Literary Elements & Structure
Define the theme and explain how it is different from the main idea.
Theme is the underlying message or lesson the author wants readers to take away (e.g., friendship, perseverance). It's different from the main idea, which is what the story is mostly about.
What is the main idea of an informational text, and how can you find it?
The main idea is the most important point the author makes. Find it by looking at the title, repeated ideas, first and last sentences, and key supporting details.
Use context clues to define the word “reluctant” in a sentence you write yourself.
Sentence should show clear context.
Example: She was reluctant to enter the haunted house, her hands trembling as she stood frozen at the door.
(Reluctant = hesitant or unwilling)
Name 3 of the 6 Notice & Note signposts. Briefly describe each one.
Any 3 of the following with definitions:
Tough Questions – character asks something deep/important
Aha Moment – character realizes something
Words of the Wiser – older character gives advice
Contrast & Contradiction – character acts out of norm
Again & Again – repetition of ideas, words
Memory Moment – flashback
Explain the first three things you should do when answering a reading comprehension question.
Read the question first
Underline key words
Skim the passage for evidence
Describe how an author might develop a character across a story. What clues can help you identify a dynamic character?
Authors develop characters through actions, dialogue, thoughts, and interactions. A dynamic character changes over time due to experiences or conflict resolution (e.g., a shy student becomes brave after standing up for a friend).
Explain two ways authors structure informational texts and how each helps the reader understand the topic better.
Common structures include:
Compare and Contrast: shows similarities/differences
Cause and Effect: explains reasons and outcomes
Each helps readers organize and understand information better.
Break down the word “disrespectfully.” Identify the prefix, root, and suffix. Explain how each part contributes to its meaning.
Disrespectfully
Prefix: dis- = not
Root: respect = regard or esteem
Suffix: -fully = in a certain way
Together: behaving without regard or politeness
Write about a time a character asked a “Tough Question” in a story. What did this question reveal about the character?
Students should describe a moment when a character asked a difficult question (e.g., “Why did my parents leave me?”), and explain how it shows internal conflict or growth.
What does it mean to “annotate” a reading passage? Why is this helpful during a test?
Annotating = marking up the text with underlines, symbols, and margin notes. It helps you focus and remember where to find answers.
Explain how setting can influence the plot of a story. Use an example from something you've read this year.
The setting can influence the plot by creating conflict (e.g., being stranded during a storm), mood (dark forest = suspense), or motivation (a desert setting can create survival challenges).
Why is it important to consider the author’s purpose when reading an informational text? Give an example.
Author's purpose affects tone, vocabulary, and structure. For example, an author trying to persuade may use emotional language and strong claims, while one informing uses facts and data.
Create a sentence using a synonym for “generous.” Then rewrite the sentence using an antonym.
Synonym sentence: The generous woman gave all her extra food to the shelter.
Antonym sentence: The selfish woman refused to share anything.
Describe an “Aha Moment” from a text you’ve read. What did the character realize, and how did it change their actions?
Example: A character realizes their best friend has been lying. They understand they need to stand up for themselves → this realization causes them to act differently.
What strategy would you use when you come to a question that asks, “Which detail best supports the main idea?” Explain how to find the correct answer.
Strategy:
Read the question
Identify the main idea
Find details that clearly support it
Eliminate weak or off-topic answers
How does the narrator’s point of view affect the way a story is told? Use a 1st-person and 3rd-person example in your explanation.
First-person narration shows the character’s thoughts directly and makes the story personal. Third-person gives a broader view and can be limited or omniscient.
Example: I couldn’t believe what I saw (1st) vs. She couldn't believe what she saw (3rd).
Compare how two different authors might present the same topic with different viewpoints. What should you look for?
Students should mention checking for tone, word choice, structure, and evidence.
Example: One author may present facts objectively; another may use emotionally charged language.
How can knowing Greek or Latin roots help you figure out the meaning of unfamiliar words? Provide one example.
Roots provide clues.
