Text Evidence and Inference
What does it mean to cite textual evidence?
Using specific details or quotes from the text to support thinking.
What is theme?
The message or lesson of a text.
What are context clues?
Words around a word that help determine meaning.
What is text structure?
How a text is organized.
What is conflict?
The problem in a story.
Marcus clenched his fists and stared at the floor when his name was called.
What detail BEST supports the idea that Marcus is nervous?
clenched his fists” or “stared at the floor”
A character fails many times but keeps trying and succeeds.
Perseverance leads to success.
The desert was arid, with barely any rainfall all year.
What does “arid” mean?
Dry
A text explains a problem (pollution) and gives solutions.
What is the structure?
Problem/Solution
A character struggles to make a difficult decision. What type of conflict?
Internal conflict
The lights flickered, and no one spoke as the door creaked open
What can you infer about the mood AND which phrase supports it?
Mood = suspenseful/scary; Evidence = “lights flickered” or “door creaked”
Which statement BEST represents a theme rather than a topic?
A. Friendship
B. Trust
C. Trust must be earned through honesty
D. Family
C
The child skipped joyfully into the room
What tone is created by the word “joyfully”?
Happy, positive
Why would an author use compare/contrast?
To show similarities and differences.
I couldn’t believe what I saw as I opened the door
What point of view is this?
First person
Lena kept glancing at the clock, tapping her pencil faster each minute. When the bell finally rang, she rushed out of the room without speaking.
What can we infer about Lena, use evidence.
“kept glancing at the clock” (strongest, most direct evidence of urgency/anxiety)
A boy ignores his responsibilities to have fun, but later faces consequences and works hard to fix his mistakes.
What is the BEST theme AND which detail most strongly supports it?
Theme: Actions have consequences
Evidence: “faces consequences and works hard to fix his mistakes”
The coach called the team’s performance “acceptable,” but her tone suggested she expected much more.
What is the connotation of the word “acceptable” in this sentence?
Slightly negative/neutral—it suggests the performance was just okay, not truly good
An article lists reasons to recycle and urges readers to act.
What is the author’s purpose?
To persuade
How would a story change if told in third person instead?
Reader may know more/less depending on narrator; perspective shifts
Darius shrugged and said, “It doesn’t matter,” but his voice cracked and he turned away quickly.
Which detail is the STRONGEST evidence that Darius is hiding his true feelings, and why is it stronger than the other details?
his voice cracked” (because it reveals emotion he is trying to hide, unlike just words or actions alone)
In two different stories, one character forgives a friend after betrayal, while another refuses to forgive and loses the friendship permanently.
How do the authors develop DIFFERENT themes about forgiveness, and what specific outcome supports each theme?
Why would an author use “stomped” instead of “walked”?
To show strong emotion like anger or frustration.
How does using sequence help the reader?
It helps them understand steps or order clearly.
At the beginning of the story, Maya refuses to speak in class. By the end, she volunteers to present her ideas in front of everyone.
What is the BEST evidence that Maya has developed as a character, and what does this change reveal about her?
Evidence: “she volunteers to present her ideas”
Reveals: She has become more confident and willing to take risks