Show:
Cause/Effect
Figure of Speech
Context Clues
Main Idea
Past, Present, Future
100
Derrick forgot his math textbook, so he was unable to complete his homework. What is the cause?
Derrick forgot his math textbook.
100

The sweater was hugging him tightly.

Personifcation

100
We had to vacate the building when the fire alarm sounded, because no one could be left inside. What does the word "vacate" mean?
Leave or empty.
100
The main idea tells a reader this...
What the story is mostly about.
100

Lisa will go to college someday.

Future

200
Brandy was hungry because she skipped lunch. What is the cause?
Brandy skipped lunch.
200

 The house was as sturdy as a rock.

Simile

200
We were so hungry that we didn't leave a single particle of the cookies on the plate. What does the word "particle" mean?
A piece or crumb.
200
These tell more about the main idea?
Supporting details.
200

Marla ate her dinner last week.

Past

300
Donald's bike had a flat tire, so he couldn't go riding with his friends. What is the effect?
He couldn't go riding with his friends.
300

The snowflakes were jewels in the sky.

Metaphor

300
Johnny only wanted junk food, so he was reluctant to eat his vegetables at dinner. What does the word "reluctant" mean?
Unwilling or didn't want to.
300
Miss Johnson addressed the class. She said, "The reason it is good to sit up straight is that it helps to keep you from distractions. Slouching is not good for your back, but it also sends your mind a message. It makes the mind feel as if it is time to rest and let our mind wander. Instead, we want to make it ready to learn." What is the main idea?
Why sitting up in class is important.
300

My parents went to a Tai Restaurant. They said they were going to the new restaurant today.

Past and Present

400

Janet couldn't find the potato chips, because her brother hid them in the freezer. What is the effect?

Janet couldn't find the potato chips.

400

I'm as blind as a bat in the dark.

Simile

400

The firefighters used radios to communicate to each other while fighting the fire. What does the word "communicate" mean?

To give or exchange information.

400
Sandy sings in the church choir. She sings a solo every week. Everyone looks forward to hearing her sing. I think she will be famous one day. What is the main idea of the passage.
Sandy is a great singer.
400

The teacher taught the students about Egypt. Soon she will teach in South Africa.

Past, Future

500
Peter studied his multiplication facts and he got 100% on his math test. What is the cause?
Peter studied his multiplication facts.
500

The waves ran towards the shore.

The snowflakes were jewels in the sky.

Personifcation & Metaphor

500
The glass vase is fragile, so it has to be carefully packed when we move. What does the word "fragile" mean?
Easily broken, damaged or destroyed.
500
Joy sat on the bench at the baseball field and waited. She didn't like waiting alone. All the other kids had been picked up by their parents. Where was her mother? Suddenly her mother came running to her, "Oh Joy, I'm so sorry. Next time I will make myself a note." What is the main idea of the passage?
Joy's mother forgot to pick her up.
500

Sometimes authors use graphs, charts or webs to give the reader additional information or to help them understand something better. What are these called?

Past, present.