Definitions
A prediction is...
A prediction is an educated guess about what is going to happen NEXT in the story.
A story about how to take care of a pet hamster
What is to inform?
The cheetah is the fastest land animal, capable of reaching speeds up to 60 miles per hour. Its slender body and long legs help it run incredibly fast. The cheetah’s large nasal passages allow for quick oxygen intake, helping it maintain speed during a sprint.
Description
Tom walked into the kitchen, where his mom was making pancakes. The smell of fresh syrup filled the room, and the warm steam from the griddle made the house feel cozy and inviting.
Which detail from the text best supports the idea that Tom feels comfortable at home?
A) "Tom walked into the kitchen."
B) "His mom was making pancakes."
C) "The smell of fresh syrup filled the room."
D) "The house felt cozy and inviting."
D) "The house felt cozy and inviting."
Some people believe that school uniforms are unnecessary and limit students' freedom of expression. However, I believe school uniforms are important because they promote equality among students. When everyone wears the same clothes, it reduces bullying based on what students wear, and helps students focus on their studies rather than their appearance. Uniforms create a sense of community and belonging, which can lead to a more positive school environment.
Question:
What is the claim made in the paragraph?
School uniforms help students focus on their studies and promote equality.
To paraphrase means to...
Taking what someone else has written or said and put it into your own words.
School uniforms should be required because they help students focus on their education instead of their clothing
To persuade
When the temperatures dropped below freezing, the water pipes in the house froze. As the pipes expanded, they cracked and caused water to leak throughout the kitchen. This led to significant damage that required repairs.
Cause & Effect
Liam loved to play basketball after school. Every afternoon, he would grab his basketball, head to the court, and practice his shots for hours. He was determined to improve his skills.
Which sentence provides evidence that Liam is committed to getting better at basketball?
A) "Liam loved to play basketball after school."
B) "Every afternoon, he would grab his basketball."
C) "He was determined to improve his skills."
D) "He practiced his shots for hours."
C) "He was determined to improve his skills."
As the sun dipped below the horizon, the sky turned a brilliant shade of orange, like a glowing fire. The clouds seemed to dance in the warm light, casting long shadows on the ground. It was a breathtaking sight, one that made Sarah pause and take it all in.
Why did the author use the simile "like a glowing fire" in this paragraph?
A) To describe how the sun was setting.
B) To emphasize the beauty and intensity of the sky.
C) To show that the sky was cold and dark.
D) To suggest that the clouds were on fire.
B) To emphasize the beauty and intensity of the sky.
Summarizing
When a reader gives an overview of the text by highlighting the key elements and putting it into their own words.
While some people argue that video games are a waste of time and promote violence, I believe they can actually be beneficial for developing important skills. Many video games require players to solve complex problems, think critically, and work as a team. For example, strategy games help players plan ahead, while multiplayer games improve communication and collaboration. Additionally, video games provide a safe space for people to relax and unwind, which is essential for mental health. Overall, when played in moderation, video games can be a fun and educational activity.
What is the author's purpose in this paragraph?
A) To explain how video games can be harmful to people.
B) To argue that video games have positive benefits when played responsibly.
C) To describe the history of video games and their development.
D) To suggest that video games should be banned.
To argue that video games have positive benefits when played responsibly.
Many cities face air pollution due to high traffic and industrial emissions. One solution to this problem is implementing more green spaces, such as parks and trees, which can help filter the air and reduce pollution.
Problem & Solution
Sarah had been practicing her violin for weeks. When she finally played her piece in front of her family, they all applauded and praised her. She felt proud of her hard work and knew it had paid off.
What evidence from the text shows that Sarah’s family appreciated her performance?
A) "Sarah had been practicing her violin for weeks."
B) "When she finally played her piece in front of her family, they all applauded and praised her."
C) "She felt proud of her hard work."
D) "She knew it had paid off."
B) "When she finally played her piece in front of her family, they all applauded and praised her."
What is the theme of the following passage?
Every summer, Max and his family went camping in the mountains. This year, Max was nervous about being away from home for so long, especially since he’d never been camping without his best friend, Jake. But as the days passed, Max found himself enjoying the quiet nights by the campfire and the early morning hikes through the forest. By the end of the trip, Max realized that sometimes, trying something new could lead to unexpected and wonderful experiences.
