Text Evidence
What does it mean to "cite text evidence"?
It means to quote or paraphrase information directly from the text to support your answer.
What does the word context mean in “context clues”?
It means the words and sentences around a word that help you figure out its meaning.
What are the three main purposes an author might have? (PIE)
Persuade, Inform, Entertain.
What is a central idea?
The main point or most important idea in a nonfiction text.
What is a simile?
A comparison using like or as (e.g., “She was as fast as lightning.”)
Read this sentence: “Maria ran faster than she ever had before, her heart pounding.” What can you infer about Maria?
She is likely running from something or is in a hurry; she may be afraid or trying to escape.
Read the sentence: “The abandoned house was eerie, with creaking floors and shadows in every corner.” What does eerie mean?
Eerie means spooky or scary.
If an author uses a serious and respectful tone, what is their likely purpose?
To inform or explain something serious or important.
What is the difference between central idea and theme?
Central idea is for nonfiction and is based on facts. Theme is for fiction and is a message or lesson.
What is the difference between a metaphor and a simile?
A simile uses like or as; a metaphor says one thing is another (e.g., “He is a rock.”)
When a question asks you to support your answer with evidence, what should you do?
Find a quote, phrase, or sentence in the text that directly supports your answer and explain how it connects.
If you don’t know a word’s meaning, what clues can you use to figure it out?
Use context clues like definitions, examples, synonyms, antonyms, or tone in the sentence or paragraph.
How can you tell if an author is being sarcastic?
The author uses exaggeration, mocking tone, or says the opposite of what they really mean.
What is a common theme found in many stories?
Friendship, courage, honesty, overcoming obstacles, etc.
Identify the personification in this sentence: “The wind howled through the trees.”
“The wind howled through the trees” – The wind is given the human action of howling.
Why is it important to include a quote from the passage when answering a question?
Because it proves your answer and shows that you understood and can back it up with the text.
Identify the meaning of reluctant in the sentence: “He was reluctant to leave, glancing back at the door one last time.”
Reluctant means unwilling or hesitant.
Why is it important to understand an author’s purpose when reading nonfiction?
Because it helps you understand why the text was written and what the author wants the reader to think, feel, or do.
How do details in a story help develop its theme?
They show how the characters grow or what problems they face, which reveals the story’s message or lesson.
What is imagery, and how does it help the reader?
Imagery uses sensory details (sight, sound, taste, touch, smell) to create a picture in the reader’s mind.
Read the passage. What claim is made by the author, and what sentence best supports that claim?
Claim: Spending time outdoors improves a person’s health.
Text evidence: “According to recent studies, people who spend at least 30 minutes a day outside experience lower levels of stress and improved concentration.”
Read the passage. What does the word meticulous mean in the passage, and how do you know?
Meticulous means very careful and precise. I know this because the passage says Jamie adjusted her goggles multiple times and made sure her toes were perfectly aligned, showing she was paying close attention to small details.
Read the passage. What is the author’s tone in this passage? How do the word choices help create that tone?
Tone: Concerned but hopeful. The author uses words like “harm,” “good news,” and “you can help” to show concern about pollution but also to encourage action and make the reader feel empowered to make a difference.
Read the passage. What is the central idea?
The central idea is that Malik shows perseverance by trying again even after failing.
Read the passage. What literary devices are used in this passage, and what effect do they have on the tone?
The passage uses personification (“The sun yawned... stretching golden arms”), simile (“dewdrops... like tiny diamonds”), and imagery (describing the sights and smells). These create a calm, optimistic tone that makes the setting feel peaceful and full of possibility.