Context clues
What is a synonym for "brief" in: The meeting was brief, lasting only ten minutes.
Short
The "Main Idea" usually answers: Who or what is the text about?
The Subject/Topic
Define "Central Idea" in one sentence.
The main message or "big picture" of a text
Which POV uses pronouns like I, me, and we?
1st person
Which structure lists events in the order they happened?
Chronological
Identify the POV: She felt nervous, but Mark looked perfectly calm.
second person
Where is the main idea most commonly found in a paragraph?
The first sentence (Topic Sentence)
True or False: The Central Idea is the same as the Topic.
False (Topic is one word, Central Idea is a thought)
In 3rd Person Omniscient, what does the narrator know?
Everything (thoughts/feelings of all characters)
A text explaining why something happened uses this structure.
cause and effect
What does adversity mean? Despite facing great adversity, the team won the trophy.
Hardship/Difficulty
If a paragraph describes the steps to bake a cake, what is the main idea?
The process of baking a cake
What is the central idea of a story about a boy who learns to be brave?
Courage overcomes fear
Identify the POV: Sarah felt nervous, but Mark looked perfectly calm.
3rd Person Objective or Omniscient
This structure highlights similarities and differences.
Compare and Contrast
Define superfluous: The extra decorations were superfluous since the room was already full.
Unnecessary/Extra
How do "supporting details" relate to the main idea?
They prove or explain the main idea
How do you find the central idea in a text without a clear topic sentence?
Look at repeated ideas (body paragraphs) and the conclusion
Why might an author choose a 1st Person POV for a personal essay?
To create a direct connection with the reader
A manual on "How to Build a Robot" uses which structure?
Sequence/Process
Define venerable: The venerable old tree had stood in the park for over two centuries.
Respected/Grand.
Create a main idea sentence for a paragraph about the benefits of recycling.
Recycling helps the planet by reducing waste.
What is the difference between a "Theme" and a "Central Idea"?
Theme is usually for fiction (moral), Central Idea is for non-fiction (main point).
What is "3rd Person Limited" point of view?
Narrator follows only one character's thoughts.
Which structure presents a dilemma and then offers a way to fix it?
Problem and Solution.