Main Ideas
This is the central point the author wants you to understand in a text.
What is the main idea?
This is a conclusion you reach based on clues in the text combined with what you already know.
What is an inference?
The three main purposes for writing can be remembered using the acronym PIE, which stands for these three things.
Words like "first," "next," "then," and "finally" signal this text structure.
What is sequence/chronological order?
These are hints or clues in the surrounding text that help readers determine the meaning of an unfamiliar word.
What are context clues?
This breathing technique involves inhaling for 4 counts, holding for 4 counts, exhaling for 4 counts, and holding for 4 counts.
What is square breathing?
These provide explanation or evidence that supports the main idea.
What are supporting details?
In "The Morning Rush" passage, we can infer that Genesis is this type of person.
What is disorganized, rushed, or running late?
This point of view uses the pronouns "I," "me," and "my."
What is first person point of view?
When an author uses words like "because," "therefore," and "as a result," they are using this structure.
What is cause and effect?
When an author writes "trepidation (fear)," they are using this type of context clue.
When approaching multiple-choice questions, the first step in the elimination strategy is to do this.
What is cross out/eliminate obviously wrong answers?
When looking for the main idea, this technique helps you quickly review a passage in 30 seconds or less.
What is skimming?
DAILY DOUBLE: DRAWING CONCLUSIONS
The difference between stated information and implied information is that stated information is this, while implied information requires inference.
When the author uses phrases like "must-see attraction" and "don't miss your chance," their purpose is likely this.
What is to persuade?
DAILY DOUBLE: FIGURATIVE LANGUAGE
In the sentence "The stars danced across the night sky," this literary device gives human actions to non-human objects.
When trying to figure out an unknown word, you should look at the words around it and consider this.
What is the context/how is the word used in the sentence?
The "3-Pass System" for managing time on a test includes: answer easy questions first, return to harder questions, and this third step.
What is review all answers if time permits?
When trying to find the main idea, you should look for this type of sentence that often appears at the beginning or end of a paragraph.
What is a topic sentence? (Will accept: What is a claim?)
To make a logical inference, you need both clues from the text and this.
What is prior knowledge/background knowledge?
In "The St. Louis Cardinals: A Baseball Tradition," we learn a lot of facts about St. Louis baseball. This tells us the author's purpose is this.
What is to inform?
In the Mississippi River floods paragraph, the structure moves from the causes of the floods to their aftereffects, making it this type of organization.
What is cause and effect?
In the sentence "Sequoia was frugal, always saving money and looking for bargains," the context suggests that "frugal" means this.
What is economical/thrifty/careful with money?
This test strategy suggests reading the questions before reading the passage to help focus your attention.
What is "read the questions first"?
In the Gateway Arch passage, the main idea is that it stands as this.
What is "the most recognizable symbol of St. Louis and represents America's westward expansion"?
In "The Detective's Challenge," the fresh paint in one corner that doesn't match the rest suggests this.
What is something hidden behind the wall/a secret compartment?
This technique involves analyzing how language choices reveal an author's attitude toward their subject.
What is identifying tone/examining word choice?
The five key text structures include sequence, cause/effect, compare/contrast, problem/solution, and this.
What is description?
When a context clue uses phrases like "unlike" or "in contrast to," it is providing this type of clue.
What is a contrast clue?
This technique helps manage test anxiety by having students tense and then relax different muscle groups.
What is progressive muscle relaxation?