Trying new things can be scary at first, but it can lead to great experiences.
Theme
The message or lesson an author/poet wants to communicate through the writing.
Tom stared out the window as the snow gently fell, covering the ground in a blanket of white. He loved the way the world looked during Christmas, when everything seemed peaceful and quiet. As he watched his neighbors hang up decorations and prepare for the holiday, he felt a deep sense of gratitude. This year, Christmas meant more than just presents and lights—it was about spending time with the people he loved, making memories, and appreciating the small things in life. He smiled to himself, knowing that these simple moments were what truly made Christmas special.
What is the author's purpose in this paragraph?
A) To describe the physical appearance of Christmas decorations.
B) To show how Tom values the simple, meaningful moments of Christmas.
C) To explain the history of Christmas traditions.
D) To focus on the excitement of receiving presents during Christmas.
To show how Tom values the simple, meaningful moments of Christmas.
While dogs are loyal and often act as protectors of their families, cats are more independent and enjoy solitude. Dogs usually need lots of attention and love to play, whereas cats tend to be more relaxed and can entertain themselves for hours.
Compare & Contrast
The weather forecast predicted rain all week, but Emily was determined to go for her daily run. She grabbed her umbrella, put on her sneakers, and headed out the door, ready to face the rain.
Which detail supports the idea that Emily is not afraid of the rain?
A) "The weather forecast predicted rain all week."
B) "Emily was determined to go for her daily run."
C) "She grabbed her umbrella."
D) "She put on her sneakers and headed out the door."
B) "Emily was determined to go for her daily run."
On Christmas morning, Mia opened the gift her grandmother had carefully wrapped with bright red paper and a bow. When she unwrapped it, she found a hand-knit sweater made of soft, chunky yarn. It wasn’t something you could buy at a store, but Mia could feel the love and effort that had gone into making it. Her grandmother smiled warmly and said, “The best gifts come from the heart, Mia. This sweater may not be perfect, but its authenticity makes it special.” Mia hugged her grandmother tightly, realizing that the true magic of Christmas wasn’t about expensive presents, but about the thought and care behind them.
1. Which of the following best describes the meaning of authenticity as described in the passage?
A) The gift is expensive and new.
B) The gift is made with genuine care and thought.
C) The gift is wrapped in shiny, colorful paper.
D) The gift is bought from a popular store.
The gift is made with genuine care and thought.
Inference
Background knowledge + text clues= inference
The Amazon Rainforest, often referred to as the "lungs of the Earth," plays a crucial role in regulating the planet's oxygen levels. Spanning over 5.5 million square kilometers, it is home to a diverse range of wildlife and plants. The trees in the Amazon absorb carbon dioxide and release oxygen, helping to balance the Earth's atmosphere. Scientists also study the rainforest for its unique biodiversity, hoping to discover new species of plants and animals. The preservation of this ecosystem is vital for maintaining the health of our planet.
To inform readers about the importance of the Amazon Rainforest.
First, you should gather all the ingredients for the chocolate chip cookies: flour, sugar, butter, eggs, and chocolate chips. Then, mix the dry ingredients together in one bowl and the wet ingredients in another. Finally, combine the two mixtures and bake at 350°F for 12 minutes.
Sequence
At the science fair, Mark presented his project on solar energy. He explained how solar panels work to harness the sun's energy and convert it into electricity. His project was detailed and well-researched, earning him first place.
Which sentence provides the best evidence that Mark's project was successful?
A) "At the science fair, Mark presented his project on solar energy."
B) "He explained how solar panels work to harness the sun's energy."
C) "His project was detailed and well-researched."
D) "His project earned him first place."
D) "His project earned him first place."
Samantha sat in her room, staring at the old map her grandmother had given her. "This map will guide you when the time is right," her grandmother had said. Samantha wondered what her grandmother meant by that, but she didn't think much of it. Little did she know, the map would lead her on an adventure she wasn’t expecting—one that would change her life forever.
What is foreshadowed in this paragraph?
Samantha will use the map to find something important.