THEME OR CENTRAL IDEA
Jordan practiced the same piano piece every day. Even when he made mistakes, he refused to quit.
What theme is suggested by this passage?
Determination leads to improvement / perseverance is important.
I never expected today to end like this, but when I opened that letter, everything changed.
Q: Which point of view is used, and how does it affect the story?
First-person; it reveals the narrator’s personal thoughts and reactions.
What relationship does the signal word “unless” indicate?
Condition / exception
What is the difference between implicit and explicit evidence?
Explicit is directly stated; implicit requires inference.
What does the phrase “burst into laughter” most likely mean?
Laughed suddenly and loudly.
Why is identifying repeated ideas helpful in determining a central idea in informational text?
Authors repeat key points to signal what matters most—these repetitions often reveal the central idea.
What is third-person limited?
The narrator knows the thoughts/feelings of only one character.
Text:
The team trained for weeks; nevertheless, they lost the championship.
Q: What relationship is signaled, and what does it reveal about the situation?
Contrast; despite preparation, the outcome was unexpected
What does it mean to cite evidence?
Quote or paraphrase information from the text.
Text:
“The abandoned house looked forlorn, its windows dark and empty.”
Q: What does forlorn mean based on context clues?
Sad, lonely, or neglected.
Which detail best supports a theme of perseverance?
A. The character gives up quickly
B. The character keeps trying despite challenges
C. The character avoids problems
B. The character keeps trying despite challenges
Text:
Lena walked confidently onto the stage. The judges whispered to each other, impressed by her calmness.
Q: What POV is used, and how can you tell?
Third-person limited or objective (depending on your interpretation—key is the narrator is outside the story).
What relationship does the word “however” signal?
Contrast / showing differences
Text:
“Despite her fear, Ana stepped forward. Her voice trembled, but she continued.”
Q: What text evidence supports the inference that Ana is brave?
She steps forward despite fear and continues speaking even though she’s trembling.
Which context clue type is used when a writer gives a contrasting word?
Antonym/contrast clue
A student claims the theme of a story is “friendship.” What question should they ask to confirm whether this is accurate?
“What message about friendship does the author show through the characters' actions and conflicts?”
How does point of view shape the reader’s understanding?
It controls what information the reader knows and how events are interpreted.
Which signal words show sequence?
A. first, next, finally
B. example, such as
A. first, next, finally
Q: Which is a stronger text evidence?
A. “I think the character was mad.”
B. “The text states, ‘She slammed the door and yelled.’”
B. “The text states, ‘She slammed the door and yelled.’”
Text:
“The scientist was meticulous, carefully labeling each sample and double-checking her notes.”
Q: What does meticulous mean?
Extremely careful and precise.
Identify the theme: “After failing the race twice, Maya trains every day until she finally succeeds.”
Hard work leads to success / perseverance pays off.
Why might an author choose first-person POV for a suspenseful story?
to show the narrator’s immediate feelings and build tension.
The museum exhibit features artifacts from several cultures. For instance, one display focuses on ancient tools, while another highlights ceremonial jewelry.
Q: What signal words show the text’s structure, and what is that structure?
For instance" and “another” → Example/Illustration structure.
Q: A student claims the central idea is “Technology harms communication.”
What evidence should they look for to support this?
Examples, statistics, expert statements, or anecdotes showing negative effects of technology on communication.
Text:
“Unlike the chaotic hallway, the library remained tranquil.”
Q: What does tranquil mean, and which clue reveals this?
Calm/peaceful; revealed by the contrast with “chaotic.”