Context Clues
Central Idea
Author's Purpose
Grammar
Author's Viewpoint
100

The lemon had an acrid taste, unlike the chocolate chip cookie that I had for lunch.

In this sentence, the word acrid means ...


What is bitter or sour?
100

Many people in India don't eat beef, but they still find many uses for cattle. Cows provide milk for drinking and for other dairy products. Young cattle are used for plowing fields and carrying big loads.

What is the central idea of this passage?


What is cows in India have many uses.

100

What is the authors purpose when writing a text book?


to inform 

100

What is the noun in this sentence?

The dog ran fast.

dog

100

What is the author’s point of view in this passage?

When I get home from school after a long boring day, I take out the peanut butter, jelly, and bread. After taking the lid off of the jars, I spread the peanut butter on one side of the bread and the jelly on the other, and then I put the two pieces of bread together. After that, I plop down on the couch with a cold glass of milk and chill out.  This is the best afternoon snack.


What is a peanut butter sandwich is a great afternoon snack.

200

The servant burnished the silver vase, rubbing hard to bring back the shine.

What does burnished mean?


What is polished or shined?
200

Garlic is one of the ingredients that makes pasta sauce taste so good. Now doctors think garlic has healing powers, too. Early tests show that it can kill harmful germs. Garlic also has been found to have a good effect on the blood. Doctors think it can help protect people against heart disease. What is the central idea of this passage? 


What is garlic can help keep people healthy.

200

What is the author's purpose in writing this?

In Vermilion Parish, school uniforms are required for all students. School uniforms should not be allowed because they are uncomfortable and do not let people express themselves through their clothes. 

To persuade 

200

What is the adjective in this sentence?

The green grasshopper is sitting on the flower.

green

200

What is the author’s point of view in this passage?

Save the Tigers. These majestic beasts are disappearing at an alarming rate. We should demand the preservation of this species so we can make a difference. 

What is people should take action to protect tigers.

300

Rewards, even small ones, entice teens more than they do adults.

What does the word entice mean?


to attract

300

Kitty O'Neil wanted to become a stunt person. She performed incredible stunts, such as 100-foot falls. O'Neill has been deaf since birth. She says she can concentrate better than most people who can hear. She is not bothered by the sounds around her.

What is the central idea of this passage?


What is O'Neill's disability helped her career.

300

What is the authors purpose for writing this?

How to make an omelette:

1. Mix two eggs with two tablespoons of milk and some salt and pepper.

2. Heat some butter in a frying pan and add the egg mixture.

3. After one minute, stir and reduce heat.

4. Sprinkle your chosen ingredients (ham, mushrooms etc) onto the surface and wait for the omelette to set underneath.

5. Sprinkle with cheese - if you want cheese, that is - and cook for two to three minutes (less time for a wetter omelette).

6. Fold in half and serve.

To explain

300

What is the verb in the sentence? (There may be more than 1)

She yelled when she hit her toe.

yelled

hit

300

What is the author’s point of view in this passage?

If you want your screen to stay in good condition for a long time, you should use a screen protector. To do this clean the surface of your phone’s screen, remove the paper backing on the screen protector, apply the sticky side of the screen protector to your phone’s screen, and smooth out any air bubble trapped on between the protector and the phone screen. 


 It is important to use a screen protector to protect your phone.

400

Scott could not be quiet in class. He was disturbing others. His behavior was obnoxious.

What is rude or annoying.
400

Hummingbirds have many unique flight habits that distinguish them from other birds. Most birds flap their wings up and down to fly, but the hummingbird moves its wings forward and backward very rapidly in a figure eight pattern. This allows the hummingbird to hover in position. They can also fly upside down and move about very rapidly. Once you've seen a hummingbird in flight, it's unlikely that you'll mistake them for another bird. 

What is the central idea of this passage?

What is hummingbirds have unusual flight patterns.

400

What was the author's purpose for writing this?

My dog’s fur felt like silk against my skin and her black coloring shone, absorbing the sunlight and reflecting it back like a pure, dark mirror.

To describe

400

Identify the adverb in the sentence.

He moves so slowly in the morning.

slowly

400

Which is the author’s purpose in this passage?

Education is very important. Students learn skills that will help prepare them for society. Writing, reading, and mathematics are essential in today’s workplace and many people learn these skills in school. 

What is education has many important benefits.

500

Amanda was a nuisance in class. She picked on kids, made noises, and stayed out of her seat.

What is the meaning of nuisance?


What is a disturbance or distraction.
500

Being a clown isn't all fun and games. Rodeo clowns expose themselves to great danger every time they perform. When cowboys dismount or bulls buck them off, rodeo clowns jump in front of the bulls and motion wildly to get their attention. In this way rodeo clowns provide an alternate target, and in doing so protect the rider. Of course, this is a very dangerous thing to do.  So you see, sometimes clowning around can be serious business. 

What is the central idea of this passage?

What is being a rodeo clown is a dangerous profession.

500

When a story starts off like this, the authors purpose is most likely to...

"Once upon a time..."

To entertain 

500

Identify the part of speech of every word in the following sentence. 

The dog barks loudly.

The-article

dog-noun

barks-verb

loudly-adverb

500

What is the author’s point of view in this passage?

There is more than one way to have a successful school day, but a great way is to be well prepared. One way to have a successful school day is to do your homework the night before, go to bed early, and wake up early. Have a great day.


What is students can have a good day at school if they take steps to be prepared and rested.

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