Word Meanings
Literary Devices
Making Inferences
Author's Purpose
Theme & Message
100

The lake was so serene at dawn, with no ripples on the water and only the sound of birds in the distance

What is Calm, Peaceful, etc.?

100

"Maya’s phone rang just as she was about to step into the elevator. The caller ID showed an unknown number. She hesitated for a moment before answering. 'Hello?' she said, her voice shaky. There was a long pause before a low voice responded. 'I know what you did.' Her stomach dropped, and her fingers tightened around the phone."

What is Suspense?

100

"Megan was always the first one to offer help, even when it wasn't asked for. When her colleague's computer crashed during an important meeting, she immediately jumped in, calmly guiding him through the steps to recover the data. 'Don't worry, it's not as bad as it looks,' she said, offering a reassuring smile."

What is Megan is likely a helpful, calm, and supportive person. She is reliable and empathetic? 

100

"It was a dark and stormy night. The wind howled through the trees, rattling the windows of the old mansion. Inside, a shadow moved swiftly across the floor, unseen by the guests who were busy chatting in the dimly lit parlor. Suddenly, a loud crash echoed from upstairs. Everyone froze. What was that noise? Who—or what—was lurking in the mansion?"

What is Entertain?

100

What is theme?

What is The Underlying Message/Lesson?

200

His explanation for being late seemed plausible, as there had been a major traffic accident on the freeway

What is Reasonable, Believable?

200

James was running late for his flight and rushed through the airport, barely making it to the gate in time. As he sat down in his seat, he breathed a sigh of relief. But when the flight attendant came on the intercom, her voice was calm: 'We regret to inform you that the flight has been delayed due to weather conditions. We apologize for the inconvenience.' James groaned, his relief quickly turning to frustration.

What is Irony?

200

"Carlos sat in the waiting room, his fingers tapping nervously on the armrest. Every time the door to the doctor’s office opened, he looked up, only to sigh and slump back in his seat. He glanced at his watch for the tenth time, his foot bouncing up and down in anxious rhythm.

What is Carlos is likely feeling anxious or nervous?

200

"We need to take action now to combat climate change. Every day, the effects of global warming become more visible in extreme weather patterns, rising sea levels, and shrinking ice caps. The time to act is not tomorrow, but today. By switching to renewable energy sources, reducing waste, and adopting sustainable practices, we can make a significant difference."

What is Persuade?

200

"Coraline was proud of herself for beating the Other Mother. If she had not chosen to be brave, who knew what would have happened to her parents. Or even herself! She was thankful to have new experiences waiting for her - without the Other Mother and the Other World."

What is Bravery/Courage - Bravery/Courage can lead you to new experiences?

300

She was meticulous in her research, double-checking every fact to ensure accuracy.

What is Detailed, Thorough?

300

"The clock ticked loudly in the otherwise silent room. Tom sat by the window, watching the shadows stretch across the lawn. He had been waiting for an hour, and his patience was running thin. Suddenly, there was a knock on the door—quick, sharp, and unmistakable. His heart leapt in his chest as he stood up to answer, but he hesitated. Who could it be? No one was supposed to be here."

What is Suspense?

300

"At the charity event, Olivia walked up to the table, her eyes scanning the list of donations. She didn’t hesitate before writing a large check, her smile wide as she handed it over. 'Every little bit helps,' she said to the volunteers, her voice full of genuine warmth."

What is Olivia is generous and compassionate. She likes to help others?

300

"The Amazon Rainforest is one of the most biologically diverse places on Earth, home to thousands of species of plants, animals, and insects. Unfortunately, deforestation in the region has been rapidly increasing, threatening both local wildlife and the global environment. Scientists have raised alarms about the long-term effects of this destruction, which include loss of biodiversity and a disruption of global weather patterns."

What is Inform?

300

What is the theme/message of this text?

"They had created a world where they could be anything they wanted, a place where friendship meant everything. They supported each other through thick and thin, no matter what."

What is friendship helps you overcome challenges?

400

The pain in his leg began to diminish after he took the medicine.

What is Lessen, Decrease?

400

"The sun was beginning to set as Lisa walked down the quiet street, and she felt a strange sense of unease. It wasn’t just the darkness creeping in, but the way the trees seemed to bend toward her. 'You’re being ridiculous,' she told herself, but the feeling of being followed didn’t go away. She quickened her pace, but the sound of footsteps behind her grew louder. Little did she know, the person she had been trying to outrun was closer than she realized."

What is Foreshadowing?

400

"Daniel paced back and forth in his room, the phone in his hand shaking slightly. He stared at the screen for a long moment, considering what to write. Finally, he typed out a message, then deleted it, then typed it again. His frustration was evident in the tight set of his jaw and the way he ran his hand through his hair."

What is Daniel is dealing with a difficult decision. He is worried, anxious, frustrated, etc.?

400

"Vaccines are one of the most effective ways to prevent the spread of infectious diseases. By introducing a small, harmless version of the virus or bacteria into the body, vaccines stimulate the immune system to produce antibodies without causing illness. This helps the body recognize and fight off the real virus if encountered in the future. Vaccines have been crucial in reducing the spread of diseases like polio, measles, and influenza."

What is Inform?

400

What is the theme/message of this text?

"No matter what happens, we are a family, and together we will support one another through all of life’s trials."

What is family is crucial during difficult times?

500

Their conversation about the latest celebrity gossip seemed so frivolous compared to the serious issues at hand.

What is Silly, Not Serious?

500

"David had always been the cautious type, avoiding risky situations whenever he could. So when he decided to climb the old, rickety ladder to fix the roof, his friends warned him. 'Don’t do it, David,' they said, 'the ladder’s not safe.' But David ignored them. As he took the first step, the ladder creaked ominously, and he could hear the faint groan of the wood under his feet. He thought about turning back, but shrugged it off. What could possibly go wrong?"

What is Foreshadowing?

500

"Samantha kept her eyes on the road, gripping the steering wheel so tightly her knuckles turned white. When the rain started to fall harder, she didn't slow down, though her heart raced with every twist of the road. The sound of the tires on wet pavement brought back memories of that night—memories she had spent years trying to forget."

What is Samantha likely had a traumatic or stressful experience related to driving in the rain, which is why she reacts with anxiety and tension?

500

"If you care about the future of our oceans, it’s time to stop using single-use plastic. Every year, millions of tons of plastic waste end up in the ocean, harming marine life and polluting ecosystems. It’s a simple change: switching to reusable bags, bottles, and containers."

What is Persuade?

500

What is the theme/message in this text?

"Each choice we make is a thread in the tapestry of our lives, weaving together our destiny in ways we can’t always see."

What is our choices shape who we are?

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