Central Idea or Theme
Potatoes were very important to the Incas. The Incas survived by eating potatoes, quinoa, corn, and guinea pigs. The Incas even developed ways to freeze-dry their potatoes so that they could be stored for long periods of time without going bad. Perhaps most interesting of all, the Incas boiled potatoes as a way to measure the passing of time.
What is the central idea?
a. The Incas developed more than 200 different types of potatoes.
b. Potatoes can be boiled as a way to measure the passing of time.
c. Potatoes were important to the Incas.
c. Potatoes were important to the Incas.
The lights dimmed, and the audience hushed as the previews began to dance across the screen. Popcorn smells wafted from the concession stand, and excitement to see the film was growing in the audience.
How does the author feel about the movies? How can you tell
The author enjoys movies. I know this because of the way she describes the atmosphere in the theater.
Did you know that it's easy to make your bubbles at home? You don't need to buy bubbles from the store. First, measure 6 cups of water into a container and then pour 1 cup of dish soap into the water. Stir the mixture until the soap is mixed in. Try not to let any bubbles form while you stir. Next, add 1/4 cup of corn syrup to the container and stir. To make the best bubbles, put a lid on the container and let it sit overnight. By the next morning, your bubbles will be ready to try!
sequence/chronological
Which text feature gives more information about a photograph or illustration?
caption
Digital documents are the new future. They are easier to store and share. Printed paper is not as easy. Digital also saves time and money. They can be emailed or shared on a computer. Also, digital documents are environmentally friendly. They don't require paper. This means fewer trees are cut down. Some people like the tangible feeling of paper in their hands. But digital documents are more secure and harder to lose.
What is the author's claim in the article?
a. Digital documents are environmentally friendly.
b. Digital documents have many benefits over printed documents.
c. Digital documents are a lot easier than printing a document.
c. Digital documents are a lot easier than printing a document.
Things were different after our plane crashed in the jungle. We didn't know how long it would take for the rescue, so to keep from starving, we had to eat some crunchy critters.
What is the theme?
a. equality
b. friendship
c. survival
What is your text evidence?
c. survival
Fluffy flakes drift down from the sky, forming a cool soft blanket of white across the fields, roofs of homes, and vehicles parked outside. Sounds are muffled by mother nature as she insulates the world with her downy feathers of snow.
How does the author feel about the snow? How can you tell?
The author feels that snow is peaceful. She says that the snow floats and talks about muffled sounds.
Mount Everest is the highest mountain in the world. The top of Mt. Everest stands at 29,035 feet above sea level, which is approximately the highest that many airplanes fly. Mt. Everest is located in Asia on the border of China and Nepal. The first person to successfully climb to the summit of Mt. Everest was Sir Edmund Hillary in 1953. Since then, thousands of men and women have attempted to climb to the summit of this gigantic mountain, but only a small percentage of them have made it to the top.
description
Which type of text feature helps to break down an image using labels?
diagram
There are almost 4.74 billion social media users around the world. That is more than half of the world's population. Social media can be helpful. It can help people connect. But it can also be bad. Too much time on social media apps can mean missing out on in-person connections. Social media continues to grow in popularity. Therefore, it is important to know both the good and the bad.
What is the author's claim?
a. Social media can help people connect.
b. Social media can take up all your time.
c. Social media can be good and bad.
d. Social media is used by everyone.
How does the author support their claim?
a. By listing examples of both the good and bad of social media.
b. By giving the number of users worldwide.
c. By explaining ways people can connect.
C and A
Did you know that people can have an extreme fear of peanut butter sticking to the roof of their mouth? According to the dictionary, Arachibutyrophobia is a fear of peanut butter sticking to the roof of one's mouth. This word comes from "arachi-", which means ground nut, and "phobia," which means fear. Some of the symptoms of this fear are dry mouth, feeling sick, and the inability to speak or think when faced with eating peanut butter. Doctors are not sure what caused this fear.
What is the central idea?
a. Arachibutryophobia is a fear of peanut butter sticking to the roof of the mouth.
b. Doctors do not know what causes this extreme fear of peanut butter.
c. You shouldn't eat peanut butter if you have Arachibutyrophobia.
a. Arachibutyrophobia is a fear of peanut butter sticking to the roof of the mouth.
Blaring horns and smells of trash are all Adele can concentrate on as she exits the taxi cab into the bustling city. She is bumped and jostled by passersby and no one even says, “Excuse me.” She can already tell that she will never be at home in this strange place.
What is the author's perspective of the city? How can you tell?
