Word Wizards
What does the word melancholy mean in this sentence: “She stared out the window with a melancholy expression”?
Melancholy means sad or gloomy, based on the description of her expression.
What can you infer about the character’s feelings in paragraph 3 after losing the race?
The character feels disappointed or frustrated, based on their silence and slumped posture.
Identify the simile in this sentence: “Her smile was as bright as the sun.”
As bright as the sun — a simile comparing her smile to sunlight.
What is the author’s main purpose in this passage?
To inform the reader about how recycling benefits the environment.
What does text structure mean?
Text structure is the way an author organizes information in a passage to help readers understand ideas clearly.
Which word helps you understand the meaning of exuberant in the sentence: “The exuberant crowd cheered and danced with joy”?
Cheered and danced with joy show that exuberant means very excited or joyful.
Based on the story, what will likely happen next after the character studies all night for the test?
The character will probably do well on the test, since they prepared carefully.
What type of figurative language is used in this phrase: “The wind whispered secrets through the trees”?
Personification — the wind is given the human trait of whispering.
How would a chart help the reader understand the topic?
It summarizes data visually, helping readers compare and contrast.
What are some common types of text structure?
Common types include cause and effect, problem and solution, chronological order, compare and contrast, and description.
How can a prefix or suffix help you determine a word’s meaning?
Prefixes and suffixes add clues about meaning — for example, un- means “not” and -ful means “full of.”
What steps can you use to make a strong inference?
Combine text evidence with your background knowledge to figure out what the author implies but doesn’t say directly.
What text feature helps readers locate key information quickly?
Headings and subheadings help readers find specific topics in informational text.
Based on the details in the passage, what can you conclude about the character’s motivation?
The character is motivated by a desire to prove themselves and gain approval.
Why is it important to recognize the structure of a text, such as cause and effect, chronological order, or compare and contrast?
Recognizing the structure helps readers understand how ideas connect, follow the author’s reasoning, and identify the main idea more easily.
What should you do if you come across an unfamiliar word in a text?
Look for context clues in nearby sentences, break the word into parts, and use a dictionary to confirm your guess.
Why are inferences important when reading fiction and nonfiction?
They help readers understand hidden meanings, character motives, and author’s messages beyond surface details.
How does context help you understand the meaning of “perseverance” in Mother to Son?
The speaker describes climbing despite tacks and torn boards, showing continuing effort despite challenges.
How does Fish Cheeks show the theme of cultural acceptance?
Amy learns to value her culture even when she feels embarrassed.
What signal words can help you identify a cause and effect or problem and solution text structure?
What signal words can help you identify a cause and effect or problem and solution text structure?
How can understanding a word’s connotation change your interpretation of a sentence?
Words with positive or negative connotations affect the tone and help you infer the author’s attitude.
How can recognizing patterns in a text help you draw conclusions?
Repeated ideas, tone shifts, or character actions reveal deeper insights about themes or messages.
Can one story have more than one theme?
Yes — complex stories often explore multiple universal messages like, True friendship can help people overcome challenges and grow stronger together. Perseverance leads to success, even when the path is difficult or uncertain.
What lesson does More Than a Whistle teach about communication?
That all forms of communication are valuable and meaningful.
How can analyzing text structure help you determine the author’s purpose or message?
The way an author organizes information—such as using comparison to show choices or chronology to show growth—reveals what the author wants readers to understand or learn from the text.