Text Structures
Context Clues
Authors Perspective
Main Idea
Text Structures Pt .2
100

The planet futures swirling orange and yellow gases, creating twisted ribbons of color. A large red spot of spinning clouds stands out on the lower half of the planet. Other white spots of whirling clouds are scattered across the gas giant. 

a. Sequence

b. Cause and Effect

c. Description

C. Description

100

Use context clues to define the word famished 

Maria was famished after soccer practice. She hadn’t eaten all day and her stomach was growling.

 Hungry

100

Recess is the best part of the school day. Students get to run, play, and talk with friends. After recess, kids feel refreshed and ready to learn. Schools should make recess longer so students can move their bodies more.

The author believes recess should be longer

100

Butterflies begin their lives as tiny eggs. Then they turn into caterpillars that eat leaves. After that, they form a chrysalis. Finally, they become beautiful butterflies with colorful wings.

The main idea is the life cycle of a butterfly

100

First, Mia planted a small seed in the soil. Next, she watered it every day. Then, a tiny sprout pushed through the dirt. Finally, the plant grew tall with bright yellow flowers.

A. Cause and Effect

B. Description. 

C. Chronological order

C. Chronological order

200

First, the astronauts boarded the rocket ship. It took many hours to run the test and protocoals. Then, it was finally time for the countdown. Finally the ground shook as the space shuttle blasted off. 

A. Sequence

B. Problem and Solution

C. Description

A. Sequence

200

Use the context clues to define the word timid

The puppy was timid. It hid behind the couch and would not come out when guests arrived.

Shy

200

Dogs make wonderful pets for families. They protect their owners and love to play outside. Dogs can even be trained to help people who need assistance. That is why I believe dogs are the best pets to have at home.

The author believes dogs are the best pets

200

Plants need sunlight, water, and air to grow. Their roots soak up water from the soil. Their leaves use sunlight to make food. Without these things, plants cannot survive.

The main idea is that plants need certain things to grow

200

Last night, the temperature dropped below freezing. As a result, the roads became icy and slippery. Because the roads were dangerous, school was delayed the next morning.

A. Cause and Effect

B. Description. 

C. Chronological order

A. Cause and Effect

300

Going anywhere in space takes a long time. This makes it difficult, as humans would need to eat, drink, and keep from getting bored for years at a time! One idea is to sleep, or hibernate, during long space journeys. Doctors could lower peoples body temperature to make them rest during a long journey. 

A. Compare and Contrast

B. Problem and Solution

C. Sequence

B. Problem and Solution

300

The desert was arid. There were no plants, no lakes, and barely any rain.
What does arid mean?

Very dry

300

Homework gives students extra practice with skills they learn in school. It can help children become better readers and mathematicians. However, too much homework can make students feel stressed and tired. Teachers should be careful not to assign too much.

The author believes homework is helpful but too much is not good

300

The Amazon rainforest is one of the largest rainforests in the world. It is home to many animals, such as jaguars, monkeys, and colorful birds. The rainforest also helps produce oxygen for the Earth. Many scientists work to protect it.

The main idea is the Amazon rain forest is important and full of life

300

Cats and dogs are both popular pets. Both animals need food, water, and care. However, dogs usually need more exercise, while cats are often more independent.

A. Cause and Effect

B. Description. 

C. Compare and contrast

C. Compare and Contrast

400

Comets and asteroids both orbit the sun. However, they are different because comets are made of ice and dust. Asteroids are made of rock. Both objects can make meteorites when small bits of rock or dust burn up in our atmosphere as they fly by Earth. 

A. Problem and Solution

B. Compare and Contrast

C. Solution

B. Compae and Contrast

400

Jalen was frustrated when his tower collapsed for the third time. He threw his hands up and sighed loudly.

Upset or annoyed

400

School uniforms are a smart choice for students. They help families save money on clothing and make mornings easier because students do not have to choose what to wear. Uniforms also reduce teasing about clothes. For these reasons, all schools should require uniforms.

The author believes schools should require uniforms

400

Exercise helps keep your heart strong and your muscles healthy. It also gives you more energy and can improve your mood. Doctors recommend that children get at least 60 minutes of physical activity each day.

The main idea is that exercise is important for staying healthy

400

Many students were forgetting to bring their homework to school. This caused them to miss important grades. To solve this problem, the teacher created a homework checklist and reminded students to pack their folders each night.

A. Cause and Effect

B. Problem and Solution

C. Compare and contrast

B. Problem and solution

500

A solar eclipse happens when the moon moves between the earth and the sun. Sometimes, it happens in such a way that it blocks the light of the sun. As a result, it gets dark in the middle of the day. As the moon moves out the way, the sunlight reaches Earth again. 

A. Problem and Solution

B. Description

C. Cause and Effect

C. Cause and Effect

500

The magician’s trick was astonishing. The audience gasped and stared with wide eyes.
What does astonishing mean?

Surprising or amazing

500

Video games can be fun and exciting. They allow kids to explore new worlds and solve problems. Still, spending too much time playing video games can take away from exercise, reading, and family time. Children should limit their screen time and enjoy more outdoor activities instead.

The author believes kids should limit screen time

500

Recycling is a way to turn used materials into new products. When people recycle paper, plastic, and glass, they reduce the amount of trash in landfills. Recycling also saves energy and helps protect natural resources. Many communities encourage families to recycle every day.

The main idea is that recycling helps protect the environment.

500

The bald eagle is a large bird with a white head and brown body. It has sharp talons and a hooked beak. Bald eagles live near rivers and lakes where they can catch fish.

A. Cause and Effect

B. Description

C. Compare and contrast

B. Description