Text Structure
Which text structure explains how two things are alike and different?
Compare and contrast.
What is a key idea in an informational text?
An important point the author develops about the topic.
What is text evidence?
Information or details from a text that support an answer or idea.
What are three common purposes an author may have for writing?
To inform, persuade, or entertain.
What are context clues?
Words and details surrounding an unfamiliar word that help readers determine its meaning.
Read: 'Wolves live in packs and hunt together. Foxes usually hunt alone. Both animals use their senses to locate prey.'
Which text structure is used?
Compare and contrast.
Read: 'Bees carry pollen between flowers. This helps plants produce seeds and fruit. Many crops depend on this process.'
What is the key idea?
Bees help plants reproduce through pollination.
Claim: 'Animals need access to different habitats to survive.'
Which detail best supports this claim?
A. Some animals have thick fur.
B. Animals travel to find food, water, and shelter.
C. Birds have feathers.
D. Some forests have tall trees.
B. Animals travel to find food, water, and shelter.
An article explains how monarch butterflies migrate thousands of miles each year.
What is the author's most likely purpose?
To inform readers about monarch butterfly migration.
Read: 'The nocturnal owl hunts at night and rests during the day.'
What does nocturnal mean?
Active during the night.
Read: 'As forests disappear, animals lose their homes. Without shelter, many must travel farther to survive.'
Which text structure is used?
Cause and effect.
Read: 'Sea turtles face threats from plastic pollution, fishing nets, and disappearing nesting beaches.'
Which statement best expresses the key idea?
Sea turtles face several threats that make survival difficult.
Read: 'Many birds migrate south when temperatures drop. In warmer regions, they can find insects and other food that become scarce during winter.'
Which detail best supports the idea that migration helps birds survive?
Birds can find food in warmer regions when it becomes scarce during winter.
An author begins an article about endangered animals with a story about a sea turtle trapped in plastic.
Why might the author begin with this anecdote?
To capture readers' attention and help them understand the dangers animals face.
The Latin root 'port' means 'carry.'
What does transport most likely mean?
To carry or move something from one place to another.
An author compares the migration patterns of birds and butterflies. What is the most likely purpose of using compare-and-contrast structure?
To help readers understand the similarities and differences between the animals' migration patterns.
Read: 'Wildlife crossings allow animals to travel safely over highways. They reduce collisions and connect habitats separated by roads.'
What key idea do these details develop?
Wildlife crossings help protect animals and reconnect habitats.
Claim: 'Human development can harm wildlife habitats.'
Which detail provides the strongest evidence?
A. Many people enjoy hiking.
B. Forests contain many kinds of trees.
C. New roads divide large habitats into smaller areas.
D. Some animals are active at night.
C. New roads divide large habitats into smaller areas.
An author describes the problems caused by habitat loss and then explains how wildlife corridors can help.
What is the author's likely purpose?
To inform readers about habitat loss and explain a possible solution.
Read: 'The forest was fragmented when several highways divided it into smaller, separated sections.'
What does fragmented mean?
Broken or divided into smaller pieces.
Read: 'Both highways and animal trails connect different locations. However, highways are designed for vehicles, while animal trails help wildlife find food and shelter.'
Why does the author use compare-and-contrast structure?
To highlight similarities and differences between human and animal travel networks.
Read: 'When forests are divided by roads, animals may struggle to find food, mates, and shelter. Wildlife corridors connect these separated areas and allow animals to travel safely.'
Which statement best expresses the overall key idea?
Connecting fragmented habitats helps wildlife survive.
Read: 'Wildlife corridors connect separated forests. Animals use these routes to find mates and food. The corridors also help populations remain healthy by allowing animals from different areas to reproduce.'
Identify TWO details that support the key idea that wildlife corridors benefit animal populations.
They help animals find mates and food; they allow animals from different areas to reproduce, supporting healthier populations.
Read: 'Imagine trying to reach your home but discovering that a busy highway blocks your path. For many animals, this is a daily challenge.'
Why does the author begin with this comparison?
To help readers relate to the challenges animals face and introduce the problem of habitat fragmentation.
The Latin root 'magnus' means 'great.' Read: 'The magnitude of the storm surprised scientists because its winds were stronger than expected.'
What does magnitude most likely mean in this sentence?
Greatness in size, strength, or extent.