Example: "Chrono" = time → chronological = in time order
If you know “geo” = earth, “geography” = study of the earth
Explain the importance of a “Words of the Wiser” moment. How does it usually connect to the theme?
Explanation should link advice to theme.
Example: Grandma’s advice about forgiveness helped the character let go of anger and led to the theme of healing.
Break down this test question and explain what it's really asking:
“Which sentence from the passage best supports the idea that the character feels out of place?”
What should you look for?
The question wants evidence that shows the character feels out of place.
Students should look for:
Descriptions of discomfort
Isolation
Internal thoughts showing awkwardness or confusion
Read a provided short passage and identify two literary devices the author uses (e.g., foreshadowing, symbolism, flashback). Explain how each contributes to the story's meaning.
Lena stared at the old, worn backpack sitting at the bottom of her closet. It hadn’t moved since her brother left for college six months ago. She ran her fingers over the frayed straps and the patch he had sewn on after their hiking trip last summer.
“You’ll carry this one day too,” he had said with a grin, tossing the bag onto her bed.
Now, her own bags were packed. Tomorrow, she would be starting her first day at a new school in a new city. She had tried to be excited, but the nerves still sat heavy in her chest.
With a deep breath, Lena pulled out her brother’s backpack and slung it over her shoulder. It didn’t make the fear disappear, but somehow, it made her feel ready.
Flashback – The story includes a memory from the past: “You’ll carry this one day too,” her brother had said. This flashback helps the reader understand the emotional connection Lena has with the backpack and her brother. It adds depth to why she chooses to carry it with her.
Symbolism – The backpack symbolizes comfort, courage, and connection to her brother. By choosing to carry it, Lena shows she’s trying to carry her brother’s strength with her as she faces her challenge.
-Maya had been dreaming of this moment for years. First, she completed her astronaut training, spending months in simulators and underwater labs to prepare for space conditions. Next, she trained in zero-gravity chambers to get used to floating in space.
After months of preparation, the big day finally arrived. She boarded the spacecraft with her crew and blasted into orbit. A few hours later, Maya suited up, stepped into the airlock, and floated out into space. The Earth glowed below her, and she smiled as she completed her first spacewalk.
It was a moment she would never forget.
-The students at Oakwood Middle School were proud of their school garden—until weeds started taking over. The vegetables weren't growing properly, and no one wanted to help anymore because it felt like too much work.
To solve the problem, the science teacher assigned teams to manage different parts of the garden. One group pulled weeds, another watered, and a third planted new seeds. Within a few weeks, the garden started to thrive again, and students were excited to harvest fresh vegetables.
Students should identify a difference (e.g., one text is chronological, the other is problem/solution).
Explain how structure or perspective affects clarity, bias, or understanding.
Comprehension Task:
What is the structure of this passage? How do you know?
✅ Answer Key: Chronological. The passage uses time-order transitions (first, next, after) to describe events in the order they happened.
Comprehension Task:
What is the structure of this passage? What clue words or ideas helped you figure it out?
✅ Answer Key: Problem/Solution. The passage presents a problem (weeds and lack of help), then describes a solution (assigning teams to specific tasks). Clue words: “problem,” “to solve the problem,” and the shift in outcome.
Use a high-level vocabulary word from the book The Refugee (like “Catastrophic” or “infuriated”) in 2 different sentences that show you understand its meaning through context, not just by defining it.
Sentences should include word in context, not just define it.
Find a “Contrast and Contradiction” from the book The Refugee.
Response should explain what action or thought contradicts previous behavior and why it matters.
Example: A bully suddenly helping someone → shows possible growth or a hidden side to the character.
Provide an example explaining how you can use Notice & Note signposts to help answer multiple-choice and short-answer reading test questions more effectively.
Use of signposts like “Aha Moments” or “Tough Questions” can help students:
Identify changes in character = theme questions
Spot important thoughts = inference questions
Recognize repetition or wisdom = main idea/supporting detail questions