Central Ideas & Summarizing
What is a central idea in an informational or argumentative text?
The main point or claim the author wants to communicate.
What is the definition of a rhetorical question?
A question asked to make a point, not to get an answer.
What’s the best way to figure out the meaning of an unfamiliar word in a text?
Use surrounding words and sentence clues.
What does it mean to "infer" something from a text?
To make an educated guess based on clues in the text.
What’s the first thing you should do when beginning a reading passage?
Pre-read the questions.
What should a good summary include—and what should it leave out?
Main points in your own words; avoid details, opinions, or personal reactions.
What does it mean when a speaker uses a personal anecdote as a rhetorical strategy?
It builds credibility and connects with the audience emotionally.
What type of context clue tells you what a word means by giving an example?
Example clues (e.g., “such as,” “for example”) show word meaning through context.
Why should you use textual evidence to support an inference?
It proves your answer is grounded in the passage.
Why should you read the question stems before the full passage?
To better understand what to look for in the passage
When two answers both sound right, what’s one way to determine the correct summary?
Choose the one that matches the passage's tone and doesn’t add new ideas.
Define ethos, pathos, and logos. Give an example of one.
Ethos = credibility
Pathos = emotion
Logos = logic
Ex: stats = logos.
How can word tone (positive/negative) help you choose the correct definition?
Helps narrow down the right connotation.
What makes an inference strong or weak?
A strong inference is supported by multiple pieces of evidence.
What’s the process of elimination, and how does it help on a timed test?
Getting rid of obviously false options; fewer options means less time to delineate.
How can transitions help you identify shifts in a central idea?
They show a shift in focus, tone, or point of view.
How does parallel structure affect the tone or power of a message?
It makes points clearer and more persuasive.
Why is it important to reread the whole sentence before choosing a vocab answer?
The whole sentence can change or clarify the word’s meaning.
How can reasoning help eliminate wrong answer choices that seem true but aren’t supported?
If it’s not in the text or contradicted by the text, it’s not valid.
Why is it helpful to mark line numbers or keywords as you read?
To ensure you are marking the correct answer for the correct question.
Why is the main idea often found at the beginning or end of a passage or paragraph?
Those spots are often where authors make or restate their main claim.
What’s the purpose of repetition in persuasive writing?
To emphasize key ideas and make them memorable.
If a word has multiple meanings, how do you decide which one is being used in the passage?
Look at how the word is used in context, not just the dictionary meaning.
What’s the difference between what a text says and what it implies?
Saying = literal
Implying = suggesting or hinting at something indirectly.
What’s one strategy for pacing yourself so you finish all questions on time?
Spend no more than 5-7 minutes per passage.