Informational Text
What are some text features that help the reader know the text is informational? (give at least 2)
subheadings
captions
bold words
tables, diagrams, pictures, charts
pictures
expert quotes
What are some text features that help the reader know the text is fiction? (give at least 2)
characters
dialogue
figurative language
chapter titles
True or False: In an argumentative essay, you are supposed to argue both sides of the topic. (Explain why the answer is true or false)
False.
In an argumentative essay, you are expected to present and support your side of the topic with evidence and reasoning. While acknowledging the opposing viewpoint is important, the main focus should be on making a strong case for your position.
True or false: You use words like I, me, my, we, us, our, ours when writing in 1st Person POV. (Explain why the answer is true or false)
True.
In 1st Person Point of View (POV), the narrator is speaking directly from their own perspective, so they use words like "I," "me," "my," "we," "us," "our," and "ours" to describe their thoughts, experiences, and actions. These words indicate that the narrator is personally involved in the story.
How do you properly cite a quote when using text evidence in your explanatory paragraph?
Answer: To properly cite a quote, first, introduce the quote with an intro tag, like "In the text, it states" or "The author mentions." Then, put the exact quote in quotation marks. Finally, include the author's last name and the page number in parentheses right after the quote, for example: "The storm raged for hours, keeping everyone inside" (Smith 12). This gives proper credit to the author and provides the reader with the source of the information.
What is the main point or most important thing that the author wants to communicate in an informational text?
central idea
main idea
What is the central message or lesson that the author wants the reader to understand in a fictional story?
a theme
What are the three main parts of an argumentative paragraph?
claim
reason
evidence
What is the difference between a narrative continuation and a narrative retelling?
A narrative continuation involves taking the events of a story and imagining what could happen next, continuing the plot beyond where it originally ended. It focuses on expanding or building upon the story, often exploring new outcomes or adding depth to the original events.
A narrative retelling is when someone retells a story using their own words, but the events and plot remain the same as the original. It often involves summarizing or paraphrasing the original narrative while staying true to its structure and key events. Sometimes it involves switching the POV to another character.
What is a good structure for a body paragraph of an explanatory essay? (list all parts)
ToSEEC: topic sentence, evidence, elaboration, conclusion
RACES: restate and answer the question, cite evidence, explain/elaborate on the evidence, summarize
What are the informational text genre frame prompts? (bottom left corner of your 4-square)
topic
author's purpose
author's point of view/ perspective
What are the fiction genre frame prompts? (bottom left corner of your 4-square)
characters
setting
problem
solution
Question:
What is the role of reasons and evidence in argumentative essays?
Reasons and evidence are crucial in argumentative essays because they support the writer's claim or position. Reasons explain why the argument is valid, while evidence (such as facts, statistics, or examples) provides concrete proof to back up the reasons, making the argument more convincing and credible.
1. What is a common text structure used in narrative writing?
2. What are the major stages of the plot in a narrative? (name all 5)
1. Chronological, sequential, cause and effect, problem and solution
2. exposition, rising action, climax, falling action, resolution
What is the purpose of elaboration in explanatory writing?
The purpose of elaboration in explanatory writing is to explain to the reader exactly how the evidence you identified supports the claim you made in your topic sentence. It provides clarity and depth by breaking down the evidence and showing its relevance to the main argument or point you are making in your paragraph.
How can a reader tell if the author’s purpose in a text is to inform or to persuade?
A reader can tell by looking at the type of information presented and the language used. If the author provides facts, details, and explanations to teach about a topic, the purpose is to inform. If the author is trying to convince the reader to believe something or take action, the purpose is to persuade.
How do you identify the problem in a fiction text?
You can identify the problem in a fiction text by looking for the main challenge or conflict that the protagonist faces. This problem often drives the plot and creates tension in the story. It can be an internal struggle, like a character's fear, or an external struggle, like a fight with another character or a challenging situation.
Sample Paragraph:
Hitchhiking can be a safe and effective way to travel for those who are in need of transportation. Many people rely on hitchhiking to get to places where public transportation is limited or unavailable. A study by the University of California found that 70% of hitchhikers felt they received positive experiences and were treated respectfully by drivers. Furthermore, in some rural areas, hitchhiking remains a common and accepted method of transportation due to the lack of other options.
