Text Structure
the author states a problem and lists one or more possible solutions
(problem and solution, description, cause & effect, compare & contrast, sequence)
problem and solution
A picture with labels to show how something works or its parts.
diagram
What is a main idea?
The main idea of a paragraph is the primary point or concept that the author wants to communicate to the readers about the topic.
Isaiah's grandmother could not believe her ears! When Miss Johnson told her how great Isaiah's day had been, she wanted to cry. She could only hope tomorrow would be just as great. Infer how his grandmother is feeling.
excited or surprised
The full moon ILLUMINATED the sky so much that we did not need our flashlights. What would be a synonym for ILLUMINATED? a) lit b) darkened c) filled
a) lit
the author explains a topic, person, place, or thing by listing characteristics, examples, or features
(problem and solution, description, cause & effect, compare & contrast, sequence)
description
A list of important words and their definitions found in the back of a book.
glossary
Niagara Falls is one of the most beautiful sights in North America. It is on the Niagara River about halfway between Lake Ontario and Lake Erie. Niagara Falls is on the American and Canadian border. The American Falls is 167 feet high. On the Canadian side, the Horseshoe Falls is 161 feet high. What is the main idea of the paragraph?
Niagara Falls is one of the most beautiful sights in North America.
If I went to sleep late at night, I could infer that...
I will be very tired and sleepy the next day. I will accidentally oversleep and be late to school.
Luke was COMPENSATED for the yard work he had done over the summer. He spent the money he had earned on a new bike. What does COMPENSATED mean? a)thanked b) complimented c) paid
c) paid
the author lists one or more causes and the resulting effects
(problem and solution, description, cause & effect, compare & contrast, sequence)
cause and effect
Drawing/picture of an area or to show where a place is
map
What is a supporting detail?
Supporting details are details that tell you more about the main idea.
Lawrence could not stop laughing. He knew it would probably get him in trouble, but it seemed like every time someone said something it was hilarious! He tried holding it in, but then someone sneezed really loud and he lost it! Infer how he is feeling?
silly
Julia wasn't sure exactly what time they would arrive, but she thought the APPROXIMATE time would be around 5:00.
What does APPROXIMATE mean? Give the context clues you used in the sentence to determine the meaning. a) estimated b) unknown c) exact
a) estimated
Clues --- wasn't sure exactly, thought, around
the author explains how two or more things are alike and how they are different
(problem and solution, description, cause & effect, compare & contrast, sequence)
compare and contrast
The name of the book or article.
title
A. True B. False The main idea is ALWAYS the first sentence of the paragraph.
B. False
Before the show I practice my lines. I like to look into the mirror and pretend. I fix my hair and makeup and get into my costume. Before the curtain rises, I am nervous but eager to begin performing. Infer what kind of job this person has?
actor/performer
The meadow was full of wildflowers. There were not many large plants, and tress were SPARSE. What does SPARSE mean? a) many b) few c) large
b) few
the author lists the items or events in chronological order; how to make or do something
(problem and solution, description, cause & effect, compare & contrast, sequence)
sequence
a list of topics found in the back of the book and the page numbers to find them
index
It was backward day at school. The students had to do things backwards. Some of them wore their t-shirt backward. They took a test before they studied the lesson! Dessert was served first instead of last at lunch. They tried to walk home backward, but they kept bumping into each other and fell down. What is the main idea of this passage?
Students had a backwards day.
The front desk informed me that I am next. I took my purse and went inside the room. I told the man wearing a white coat that I've been coughing for 3 days now. Where am I? a) dentist b) doctor's office c) park d) home
b) doctor's office
Mary only wanted to help, but unfortunately, her speech had the opposite effect on ESCALATED the argument and made her friend angrier. What does ESCALATED mean?
To ESCALATE something means to make it worse. So, to have ESCALATED the argument means to have made the argument worse.