The author does not like the city. The way the story would have changed if the author’s feelings had changed would be that she would describe good things about the city instead of rude people. She might also use words that are positive instead of “blare”
Going to the beach and going ot the woods can both be fun vacation spots. Each location offers a variety of activities that people can enjoy. At the beach, people can enjoy various water activities, such as swimming, boogie boarding, or even surfing. While there may be a lake or river for swimming in the woods, people don't usually go to the woods to do water activities. Instead, people can enjoy hiking, finding interesting animals and plants, and camping.
Compare and contrast
glossary and in the back of the book
Energy is all around us. It is an important part of our lives. Energy powers that light our homes and the cars we drive. Energy can be found in many different forms. It could be sunlight or electricity. We can't see energy, but we feel it. Some energy is not unlimited. So it's important we don't waste it. You can help by turning off lights when not using them. That way, future generations will have enough for their needs as well.
What is the author's claim? Select TWO answers.
a. Energy is all around us.
b. Energy powers the lights in our homes and the cars we drive.
c. Energy can be found in many different forms.
d. We can't see energy.
e. It is important we don't waste energy.
A & E
Vinny and Izzy argue over the TV remote every day. There are stare-downs, and sometimes, even a little wrestling. Izzy likes comedies, and Vinny enjoys watching action movies.
What is the theme?
a. differences
b. determination
c. kindness
a. differences
Zucchini is one of the most versatile foods available to cooks today. You can prepare it in a variety of ways. What other food can you sauté, boil, grill, and eat raw on a salad? You can even make zucchini into bread that is similar to banana bread. Yum! Zucchini is also inexpensive, good for you, and easy to find in stores. Go out and get some zucchini!
What is the author's perspective on zucchini? How do you know?
The author enjoys eating zucchini. I can tell that she enjoys it because she tells all of the good things about zucchini and none of the bad.
Have you ever tried to squeeze a bottle of glue only to find that the glue will not come out? Even though the top is open and you can't see any dried glue clogging the top, the glue still will not come out. When that happens, take off the lid of your glue bottle and place it facedown in a cup of hot water. Pour some nail polish remover into the lid and let it soak for a few hours. When you put the lid back onto your glue bottle and squeeze, the glue should come out again!
Problem and solution
How does a map help the reader better understand a text?
A map can show specific places or areas to show the reader visuals of the information given.
Snails are amazing. They can sleep for three years! This kind of hibernation helps them survive extreme temperatures. To do this, snails slow down their heart rate. This helps them use less energy. Before, snails ate more food to store more fat in their bodies. What a cool adaptation that helps snails survive.
What is the author's claim?
a. Snails hibernate for survival.
b. Snails are cool creatures.
c. Hibernation can be dangerous.
d. Snails need to change.
What does the word hibernation mean in the article?
a. a slow heart rate
b. sleep all winter
c. to change
d. make new food
A & B
Fruits and vegetables will float or sink in water depending on their density. Density is the weight of an object compared to its size. For example, imagine lifting an apple and a potato that are the same size. Even though they are the same size, the potato is heavier than the apple, which means that it has a higher density. Water has density, too. When fruits and vegetables are placed in water, they will float if they are less dense than water and will sink if they are more dense than water.
What is the central idea?
a. Apples are less dense than potatoes.
b. Density is the heaviness of an object compared to its size.
c. The density of a fruit or vegetable determines whether it will sink or float in water.
c. The density of a fruit or vegetable determines whether it will sink or float in water.
Little sisters can be so annoying! My little sister is always borrowing my clothes without asking, making a mess in my room, and getting me into trouble that I don’t deserve. My mom says that since I am older, I should know better, but sometimes it is so hard to ignore her. I wish I had a brother instead.
What is the author's perspective on little sisters? How do you know
The author has negative opinions about little sisters. She is mentioning all of the things about her little sisters that she does not like. Words like annoying and statements like wishing she had a brother are all negative.
In America, the majority of children do not get the amount of exercise that they need each day. Many parents believe that this is due to distractions from the internet, computer games, video games, and cell phones. Instead of going outside to play with their friends, children are spending more and more time sitting in front of the television or computer. This lack of physical activity caused children to have weaker muscles and bones and to be at risk for developing other health problems.
cause and effect
index
Different groups have made important additions to the culture of Texas. For example, Oktoberfest is an important German event. It has been celebrated in Texas since 1845. This was when many German immigrants settled in Texas. This annual even features traditional music, dances, and food. The even reminds us of our shared history with Germany. Celebrations like this help bring different cultures together.
How does the author support the argument that different groups have shaped the culture of Texas?
a. By explaining where culture came from.
b. By illustrating the importance of culture.
c. By giving an example of a German celebration.
d. By highlighting the history of Germany.
Which sentence supports the idea that celebrations can help share and spread culture?
(A) This was when many German immigrants settled in Texas. (B) This annual event features traditional music, dances, and food. (C) The event reminds us of our shared history with Germany. (D) Celebrations like this help bring different cultures together.
C & D