Reading Literature
What is the term for the series of events that make up a story?
Plot
What is the main idea of a text?
What the text is mostly about.
What is a “claim” in argumentative writing?
The writer’s main opinion or position.
What should you do before responding in a discussion?
Listen carefully to what others say.
What is a pronoun?
A word that replaces a noun (he, she, it, they).
What do we call the lesson or message a story teaches?
Theme
What do we call the facts or details that support the main idea?
Supporting details
What do you need to support your claim?
Reasons and evidence.
Give one sentence starter for a respectful disagreement.
“I see your point, but I think…”
What is a reflexive pronoun?
A pronoun that refers back to the subject (myself, yourself).
What point of view uses words like I, me, my?
First Person
In the bat passage:
Many people believe bats are dangerous, but most species are harmless and helpful. Bats eat insects that damage crops and spread disease. In one night, a single bat can eat thousands of mosquitoes, protecting both humans and plants.
What is the central idea?
Bats are helpful and misunderstood.
What is one transition word used to show evidence?
“For example,” “According to,” “Furthermore.”
What does it mean to build on another person’s idea?
Add new information that connects to their point.
Review the sentence:
“The students themselves cleaned the classroom."
What type of pronoun is "themselves"?
An intensive pronoun.
In the story of "The Crossover", Josh misses a basket but tries again. How does he change from beginning to end?
He becomes more confident and determined.
Why is finding the main idea important?
It helps readers understand the author’s main point.
How should an argumentative paragraph be organized?
Claim → Reasons → Evidence → Conclusion
Why is respectful communication important?
It helps everyone feel heard and promotes understanding.
Identify the vague pronoun: “When Maya told Sofia about the game, she was proud.”
“She” (unclear who it refers to).
How does word choice create mood in a story?
It uses imagery or connotation to make the reader feel a certain way (e.g., calm, tense, excited).
What strategy can you use to find a central idea in nonfiction?
Summarize key details and ask “What is the text mostly about?”
Write one strong claim for this topic:
Should schools have year-round sports?
Example: “Schools should have year-round sports because they help students stay active and build teamwork skills.”
A classmate says, “Group projects are unfair.” What’s a respectful response?
“I understand your point, but group projects can teach teamwork if everyone shares roles fairly.”
Fix the vague pronoun in this sentence: “When Maya told Sofia about the game, she was proud.”
“Maya was proud when she told Sofia about the game.”