Main Idea
What is the main idea of a paragraph?
The central point the author wants to convey.
Using context clues helps you determine a word’s ______.
Meaning
Making an inference means using clues + ______.
Background Knowledge
The author’s purpose can be to persuade, inform, or ______.
Entertain
Which structure lists events in time order?
Sequence
The sentence that best states the main idea is usually the ______.
Topic sentence.
If a sentence says: “The child was elated, or very happy,” which clue is used?
A definition clue.
If someone carries an umbrella on a sunny day, what can you infer?
Rain is expected
A recipe is written to ______ the reader.
Inform
A passage comparing two animals uses what structure?
Compare and contrast
A passage lists several ways pollution harms oceans. What is the main idea?
Pollution has many harmful effects on oceans.
In the sentence “Her voice was faint in the distance,” what does faint mean?
Quite or Weak
The floor is wet and there are muddy boots by the door. What can you infer?
Someone walked in from rain
An advertisement is written to ______ the reader.
Persude
A passage that presents a problem and suggests solutions uses ______.
Problem and Solution
How can you find the main idea in a paragraph without a topic sentence?
Look at the details and figure out what they all support.
Identify the context clue: “He was timid, unlike his bold sister.”
Contrast clue.
A character packs a suitcase and checks her passport. What can you infer?
She is preparing for a trip
A humorous story is written to ______.
Entertain
A cause-and-effect passage describes what two things?
Why something happens and what happens because of it.
A paragraph describes tornadoes’ formation, danger, and signs. What’s the main idea?
Information about tornadoes (their formation, danger, and signs).
Choose the meaning: “The desert was an arid place, with little water or vegetation.”
Dry
If the author never directly tells you something but hints at it, you must
Infer
A scientific article about volcanoes is likely written to ______.
Inform
Identify the structure: “First, whales were hunted. As a result, their populations declined.”
Cause and effect.