Quote It Right
What does it mean to “quote accurately” from a text?
To copy the author's exact words with quotation marks
What is the difference between what a text says and what you think?
What the text says is explicit (it is what it is); what you think is your opinion or inference.
What is an inference?
A conclusion you make using clues from the text + your own thinking.
What two things do you need in your answer to meet RL.5.1?
Your explanation + a quote from the text.
True or False: You can change a few words when quoting if it’s easier.
False — you must use the author’s exact words.
If the text says, “The sun had set, and the sky was dark,” what time of day is it?
Evening/night.
The text says, “She slammed the door and stomped away.” What can you infer?
She is angry or upset.
How can you show that your inference is correct?
By backing it up with a quote that supports your idea.
Fix this incorrect quote: The text says Esperanza “was tired and hungry and she wanted to sleep.
Add the missing end quote: Esperanza “was tired and hungry and she wanted to sleep.”
The text says, “Esperanza clutched the doll tightly and didn’t let go.” What does this show?
She felt attached to the doll / it was very important to her.
If the text says, “He looked out the window every five minutes,” what can you infer?
He is waiting for something or someone.
If you say, “The character is brave,” what kind of evidence do you need to prove it?
A quote where the character does something courageous.
Why is it important to quote accurately when answering a question?
To prove your answer with exact evidence from the text.
Find one clue in the text that shows a character is nervous, even if it doesn’t say “nervous.”
Example: “His hands shook as he opened the letter.”
Why do authors sometimes show feelings with actions instead of telling them?
To let the reader infer and feel more engaged with the story.
How do you introduce a quote in your writing? Give an example sentence starter.
Use a phrase like “In the text it says…” or “The author writes…”
hat’s one way to check that you’re explaining exactly what the text says?
Go back and reread the text and compare your answer to the words on the page.
The text says, “Miguel smiled faintly, though his eyes looked sad.” What can you infer about Miguel?
He is pretending to be happy but is really sad inside.