Reading Literary Text
The central message or life lesson the author wants the reader to understand.
What is the theme of a story?
What is the central idea of an informational text?
Hint: Don't just say "Main Idea"
The most important point the author is making about a topic.
What is a claim in argumentative writing?
The main point or opinion the writer is trying to prove.
What must a narrative include?
A plot, characters, setting, and a conflict.
What’s the difference between a sentence fragment and a complete sentence?
A fragment is missing a subject or verb; a complete sentence has both and expresses a full thought.
What do we call the struggle between opposing forces in a story?
Conflict
How do headings and subheadings help readers?
They organize information and help readers find key points quickly.
What supports a claim with facts, examples, and expert opinions?
Evidence
What’s the purpose of an informational essay?
To inform, explain, or teach about a topic.
What is subject-verb agreement?
The subject and verb must both be singular or both be plural.
How does dialogue help develop a character?
It reveals their thoughts, feelings, personality, or motivations.
What is the purpose of a text feature like a graph or chart?
To give data visually and help readers understand complex information.
What is a counterclaim?
An opposing viewpoint or argument against the claim.
What’s the difference between a thesis statement and a claim?
A thesis is in informational writing; a claim is in argumentative writing. Both state the main idea.
When do you use a comma? (Give one rule.)
In a list, after an introductory phrase, or to set off extra info.
What’s the difference between first-person and third-person point of view?
First-person uses “I” and is told by a character in the story; third-person is told by a narrator outside the story.
What is an author’s tone in informational text?
The author’s attitude or feeling toward the subject, shown through word choice.
Why is a rebuttal important in an argumentative essay?
It explains why the counterclaim is weak or incorrect.
What’s one way to make a narrative more vivid and engaging?
Use sensory details, strong verbs, and dialogue.
What’s an example of a transition word in writing?
"However," "Therefore," "Meanwhile," "First"
What is figurative language? Give an example.
Words or expressions with meaning beyond the literal—like a simile: “She’s as fast as lightning.”
Name two ways to determine if a source is credible.
Check the author’s qualifications and whether the site ends in .edu, .gov, or comes from a reliable publication.
What makes evidence strong in argumentative text?
It is relevant, reliable, and clearly connected to the claim.
What three elements should a strong argumentative intro have?
Hook, background, and claim
What’s the difference between passive and active voice?
Active: subject does the action. Passive: subject receives the action.
Ex: “She wrote the essay” (active) vs. “The essay was written by her” (passive)