Central Idea
Text Structures
Prefixes -il & -ir
Pronoun Contractions
Homophones
100

What is the central idea?

Long ago, people had to write letters to communicate with others who lived far away. These letters could take days or even weeks to arrive. Today, people can send messages instantly using cell phones, email, and social media. These tools allow people to share pictures, videos, and ideas in seconds. Communication has changed greatly over time.

Communication has changed and become faster over time.

100

First, people communicated by writing letters. Next, the telegraph was invented, allowing messages to be sent quickly over wires. Then, the telephone made it possible to hear someone’s voice from far away. Finally, smartphones allowed people to text, call, and share information instantly.

Chronological (sequence)

100

Prefixes like il- and ir- are added to the beginning of words to change their meaning. These prefixes usually mean “not.” For example, illegal means “not legal,” and irregular means “not regular.” 

What do the prefixes il- and ir- mean?


Not

100

Which words can be combines into an contraction?

They are going to send a message later today.  

They are + They're
100

_____ going to call their friend later to share the news. They want to make sure the message is clear. 

their / there / they’re

They’re

200

In Nicaragua, children who were deaf were not taught a formal language. When they came together at a new school, they began using simple hand gestures to communicate. Over time, they added more signs and created a full language of their own. This new language helped them share ideas, build friendships, and express their thoughts clearly.

The children created their own language to communicate. 

200

Sending letters in the past could take weeks. However, texting allows people to send messages instantly. Letters required paper and delivery, while texting only needs a phone. Both methods allow communication, but one is much faster than the other.

Compare and contrast

200

The pattern in the message was irregular. It did not follow the same pattern each time and was difficult to predict. 

What does irregular mean?


Not regular

200

It is important to respond to messages quickly. Writers often use contractions to make writing sound more natural. 

What is the contraction for it is?


It’s

200

I want to send a message _____ so my friend knows I agree. It is important to respond quickly. 

to / too / two

too

300

Before the printing press was invented, books had to be copied by hand. This made books rare and expensive. When the printing press was created, it allowed many copies of books to be made quickly. As a result, more people could read and learn new information. This invention changed how knowledge was shared.

The printing press made it easier to share knowledge.

300

Because the telegraph was invented, people could send messages across long distances quickly. This invention helped businesses share information faster. It also allowed news to spread more quickly than ever before.

Cause and effect

300

The directions were unclear and illogical. They did not make sense, so the students were confused about what to do. 

What does illogical mean?


Not illogical

300

We are learning how to communicate clearly in class. Using contractions can make our writing shorter and smoother. 

We are learning how to communicate clearly in class. Using contractions can make our writing shorter and smoother.

We’re

300

_____ message was easy to understand. You explained your ideas clearly. 

your / you’re

your

400

The invention of the radio allowed people to hear news and entertainment from faraway places. Families often gathered together to listen to programs in their homes. Radio helped people stay informed about events happening around the world. It also brought people together through shared experiences.

Radio changed how people received information and entertainment.

400

A smartphone is a small, portable device that fits in your hand. It can send messages, take photos, play music, and connect to the Internet. Smartphones allow people to communicate in many different ways. They are an important part of everyday life.

Description

400

The connection was interrupted, and the signal became irregular. Because of this, the message was hard to understand.

Which word means “not regular”?


 

irregular

400

They have finished sending their messages. When we combine these words, we create a contraction.

What is the contraction?


They’ve

400

Come _____ so you can hear the announcement. The teacher is about to share important information.

hear / here  

here

500

The Internet connects computers all over the world and allows people to communicate quickly. People can send emails, video chat, and share information instantly. The Internet also gives people access to a large amount of knowledge through websites and search engines. Today, it is one of the most important tools for communication.

The Internet allows people to communicate and access information quickly.

500

In the past, people relied on letters and telegraphs to communicate. Over time, new inventions like the telephone and the Internet made communication faster and easier. Today, people can send messages instantly from almost anywhere. These changes show how communication has developed over time.

Chronological OR Compare & Contrast

500

It is illegal to use someone else’s phone without permission. This means it is not allowed by the rules or laws.

What does the word "illegal" mean?

Not legal

500

Its going to be a busy day. Writers must be careful to use the correct contraction when writing sentences. 

Fix the error.

It’s going to be a busy day.

500

Please _____ your response on the paper. Make sure your answer is clear and complete.

right / write

write