Story Detectives
What is text evidence?
Details or quotations from a text that support an answer.
What is an internal conflict?
A struggle within a character’s thoughts or feelings
Which pronouns commonly signal first-person narration?
I, me, my, we, us.
What are context clues?
Nearby words or sentences that help explain an unfamiliar word.
Correct: “on tuesday, we visited michigan.”
On Tuesday, we visited Michigan.
A character hides a failing test. What trait might that show?
Dishonest, worried, or fearful—with a supporting detail.
A storm destroys a family’s tent. Name the external conflict type.
Character vs. nature.
Which point of view directly addresses the reader as “you”?
Second person.
“The timid kitten hid when visitors arrived.” What does timid mean?
Shy or easily frightened.
Correct: “my favorite subject is science.”
My favorite subject is science.
What is the difference between a topic and a theme?
Topic is what the story is about; theme is a message or lesson.
An author mentions dark clouds before a dangerous storm. Name the technique.
Foreshadowing.
A narrator says “she” and reveals only Maya’s thoughts. Which point of view?
Third-person limited.
“The trail was treacherous, with loose rocks and steep drops.” What does treacherous mean?
Dangerous or unsafe.
Add punctuation: “After lunch we read quietly.”
After lunch, we read quietly.
A character goes from avoiding a bully to speaking up. What changed?
The character became more confident or assertive.
What is the difference between a character trait and a feeling?
A trait is a more lasting quality; a feeling is a temporary emotion.
A narrator shares the private thoughts of two different characters. Which point of view?
Third-person omniscient.
“Unlike her boisterous classmates, Lena was quiet.” What does boisterous mean?
Loud, energetic, or noisy.
Correct: “I studied hard but I forgot my notes.”
I studied hard, but I forgot my notes.
A story follows a child who finds a lost dog and reunites it with its owner. State its main idea.
A child finds a lost dog and helps return it home.
A student wants to tell the truth but fears getting in trouble. Identify the conflict.
Internal conflict: honesty versus fear of consequences.
A narrator starts by distrusting a neighbor but later admires her. What has changed?
The character’s perspective or attitude.
“After hours in the sun, the hikers were parched.” What does parched mean?
Very thirsty or dry.
Is this a complete sentence? “Because the bus arrived late.” Explain
No. It is a fragment; it does not express a complete thought.