Reading Skills
Explain what a main idea is and how it differs from a topic.
A main idea is the central message of a text; a topic is the subject.
What is the difference between a protagonist and an antagonist?
The protagonist is the main character; the antagonist opposes them.
Name the three main purposes authors write texts.
To inform, persuade, or entertain.
Identify the verb: She quickly ran to class.
Ran.
Revise the sentence to correct the run-on:
The students finished the essay they turned it in before the bell rang.
The students finished the essay, and they turned it in before the bell rang.
What does it mean to make an inference?
Making an inference means using clues from the text plus prior knowledge to draw a conclusion.
Name two ways setting can impact a story.
Setting can influence mood, conflict, character behavior, or plot events.
What is tone, and how is it different from mood?
Tone is the author’s attitude; mood is how the reader feels.
What makes a sentence complex?
A complex sentence has an independent clause and at least one dependent clause.
Revise the sentence to clarify the pronoun reference:
When Maria talked to Ana about the project, she was confused.
When Maria talked to Ana about the project, Maria was confused.
Why is text evidence important when answering reading questions?
Text evidence supports answers and proves ideas are based on the text, not opinions.
List the main types of conflict found in literature.
Character vs. self, character vs. character, character vs. society, character vs. nature, character vs. fate/technology.
What does it mean for a text to be biased?
Bias means the author shows a one-sided perspective or favors a particular viewpoint.
Choose the correct verb: Yesterday, she ___ to practice. (go/went)
Went.
Revise the sentence to correct the misplaced modifier:
Running down the hallway, the backpack fell from his shoulder.
Running down the hallway, he dropped his backpack.
What is the difference between theme and summary?
A theme is a message or lesson; a summary retells events.
Identify the type of figurative language: "The classroom was a zoo."
Metaphor.
Name the three most common points of view.
First person, second person, third person.
Where should the comma go: After the game we celebrated?
After the game, we celebrated.
Revise the sentence to correct all errors:
After reading the article the students they discussed it in class.
After reading the article, the students discussed it in class.
What is an author’s claim, and how is it supported?
An author’s claim is the main argument or position the author is making; it is supported with reasons and evidence.
What is symbolism, and why do authors use it?
Symbolism is when an object, action, or idea represents something deeper; authors use it to add meaning.
How does connotation affect tone?
Connotation is the emotional or cultural meaning of a word, which influences tone.
Explain the difference between a run-on sentence and a fragment.
A run-on incorrectly joins complete sentences; a fragment is missing a subject or verb.
Choose the best revision to improve organization and flow:
Writing takes practice. Students improve over time.
A. Writing takes practice students improve over time.
B. Writing takes practice; as a result, students improve over time.
C. Writing takes practice, for example students improve over time.
D. Writing takes practice although students improve over time.
B. Writing takes practice; as a result, students improve over time.