Reading Comprehension
What is the main idea of a passage?
The central thought or message the author wants to convey
Define simile and give an example.
A comparison using "like" or "as." Example: Her smile was as bright as the sun.
Identify the subject and verb in a sentence.
"The dog runs in the park"
"The dog (subject) runs (verb) in the park."
What makes a strong thesis statement?
A clear, specific statement that presents the main argument of an essay.
What is the best way to eliminate wrong answers?
Cross out answers that are irrelevant or contradict the passage
Define inference and give an example.
A logical conclusion based on evidence.
Example: If someone is carrying an umbrella and wearing rain boots, you can infer it is raining.
What is the difference between a metaphor and a simile?
A simile uses "like" or "as" for comparison, while a metaphor does not. Example: "He is a lion on the battlefield."
Correct the sentence: "She don’t like pizza."
"She doesn’t like pizza."
What are the three parts of an essay?
Introduction, body paragraphs, and conclusion.
How much time should you spend on each section?
Allocate time wisely, spending more on essays and comprehension and less on grammar questions. approx. 30 minutes
What are context clues, and how do they help readers?
Words or phrases surrounding an unknown word that help determine its meaning.
Identify personification in a sentence.
The attribution of a personal nature or human characteristics to something nonhuman
What is a comma splice, and how do you fix it?
Comma splice occurs when two independent clauses are joined only by a comma. Fix it with a conjunction, period, or semicolon.
How do you effectively use textual evidence?
Introduce the evidence, quote it, and explain its significance.
What should you do if you don’t know an answer?
Use context clues, eliminate wrong choices, and make an educated guess.
Summarize the passage in one sentence.
A 2017 study by Baylor geology professor Steven Driese, along with doctoral students Don Esker and Logan Wiest, supported the “lack of nutrition” theory. The researchers suggested that the mammoths died during a long drought. Therefore, in addition to water, the mammoths struggled to find sufficient vegetation, such as grasses. According to the study the mammoths died due to a lack of water, not from a flood. “There was no scientific evidence that they drowned, [that’s] just an idea perpetuated through the decades,” Wiest says. “Anatomically, they’re much like elephants, and elephants swim very well.” Instead, Driese and his students hypothesized that the animals were likely huddled around a water hole until it finally dried up.
What is.....
What effect does alliteration have in writing?
It creates rhythm, mood, and can make phrases more memorable. Example: "Peter Piper picked a peck of pickled peppers."
Rewrite the sentence to improve clarity.
"She quickly ran down the street because she was late"
"Running late, she sprinted down the street." or similar sentence
What is the best way to structure a body paragraph?
Topic sentence, supporting details, textual evidence, and explanation.
How do you annotate a passage for better comprehension?
Underline key points, write summaries, and note unfamiliar words.
Identify the author’s purpose in a given passage.
Humans are naturally curious beings. We are driven to search for new places to explore. Given how many natural wonders have been discovered around the world, isn’t it amazing that there are still natural wonders to find? In the year 2000, two miners in Mexico stumbled upon one such surprise—a cave of crystals unlike any other. Nine hundred and eighty feet below the surface of Naica, Mexico, miners were excavating a new tunnel and found a cave filled with giant crystals. The cave is a geological wonder because it contains some of the largest natural crystals ever discovered in the world. Scientists and explorers studying the cave named it Cave of Crystals—for the surprises inside. These crystals are Classified as selenite crystals, meaning they are translucent. Most are between 20 and 36 feet long and weigh around 55 tons.
persuade? inform? entertain? explain?)
Find and explain the symbolism in a short passage.
"As the final bell tolled, Sarah watched the setting sun dip below the horizon. The golden light faded into darkness, just as her childhood slipped away with the passing day."
The setting sun symbolizes the end of a phase in her life.
Identify and fix the passive voice in a sentence.
"The cake was eaten by the boy."
"The boy ate the cake."
Correct/Revise the conclusion sentence.
"And that’s why school is important."
I.E.
"In conclusion, education provides the knowledge and skills necessary for success, ensuring students are prepared for their future careers and personal growth."
Explain the best way to organize your short answer response.
State your answer, provide textual evidence, and explain its relevance.