Main Idea
Topic Sentence
Inference
Figurative Lang.
Nonliteral Language
100

A 1943 copper penny could be worth as much as 50 thousand dollars. In 1943, most pennies were made out of steel since copper was needed for World War II, so the 1943 copper penny is very rare. Another rarity is the 1955 double die penny. These pennies were mistakenly double stamped, so they have overlapping dates and letters. If it doesn't show signs of wear and is still shiny, it can easily be sold for $25,000 at an auction. Now that’s a pretty penny!

Rare pennies are worth a lot of money.

100

Dogs have four legs. All dogs are born with a tail. A dog is a mammal. Overall, dogs are interesting creatures.

Dogs are interesting creatures

100

Harold grunted as he walked into the house. He carried four paper bags in his arms, each one filled to the brim. Suddenly, he tripped and one of the bags fell, spilling oranges, a loaf of bread, and two sticks of butter onto the floor. “At least I didn’t drop the eggs!” he exclaimed.

Where was Harold before he got home? How do you know?

Grocery store

100

Figurative language that uses the words “like” or “as” to compare two things

Simile 

100

When I walked downstairs from finishing my homework, my mom said, "you know, the table isn't set for dinner yet!"  What did she really want?

You to set the table.

200

Being a clown isn't all fun and games. Rodeo clowns expose themselves to great danger every time they perform. When cowboys dismount or bulls buck them off, rodeo clowns jump in front of the bulls and motion wildly to get their attention. In this way rodeo clowns provide an alternate target, and in doing so protect the rider. Of course, this is a very dangerous thing to do. So you see, sometimes clowning around can be serious business.

Being a rodeo clown can actually be very dangerous.

200

It is cold in the winter. Sometimes it snows. People like to go sledding in the winter. In conclusion, the winter is a great season.

I think that winter is a great season.

200

Each day, before Renee goes to work, she puts on her brown uniform and sturdy work boots. She has to get to work early because a lot of creatures, big and small, are counting on her for their breakfast. Later in the day, she will make sure their habitats are clean. Sometimes she gets dirty at work, but she enjoys seeing all the people who come to visit, peeking through fences and windows as she works.

 Where does Renee work? How do you know?

The  zoo or aquarium 

200

Figurative language that exaggerates

Hyperbole 

200

My friend had been playing the video game for 25 minutes straight when I said, "I wonder when I'll get a turn..." What did I really want?

A turn playing.

300

The brain is the most complicated system in the human body. The brain is separated into two hemispheres or halves. From front to back, the brain is further divided into three parts: the forebrain, the midbrain, and the hindbrain. The forebrain is where most reasoning, thinking, and emotional activity occur. It is also where most memories are stored. The midbrain controls reflexes and processes sensory information (sight, touch, taste, etc.) The hindbrain processes basic survival functions, like breathing and maintaining a heartbeat. The brain is truly the most amazing system in the human body.

The brain is truly the most amazing system in the human body.

300

Popcorn is good. Popcorn can be salty or sweet. It can also come in different flavors. I can eat popcorn for breakfast, lunch and dinner but my mom does not let me. What is your favorite snack?

My favorite snack is popcorn.

300

Patrick arrived home from school with a grin. He burst through the front door and ran into the living room where he saw boxes wrapped in shiny paper and balloons tied to a chair. On the counter sat a chocolate cake with eleven candles. He reached for a taste of the frosting, but his mother scolded, “We have to sing to you before eating the cake!” 


What is Patrick celebrating? How do you know?

His birthday 

300

Figurative language that gives human traits to a nonhuman thing

Personification 

300

Your dad made your mom some toast, but burnt it to a crisp!  your mom said, "oh you know I just LOVE burnt toast.."  What does she mean?

She is being sarcastic and really doesn't like burnt toast.

400

Screech! When a driver pushes on the brake pedal, it starts a process that causes the vehicle to stop in motion. We literally trust our brakes with our lives every time we get into a vehicle or cross at a busy intersection. How does this life-critical process work? It begins when the pedal is pushed. At this moment brake fluid is released into the braking mechanisms. As the fluid collects, this creates a leverage, which causes a friction to be applied. This friction will create a force that will cause the wheels to stop and allow you to reach your destination safely.

There are many steps to the process of a vehicle braking and stopping.

400

We have a cow named Betsy. Betsy is brown and white. Betsy is a special cow. We also have a pig named Jim. Jim is pink. He likes to play in the mud. We love our animals.

My family lives on a farm.

400

Lucy sighed happily as she curled into a ball and licked her fur. After a long afternoon of laying in the sun, she was happy to be snuggled up on her soft bed. She purred contentedly as she closed her eyes, ready for a nap. Suddenly, she heard a buzzing noise. Her eyes snapped open and her ears twitched. She spotted a by landing nearby. Lucy watched it carefully for a moment and then, POUNCE! She caught it!


 Who is Lucy? How do you know?

A cat 

400

 The moon is a lantern in the sky.

Metaphor 

400

The class was really noisy and not paying attention.  The teacher said, "I just am so proud of my students who are quietly listening to me.." What does she mean?

She's being sarcastic.  She is saying they are not being quiet and they are not listening.

500

Sir Isaac Newton was in his garden one day in 1665 when he noticed an apple fall from a tree. Newton wondered to himself, "Why should the apple always fall to the ground? Why doesn't it go sideways or upwards but directly toward the Earth's center?" After much thought, Newton concluded that objects are pulled to the Earth through a force that he called "gravity," which means "heaviness in Latin." In 1687, Newton wrote a book about the science behind gravity.

Sir Isaac Newton discovered gravity.

500

First I looked for it on the bed. Next I looked for it in the toy box. It was not in there. Then I looked for it on the table. It was not there. My teddy bear was by the tub.

 I lost my teddy bear.

500

The woman stood by the bus stop waiting for the bus when a car drove by and splashed muddy water all over her suit and briefcase. 


Where does the woman work or what is her tittle? 

Court/Lawyer 

500

The flowers were begging for water.

Personification 

500

Your sister just rolled out of bed and her hair is sticking up in all different directions.  Your mom says, "well doesn't you hair just look beautiful!"  What is your mom really trying to say?

She is being sarcastic and telling her that it is actually very messy.