Reading Comprehension (Part 1)
What type of question is this: “Which detail best supports the author’s main idea?”
It’s a detail/evidence-based question, asking you to choose the strongest supporting evidence.
What are the four parts of a strong introduction paragraph in an argument essay?
A strong intro should include: (1) hook or general statement, (2) background/context, (3) mention of both sides of the issue, and (4) thesis statement.
What is the central idea of a text?
The central idea is the main message or point that the author wants the reader to understand from the text.
What is one writing strategy an author might use to develop a central idea?
figurative language, comparisons, tone, or descriptive language
In the Part 2 (Argument Essay) rubric, what does it mean to “establish and maintain a formal style”?
It means using proper grammar, avoiding slang, and keeping a respectful, academic tone throughout your writing.
If a question asks you about “tone,” what is it really asking?
It’s asking about the author’s attitude or feeling toward the subject.
What is the thesis statement formula we learned in class?
Despite [opposing viewpoint], [your argument] because [reason 1] and [reason 2].
Name two places in a passage you might look to help you find the central idea.
You can find clues to the central idea in the introduction and conclusion paragraphs, as well as in repeated themes or ideas throughout the passage.
Name three literary or rhetorical devices you could discuss in a text-analysis response.
metaphor, simile, imagery, repetition, irony, theme, tone, or symbolism
According to the Part 3 (Text Analysis) rubric, what earns a 4 for “Analysis”?
A 4 shows a clear and in-depth explanation of how the author uses writing strategies to develop the central idea, with well-chosen evidence.
How do you approach a “vocabulary in context” question?
Reread the sentence with the word, then the sentence before and after. Use context clues to figure out the meaning.
What is a counterclaim, and where should it appear in your essay?
A counterclaim is the opposing viewpoint. It should appear as the final body paragraph before your conclusion paragraph.
When citing evidence, what does I.C.E. stand for?
introduce, cite, explain
What is the difference between a writing strategy and a literary element?
Literary elements are core parts of a text (e.g., theme, setting), while writing strategies are techniques the author uses to communicate ideas (e.g., figurative language, structure).
What is the difference between a 2 and a 3 on the Part 2 essay rubric?
A 2 has weak or limited development and organization, while a 3 has better structure, clearer support, and stronger analysis.
What’s the best strategy if you’re stuck between two answer choices in a multiple-choice question?
Reread the question carefully, eliminate clearly wrong answers, and go back to the text to find direct evidence for each option.
What is the counterclaim formula we learned, and what are its parts?
Transition & Topic: On the other hand, some may argue that ________________.
Counterclaim Quote Sandwich (I.C.E): Others feel ________________. Quote and proper citation. Explain the quote you’ve chosen to represent the counterclaim.
Rebuttal: Although… [restate counterclaim]. Regardless, [refute counterclaim and justify your claim].
You’re writing a text analysis response. What three things must you include in the second paragraph?
Your second paragraph should include: (1) a topic sentence connecting to the central idea, (2) 2 relevant quotes (text evidence), and (3) analysis explaining how the quote supports the central idea.
Explain how figurative language can help develop a central idea.
Figurative language makes abstract ideas more vivid or emotional, helping readers connect more deeply to the central message.
What does it mean to “sustain focus” in the Part 3 rubric?
Stay on topic throughout your entire response, and make sure every sentence connects back to the central idea and writing strategies.
How should you read the text differently if the question asks about structure or author’s purpose?
Focus on how the text is organized (chronology, comparison, cause-effect) and what the author’s intent is (to inform, persuade, entertain, etc.).
How can you make sure your argument essay is aligned with the rubric’s “Coherence and Organization” criteria?
Use strong transitions, follow a clear structure (intro, body, counterclaim, conclusion), and ensure ideas flow logically from one paragraph to the next.
Explain how to properly embed and analyze a quote in your text analysis paragraph.
Embed the quote by smoothly blending it into your sentence (e.g., The author explains that “_____”). Then explain what the quote means and how it connects back to the central idea.
You’ve identified a writing strategy—what’s the best way to analyze how it helps develop the central idea?
Explain how the strategy works and connect it back to what the author is trying to say. Don’t just name the device, show its effect on meaning.
What key skill is needed to score a 4 in both Task Completion and Analysis on Part 3?
You must identify a central idea, support it with relevant evidence, and deeply analyze how writing strategies develop that idea—all while staying clearly organized.