Central Idea/Theme
What is theme?
The main message the author wants the character/reader to learn.
What are the parts of a story?
Characters, setting, plot (events)
What is Point of View?
Who is telling the story: first or third person
Sometimes people have customs of wearing special clothing for certain occasions. Which detail from the story best connects to this idea?
A. Dadima shows the girls the saris that she wore on important days in her life.
B. Dadima helps the girls put on saris so they can look more like her.
C. Dadima explains how saris are helpful and can be used to stay comfortable.
D. Dadima tells the girls that her own grandmother’s grandmother also wore saris.
A. Dadima shows the girls the saris that she wore on important days in her life.
What is central idea?
In nonfiction: what the text is mostly about
What is the conflict and resolution?
The problem in the story and how it was solved.
Molly strains for an apple just out of reach and—CRASH— tumbles, dizzy, to the ground. It feels like a bobcat has wrapped his paws around her leg. But it’s not a bobcat. It’s Sam, her messy little cousin who lives next door.
In paragraph 3 of the story, whose thoughts are being shown?
A. Sam’s
B. Molly’s
C. Dad’s
D. Mom’s
B. Molly’s
Maya practiced her speech every day after school. Even when she was tired, she stood in front of the mirror and spoke clearly and proudly.
Which detail shows why Maya kept practicing?
A) She liked standing in front of the mirror.
B) She wanted to be ready for her speech.
C) She had extra free time.
D) She needed something to do after school.
B) She wanted to be ready for her speech.
How do we figure out the central idea?
By looking at headings, visuals, first and last sentence and repeated words.
Sophia’s bike tire went flat on the way to school. She walked her bike to a repair shop and got it fixed quickly.
How was Sophia's problem solved?
A) Sophia’s bike tire went flat.
B) She walked her bike to a repair shop.
C) She was on her way to school.
D) She got it fixed quickly.
B) She walked her bike to a repair shop.
Jacob was sitting on the porch, staring at the rain. He felt lonely, unsure of what to do with his weekend now that all his plans had been canceled. The storm outside matched his mood perfectly, and he couldn’t shake the feeling of disappointment.
What is Jacob’s perspective in this passage?
A) He feels lonely and disappointed.
B) He feels angry about the rain.
C) He feels happy to have a quiet weekend.
D) He feels excited to spend the weekend indoors.
A) He feels lonely and disappointed.
Every sound is made by vibrations. Place your fingertips lightly on the front of your throat. Say or shout a few words. Feel the tiny, quick, shaking movements? That is the vibration of the vocal cords in your throat. It makes the sound of your voice.
What question does paragraph 3 help to answer?
A How do ears take in sounds?
B What do eardrums do?
C How do noises travel?
D What do sounds feel like?
D What do sounds feel like?
A New Community Garden"
The empty lot at the corner of Maple Street had been filled with trash for years. One day, a group of neighbors decided to clean it up. They picked up garbage, planted flowers, and built small vegetable beds. Soon, the lot became a colorful, lively place where people gathered to grow food and spend time together. It showed how a group of people working together could turn something forgotten into something beautiful.
What is the theme of the passage?
A. Trash should be thrown away properly to keep streets clean.
B. Neighbors working together can improve their community.
C. Growing vegetables is an easy hobby for everyone.
D. Flowers make a neighborhood look nice.
B. Neighbors working together can improve their community.
The sun beat down on the desert sand, and every step felt heavier than the last. Jack searched for shade but found only cactus and rocks.
How does the setting make it harder for Jack?
A) He found lots of shade.
B) The sand was cool under his feet.
C) The hot sun made walking difficult.
D) The desert was filled with rivers.
C) The hot sun made walking difficult.
Liam was walking through the hallway when he noticed his friend, Mia, sitting alone at lunch. He felt a pang of worry in his chest as he remembered how upset she had been yesterday. He wasn’t sure what to say, but he knew he had to check on her.
What is Liam’s perspective in this passage?
A) He is unconcerned and uninterested in Mia’s feelings.
B) He is concerned about Mia and wants to help.
C) He is upset with Mia for being upset.
D) He feels relieved that Mia is no longer upset.
B) He is concerned about Mia and wants to help.
After the heavy rain, the river overflowed and flooded nearby fields. Farmers worked quickly to protect their crops from the rising water.
Which detail shows the cause of the flooding?
A) After the heavy rain, the river overflowed.
B) The river flooded nearby fields.
C) Farmers worked quickly to protect their crops.
D) Crops were near the rising water.
A) After the heavy rain, the river overflowed.
How Bees Help Plants
Bees do more than just make honey. As they fly from flower to flower, they move pollen. This helps plants grow fruits, seeds, and new flowers. Without bees, many plants would not be able to make the food that people and animals need. Bees are a small but important part of keeping nature healthy.
What is the central idea of the passage?
A. Bees are helpful because they make honey.
B. Bees are important because they help plants grow.
C. Plants can grow without bees.
D. Bees like to visit colorful flowers.
B. Bees are important because they help plants grow.
Samantha had always dreamed of becoming a doctor. Despite her family's financial struggles, she worked long hours at a local restaurant, saving every penny she could. Her determination to help others fueled her decision to study medicine, even when the road seemed difficult.
What does the passage show about Samantha?
A) She wants to prove her worth to her family.
B) She wants to earn a high salary.
C) She is determined to help others.
D) She enjoys the challenge of difficult tasks.
C) She is determined to help others.
Sometimes, though, when Stephanie was with other friends, she ignored Rosa or treated her like a little kid, even though they were the same age. Rosa and Stephanie had played together since they were babies, but sometimes Stephanie didn’t act like a friend.
In paragraph 3, what is most likely the narrator’s point of view of Stephanie?
A.) Stephanie likes to talk with many people on the bus.
B.) Sometimes Stephanie acts younger than she really is.
C.) Stephanie likes to stay friends with people for a long time.
D.) Sometimes Stephanie acts in a mean way toward a friend.
D.) Sometimes Stephanie acts in a mean way toward a friend.
Paragraph 5: The ocean is home to an incredible variety of marine life. From the tiny plankton to the massive blue whale, the ocean supports ecosystems that are essential to life on Earth. These creatures have adapted in fascinating ways to survive in their underwater world.
Paragraph 6: For example, some species of fish have evolved the ability to blend into their surroundings with camouflage. Others, like the anglerfish, use bioluminescence to attract prey in the dark depths of the ocean.
How does Paragraph 5 connect to Paragraph 6? Use two details from the passage to support your response.
Response:
Paragraph 5 introduces the idea that the ocean is home to a wide variety of marine life, including creatures that have adapted in unique ways to survive in their environment. In Paragraph 6, the author provides specific examples of these adaptations, such as how some fish use camouflage to blend into their surroundings and how the anglerfish uses bioluminescence to attract prey. These details directly support the idea in Paragraph 5 that marine creatures have fascinating survival strategies.