Central Ideas & Big Picture
What do we call the main message or point an author wants the reader to understand?
Central idea / thesis
What does author’s purpose explain?
Why the author wrote the text
What is the main job of evidence in a text?
To support the author’s claim
What text structure shows similarities and differences between ideas?
Compare and contrast
What do we call the main claim an author makes in a text?
Thesis statement
What should a strong summary always include?
The most important ideas from the entire text
If an author uses language like “the study overlooks key data” or “these findings are questionable,” what tone is being created?
Critical
Why is evidence that only “sounds good” sometimes incorrect?
It doesn’t directly prove the claim
Why do authors use examples in informational texts?
To clarify or support ideas
What is the intended audience?
The group of people the author is writing for
Why is a summary that focuses on only one paragraph weak?
It is too narrow
If an author highlights benefits and positive outcomes using words like “effective,” “improved,” or “successful,” what tone is being created?
Positive
What makes evidence strong?
It directly and clearly supports the idea
What is the main purpose of a transition?
To connect ideas smoothly
What does the term message mean in a text?
The underlying idea or meaning the author communicates
Which of the following should NOT appear in a summary?
Your opinion
What is the difference between tone and purpose?
Tone is the author’s attitude; purpose is the reason for writing
Claim:
Technology has changed how people communicate.
Which is the BEST evidence?
A. Many people rely on phones in their daily lives.
B. People communicate differently than they did in the past.
C. People now send messages instantly to others across long distances.
C. People now send messages instantly to others across long distances.
Read the sentences below:
The author explains how technology makes communication faster.
_____ this convenience, some people feel less connected in real life.
Which transition BEST fits?
A. For example
B. As a result
C. However
D. In addition
C — However
What are print features?
Text elements like headings, bold words, captions, and subheadings
What is something you should never do in a summary?
Add new ideas that were not in the text
Claim (Thesis):
Living alone does not automatically lead to loneliness.
Which piece of evidence BEST supports this claim?
A. Many people live alone in large cities and that can be lonely.
B. Some researchers believe loneliness is a growing issue.
C. Studies show people who live alone often maintain active social lives.
C. Studies show people who live alone often maintain active social lives.
What should you always check before choosing a piece of evidence?
That it directly matches the claim
Which organizational structure would BEST fit a text that explains a problem and then offers ways to fix it?
A. Chronological
B. Compare and contrast
C. Description
D. Problem–solution
D. Problem–solution
What are graphic features?
Visual elements like charts, graphs, diagrams, or images that support the text