CENTRAL IDEAS (RI.8.2)
What is a central idea?
The idea the author wants to communicate.
What does it mean to make a connection in an informational text?
To show how ideas, events, or people are related.
What is the job of a topic sentence?
To introduce the main idea of a paragraph.
What is a claim?
A statement the author believes or argues.
What does “analyze” mean?
To examine something closely.
How can a reader find the central idea of a text?
By noticing repeated ideas and key details.
Name one type of connection authors use.
Cause and effect, comparison, or contrast.
What do supporting sentences do?
They explain or give evidence for the main idea.
What makes evidence strong?
It directly supports the claim.
What does “refine” mean?
To make something clearer or more precise.
What is the difference between a topic and a central idea?
A topic is what the text is about; a central idea explains what the author says about it.
Why do authors compare two ideas or events?
To help readers understand similarities or differences.
What is a refinement sentence?
A sentence that adds clarity or deepens the main idea.
What is irrelevant evidence?
Information that is interesting but does not support the claim.
What does “objective” mean?
Based on facts, not opinions.
Why is an objective summary important?
It explains the text without opinions or personal feelings.
How does connecting past events to present ideas help the reader?
It shows why the information still matters.
Why might an author repeat a phrase in a paragraph?
To emphasize an important idea.
What is insufficient evidence?
Evidence that is too weak or vague to prove the claim.
What does “distinction” mean?
A difference between ideas or things.
What should be included in an objective summary?
The central idea and the most important supporting details.
Why is it important to analyze both connections and distinctions?
It helps readers understand the author’s message more deeply.
How does paragraph structure help develop meaning?
It organizes ideas so the message is clear and strong.
Why is it important to evaluate evidence?
To decide if an argument is convincing and trustworthy.
What does “evaluate” mean?
To judge the quality or effectiveness of something.