Question:
What is the author's main argument?
The author's main argument is that hitchhiking can be a safe and effective way to travel, especially in areas with limited transportation options.
What is a character's point of view and how do author's develop it throughout a story?
A character’s point of view is their attitude, belief, or opinion about a topic.
Authors develop a character’s POV by showing their thoughts, words, and actions.
Claim: Reading regularly helps improve vocabulary and language skills.
Evidence 1: According to a study, students who read daily show significant growth in their vocabulary because they encounter new words in different contexts.
Evidence 2: Students who participate in group discussions about books can also improve their language skills through the exchange of ideas and perspectives.
Question: Which piece of evidence does not clearly support the claim? Why?
Evidence 2 does not clearly support the claim because it focuses on group discussions rather than reading itself. While discussions can help, the claim is specifically about how reading improves vocabulary, so Evidence 1 directly supports the claim by showing how daily reading exposes students to new words.
"Electric cars have become a crucial part of the future of transportation. They reduce harmful emissions, lower the cost of fuel, and help protect the environment. As technology improves, electric cars will only become more affordable and efficient. The shift to electric vehicles is not just an option; it's necessary for a sustainable future."
Question:
What is the author's point of view/ perspective in this text?
The author’s point of view is that electric cars are essential for a sustainable future and have positive benefits for the environment and economy.
Problem Excerpt:
Samantha had been working on a school project for weeks, but the night before the due date, her computer crashed, and all her work was lost. She felt overwhelmed and unsure how she could finish in time.
Solution Excerpt:
In a moment of desperation, Samantha called her friend, explaining the situation. Her friend responded, “Of course, I’ve got you covered! You were a lifesaver when I needed help passing that algebra test.” Samantha's friend hurried over to her place and the two spent all night completing the assignment.
Question:
Based on how the problem is solved, what is the theme of this story?
The theme of this story is that being a caring and helpful friend can create a strong support system, which makes it easier to overcome challenges when in need.
Eating a balanced diet is crucial for maintaining good health. Studies have shown that people who eat a variety of fruits, vegetables, and whole grains are less likely to develop chronic diseases like heart disease and diabetes. For example, a 2019 study from the American Heart Association found that individuals who ate a balanced diet had a 30% lower risk of heart disease. Experts, like nutritionist Dr. Lisa Green, agree that proper nutrition is key to preventing health problems.
Question:
Is the claim in this paragraph supported or unsupported? Why?
The claim is supported because it is backed by logical justifications, research findings (the 2019 study from the American Heart Association), and expert opinion (Dr. Lisa Green’s agreement).
Excerpt:
Maya stared at the messy room, her arms crossed tightly. "I don't understand why you keep leaving your stuff everywhere," she muttered, her voice tinged with frustration. She looked at the pile of clothes on the floor, shaking her head. "I can’t focus with all this clutter—it’s impossible to get anything done."
Question: What is the character's POV in this passage?
Maya's point of view is that a messy environment is frustrating and makes it difficult for her to focus or be productive. She believes that order is necessary for her to concentrate and get things done.
Unordered Sentences:
1. Without fertilization from bees, crops would not be able to reproduce effectively, resulting in reduced food supplies.
2. Overall, protecting bee populations is essential for both the environment and global food security.
3. Bees play a critical role in agriculture by pollinating crops, which helps ensure food production.
4. According to the U.S. Department of Agriculture, “Pollination by bees increases crop yields because the transfer of pollen between flowers is necessary for fertilization.”
Prompt: Re-order these sentences into a clear and effective ToSEEC explanatory paragraph.
Answer:
Bees play a critical role in agriculture by pollinating crops, which helps ensure food production.
According to the U.S. Department of Agriculture, “Pollination by bees increases crop yields because the transfer of pollen between flowers is necessary for fertilization.”
Without fertilization from bees, crops would not be able to reproduce effectively, resulting in reduced food supplies.
Overall, protecting bee populations is essential for both the environment and global food security.