two unlike things by saying one is the other, without using “like” or “as.”