Category 1: Central Idea
What is the definition of central idea?
The main point or message the author wants to convey in a text.
List the 5 main parts of a plot diagram.
Five parts: Exposition, Rising Action, Climax, Falling Action, Resolution.
What is textual evidence?
Quotes, details, or examples from a text that support an idea or claim.
What is a supporting claim?
A smaller point that backs up the central idea using reasoning or evidence.
Teacher Planning Day
How is central idea different from theme?
Central idea = what the text is mostly about (nonfiction focus). Theme = the underlying lesson or message (fiction).
What is the climax of a story?
Climax: The turning point or most intense moment in the story.
Why is it important to include evidence when making a claim?
Because it proves your claim and makes your argument stronger
How does a supporting claim connect to a central idea?
It gives reasons/details that prove or explain the central idea.
What country has won the most FIFA World Cup titles in men’s soccer?
Brazil (5 titles).
Identify the central idea: A young girl learns the value of hard work after tending to her family’s farm alone.
Hard work leads to responsibility and growth.
Where in a plot diagram would you find character background and setting?
Exposition.
Choose the stronger piece of evidence:
A) “The character is sad.”
B) “Tears rolled down her face as she clutched the letter.”
Tears rolled down her face as she clutched the letter.
Which of these is a supporting claim for the central idea “Technology can create isolation”?
A) People often use phones to stay in touch.
B) Many teenagers spend hours online instead of socializing face-to-face.
“Many teenagers spend hours online instead of socializing face-to-face.”
Name two of the original Bratz dolls released in 2001.
Cloe, Yasmin, Sasha, or Jade (any two are correct).
Name two strategies for finding the central idea of a passage.
(1) Look for repeated words/ideas, (2) Check the first/last sentences, (3) Ask “What is this mostly about?”
Identify the rising action in this example: A boy finds a mysterious key, searches for the lock it belongs to, and faces obstacles from strangers who want it too.
Rising action = the boy finds the key, searches for the lock, and faces obstacles.
From this passage, identify one piece of evidence that shows the character is brave.
“Maria stepped forward even though the cave was dark and her hands were shaking. She whispered, ‘I’ll go first.’”
Evidence of bravery = “Maria stepped forward even though the cave was dark and her hands were shaking.”
Question: Central Idea: Exercise improves mental health.
Which sentence is the BEST supporting claim?
Options:
A) Exercise makes people sweat.
B) Regular physical activity lowers stress and improves mood.
C) Some people don’t like going to the gym.
B) Regular physical activity lowers stress and improves mood.
Who won the Grammy for Best Rap Album in 2024 with Her Loss?
Drake and 21 Savage.
Given a 3-paragraph text about pollution’s effects on marine life, state the central idea in one sentence.
Pollution is destroying marine life and threatens the balance of ocean ecosystems.
Draw or describe the plot diagram for The Monsters Are Due on Maple Street.
Monsters on Maple Street:
Exposition: Peaceful suburban street, neighbors outside.
Rising Action: Strange power outage, neighbors get suspicious.
Climax: Mob turns violent, accusing each other.
Falling Action: Chaos spreads, more blame.
Resolution: Aliens watch and conclude humans destroy themselves.
Question: Read the excerpt. What TWO pieces of evidence show that the character feels guilty?
Excerpt:
“James avoided his friend’s eyes as he handed back the broken watch. His voice trembled when he said, ‘I don’t know how it happened.’ Later that night, he couldn’t sleep and kept replaying the moment in his mind.”
“James avoided his friend’s eyes as he handed back the broken watch.”
“He couldn’t sleep and kept replaying the moment in his mind.”
Question: Central Idea: Social media influences how teenagers see themselves.
Write TWO supporting claims with evidence from the excerpt.
Excerpt:
“A survey showed that 60% of teens compare their appearance to influencers online. Many admitted they feel worse about themselves after scrolling through posts. However, some also said encouraging comments from friends online boosted their confidence.”
Supporting Claim 1: Social media can lower self-esteem.
Evidence: “60% of teens compare their appearance to influencers online” and “they feel worse about themselves after scrolling.”
Supporting Claim 2: Social media can provide positive reinforcement.
Evidence: “Encouraging comments from friends online boosted their confidence.”
What famous Paris landmark is nicknamed “La Dame de Fer,” meaning The Iron Lady?
The Eiffel Tower.