Literal Detectives
What is the text about?
(This text is about...)
This text is about orcas and their features, habitat, diet, behaviour, and life cycle.
Why do you think blubber is important for an orca? How do you know?
(We think blubber is important because... We know this because in the text is says...)
Blubber helps keep orcas warm and stores energy. We know this because orcas live in very cold ocean waters.
Find one example of topic-specific vocabulary.
Examples: apex predators, echolocation, dorsal fin, marine mammals, flukes, pods
What is one subheading in the text? What is its purpose?
Example: “Diet” helps the reader find information about what orcas eat.
True or False: Orcas belong to the dolphin family.
True
Why might someone read this text?
(This text is written for... because it is...)
This text is written for someone who wants to learn facts and information about orcas because it is an informative text.
Describe the language features used in the Appearance section.
(Why would this section receive an A?)
The author uses noun groups and topic-specific vocabulary such as “large streamlined bodies,” “powerful flukes,” and “dorsal fin.”
What is a topic sentence?
(A topic sentence is...)
A topic sentence is the first sentence in a paragraph that tells the reader what the paragraph is about.
True or False: Orcas only live in warm oceans.
False
Why is it important for young orcas to learn hunting skills?
(It is important because...)
It is important so they can survive when they grow up and catch their own food.
The text says, “It has a tall dorsal fin and a streamlined body that allows it to move quickly through the water.”
How do the noun groups add meaning to the sentence? (Noun groups add to the sentence by…)
Noun groups add to the sentence by giving more detail about the orca’s body, helping the reader clearly picture what it looks like and understand how these features help it move quickly through the water.
What is the purpose of an introduction?
The introduction hooks the reader in, gives an overview of orcas and tells the reader what the text will be about.
True or False: Orcas hunt together in pods.
True
Explain why teamwork is important for orcas when hunting.
(Teamwork helps...)
Teamwork helps orcas catch prey more effectively and protect one another while hunting.
Explain how language features in the Diet section tell us more about how orcas hunt.
The author uses technical vocabulary and detailed descriptions such as “echolocation,” “trap schools of fish,” and “work together” to explain hunting strategies.
What does an information text need to include? (hint: look at the structure on the learning wall).
It has a title, subheadings, introduction, paragraphs, topic sentences, factual information and a conclusion. It may also have images and captions.
What are some important ideas and details in the text?
(Some important ideas and details from the text include...)
Orcas are intelligent marine mammals, they hunt in pods, use echolocation, live in oceans around the world and are apex predators.
What does echolocation mean in your own words?
(Echolocation means...)
Echolocation means using sound to find or locate things in the water.
Find TWO noun groups in the text and explain how they help the reader understand orcas better.
Examples: “powerful hunting abilities,” “large streamlined bodies.” These noun groups add detail and help readers understand the orca’s appearance and behaviour.
What language features show this is an informative text? (hint: look at the learning wall).
The text includes facts, topic specific vocabulary and formal language.