Tone and Mood
Main Idea & Theme
Types of Writing
Text Structure
Author's Purpose
100

Which passage has an optimistic (positive) TONE?

Passage A:"Despite the challenges faced during the pandemic, many people found new ways to connect with their communities and loved ones. Virtual meetings, online learning, and creative problem-solving became essential tools that helped us navigate tough times."

Passage B:"The pandemic has left many people struggling with loneliness and uncertainty. The shutdowns affected businesses, schools, and countless families, leaving many unsure of what the future holds."

Passage A

100

Which part of a story expresses the lesson or message the author wants to convey?

The theme

100

Which type of writing would include characters, setting, and a plot?

A Narrative

100

What is the text structure of this paragraph?

The Arctic and Antarctic regions are both cold environments, but they differ significantly in terms of wildlife and geography. The Arctic, located in the Northern Hemisphere, is home to a variety of animals like polar bears and seals, whereas the Antarctic, found in the Southern Hemisphere, is mainly populated by penguins and seals. The Arctic is a vast ocean surrounded by land, while Antarctica is a landmass surrounded by ocean, making the two regions distinctly different in their ecosystems.

Compare and Contrast

100

What is the author's purpose in this passage?:

"One bright summer day, Timmy the squirrel decided to collect acorns like never before. He raced through the trees, jumping from branch to branch, laughing as he gathered the biggest acorns he could find. It was the best day he’d ever had!"

To entertain

200

Passage: "As the clock ticked on, she stared at the empty chair, the silence in the room unbearable. Her thoughts raced, but her heart felt heavy with worry." Question: What is the mood in this scene?

Anxious (or synonym)

200

What is the central idea of the following passage:

The Great Barrier Reef is the largest coral reef in the world, located off the coast of Australia. It is home to many different kinds of sea life, such as fish, sharks, and turtles, making it a very important place for marine animals.

The Great Barrier Reef is a huge and important home for sea animals. (or similar)

200

What type of essay focuses on facts and evidence to support a claim?

Argumentative Essay

200

What is the text structure of this paragraph?

In the early 2000s, smartphones were a novelty, with limited capabilities compared to today's standards. By 2007, the launch of the iPhone revolutionized the industry, introducing touch screens and internet access. Throughout the 2010s, smartphones evolved with better cameras, faster processors, and new features like facial recognition. Today, smartphones are an essential part of everyday life, with innovations like foldable screens and 5G technology.

Chronological

200

What is the author's purpose in this passage?:

"Every time you vote, you help shape the future. Your vote counts, whether you're voting for a president, a law, or a local official. Don't let someone else decide your future—be sure to vote and make your voice heard!"

To persuade

300

Which passage has an excited TONE?

Passage A:

"Next week, the school's robotics team will compete in the national competition! After months of hard work, the team is ready to showcase their skills and ideas to a larger audience. Everyone is excited about the possibilities."

Passage B:

"The robotics competition is an important event, and while the team has been working hard, there is no guarantee of success. All teams will have to give their best performance to succeed."

Passage A

300

What is the central idea of the following passage?:

Climate change is making weather more extreme, with hotter temperatures, stronger storms, and more floods. This is mostly caused by things people do, like burning fossil fuels and cutting down trees.

Climate change is causing more extreme weather, and it's mainly caused by human activities.

300

In an argumentative essay, what is the writer trying to do?

To persuade, change the readers' minds, or argue a point

300
What is the text structure of this paragraph?


The rise in global temperatures has led to more frequent heatwaves across the world. As temperatures soar, regions that were once moderate are now facing extreme weather conditions. These heatwaves have caused widespread droughts, damaging crops and leaving many communities without water. In response, farmers are adopting more heat-resistant crops, and governments are investing in renewable energy to reduce the overall environmental impact.

Problem and Solution

300

What is the author's purpose in this passage?:

"Sharks are amazing creatures. They can sense their prey from miles away, using their special ability to detect electrical signals. Sharks are also vital to ocean ecosystems, helping maintain balance in the food chain."

To inform

400

Passage: "As the clock ticked on, she stared at the empty chair, the silence in the room unbearable. Her thoughts raced, but her heart felt heavy as she waited for what would happen next."

Question: What is the mood in this scene?

Worried (or synonym)

400

What is a possible theme for this story from SAMANTHA'S perspective?

Samantha stood by the window, staring out at the pouring rain. "I told you we shouldn't have gone to the park today," she said, her arms crossed tightly over her chest. "Now we're stuck here, soaked and cold."

"I didn't think it was going to rain," Ben replied, shaking the water from his jacket. He walked over and stood next to her, glancing at the rain. "Besides, we still had fun. It wasn't the end of the world."

Samantha sighed and turned to face him. "You always say that. It's like you don't care about the things that go wrong."

Ben raised an eyebrow. "I do care, Sam. I just think it’s better to focus on what went right. We made it here, even if we’re wet. That’s better than sitting inside all day."

Pay attention to your instincts because if you ignore them, there might be consequences. (or similar)

400

What is the purpose of an expository essay?

To explain or inform

400

What is the text structure of this paragraph?

One of the main challenges in modern cities is traffic congestion. With more vehicles on the road than ever before, many cities are facing long commute times, increased air pollution, and a strain on public transportation. To address this, cities are developing bike-sharing programs and expanding public transit options. Areas that have implemented these measures have seen reduced traffic congestion and improved air quality.

Problem and Solution

400

What is the author's purpose in this passage?:

"Many animals live in the rainforest, from colorful birds to large cats like jaguars. The rainforest provides food and shelter for millions of species, and it plays a key role in the Earth’s climate. But, over time, deforestation has been destroying these habitats."

To inform

500

Which passage has a critical TONE?

Passage A:

"Online shopping is a revolutionary way to shop, allowing people to browse thousands of items without leaving home. It has led to faster delivery times and a much more efficient shopping experience for many consumers."

Passage B:

"Although online shopping offers convenience, it has also led to a decline in customer service. With fewer people going into stores, many businesses no longer provide the personalized assistance they once did, and some customers have noticed this shift."

Passage B

500

What is a possible theme for this story from BEN'S perspective?

Samantha stood by the window, staring out at the pouring rain. "I told you we shouldn't have gone to the park today," she said, her arms crossed tightly over her chest. "Now we're stuck here, soaked and cold."

"I didn't think it was going to rain," Ben replied, shaking the water from his jacket. He walked over and stood next to her, glancing at the rain. "Besides, we still had fun. It wasn't the end of the world."

Samantha sighed and turned to face him. "You always say that. It's like you don't care about the things that go wrong."

Ben raised an eyebrow. "I do care, Sam. I just think it’s better to focus on what went right. We made it here, even if we’re wet. That’s better than sitting inside all day."

Stay positive, even when things don't go as planned, because it will help you to keep moving forward. (or similar)

500

What are the seven parts of an argumentative essay, in order? (or teacher can have students recite a lower number of the parts of an argumentative essay)

Hook, claim, reason 1 + evidence, reason 2 + evidence, reason 3 + evidence, counterclaim, conclusion

500

What is the text structure of this paragraph?

Deforestation has significantly impacted wildlife habitats across the globe. As trees are cut down for timber and agriculture, animals lose their natural homes, leading to a decline in biodiversity. This destruction of habitats results in the displacement of species and the extinction of others. To combat this, conservationists are working to establish protected areas and promote sustainable forestry practices.

Cause and Effect

500

What is the author's purpose in this passage?:

"Recycling is one of the simplest ways to help protect the environment. If everyone recycled just one more item per day, it could reduce waste significantly and protect our planet for future generations. Start recycling today to make a difference!"

To persuade