Define It
What is the setting of a story?
The time/place where the story occurs.
Anything and everything you read in English class (story, poem, book, article, etc.) is called a ______.
text
Marcus walked into class soaking wet and carrying a closed umbrella. Make an inference about what probably happened before Marcus arrived, and what evidence you relied on for your response.
It was raining. Evidence: Marcus's clothing is wet, and he is carrying an umbrella.
Student response: “The character is mean because he makes mean jokes.” Improve this using stronger academic language.
Possible answer: The character is cruel/selfish because ______.
The bell rang. Maya shoved her notebook into her backpack and rushed toward the door. Where is Maya most likely?
At school/class.
What is a conflict in a story?
The main problem or struggle a character faces.
Information directly from the text used to support an answer or idea.
Evidence/Quotes/Textual Evidence
When everyone else left the cafeteria, Ava stayed behind to help a student pick up the books he had dropped. Identify a character trait that describes Ava and support it with evidence.
Ava is considerate/helpful because she stays behind to help the student.
Student response: “I know she was nervous when the teacher sent her to the ramp because I would be nervous too." What's wrong with this evidence?
The student is relying on personal experience and is not quoting words or using evidence from the text.
Andre's hands shook as he unfolded the paper. He took a deep breath before looking at the grade written at the top. How is Andre probably feeling? How do you know?
Andre is likely feeling nervous/anxious because he is shaking his hands.
What does it mean to make an inference?
It means to use evidence from the text plus personal knowledge to make an educated guess about what might happen next, why a character does a certain action, or what something in the text means.
Must include: Who, What, Where, When, Why, and How-- without giving your own opinions.
Objective Summary
Carlos walked into the house holding an empty leash. His eyes were red, and he immediately began calling his dog's name while checking every room.
Question: What can you infer has happened? What specific details support your inference?
Carlos lost his dog and is in panic mode. He might be crying or very tired. Evidence: His eyes are red. He has the leash but not the dog. He is calling the dog's name while checking all over the house.
Student response: “The theme is never give up because the character never gave up.” What's missing?
Textual Evidence or Examples from the text.
💣 BOOM! 💣
💣 Lose 100 💣
💣 BOOM! 💣
💣 Lose 100 points 💣
The life lesson or moral of the story is called the _____.
theme
🎁 YOU FOUND THE GIFT 🎁
300 points for your team!
😈 STEAL 😈
😈 Steal 100 points fom another team 😈
Every afternoon, Sofia watched her grandfather struggle to carry groceries upstairs. One Saturday, she quietly waited downstairs for him. When he arrived, she grabbed two bags and carried them upstairs without being asked. Which character trait BEST describes Sofia? What evidence supports your answer?
Helpful, thoughtful, considerate, caring, etc. Evidence: She helps her grandfather without being asked.
🔄 SWAP 🔄 What makes a summary objective?
It includes the important ideas/events without including personal opinions, judgments, or unnecessary details.
🤑 FREE POINTS 🤑
🤑 Gain 100 points 🤑
Kiara desperately wanted to be accepted by a popular group at school. When they began making fun of her best friend, Kiara laughed along so they would like her. Later, she noticed her friend eating lunch alone and realized what her choice had cost her. State a theme statement that could be supported by this plot.
Possible answers: The desire for popularity can lead people to make choices they regret. / Betraying a true friend just to fit in is not worth it.
Student summary: “The story was about a boy who moved to a new school. He was nervous, met another student, and eventually made a friend. I thought the ending was really cute.” What should be removed to make this an objective summary?
“I thought the ending was really cute” should be removed because it is a personal opinion.
Jayden practiced shooting baskets every afternoon. At first, he missed almost every shot. His friends told him basketball wasn't his sport, but he continued practicing. Months later, Jayden made the school basketball team. What is a possible theme?
Persistence can help people accomplish difficult goals. / Hard work and determination can lead to success.