Reading Comprehension
What is the main idea of a passage?
The main idea is the central point or message the author is trying to convey in the text.
What is the acronym for the writing structure you use to write a paragraph? (Think: What is the order that you write your sentences in?)
R.A.C.E+C.E (Restate, answer, cite evidence #1, explain evidence #1, cite evidence #2, explain evidence #2)
What is an antonym? Give an example using the word “generous.”
An antonym shows the opposite meaning of a word. For example, an antonym for "generous" is "selfish."
What is a metaphor?
A metaphor is a figure of speech that compares two unlike things by saying one is the other, such as "Time is a thief."
What should you do first before reading a passage on the test?
Read the questions first, so that way you know what information/details to pay attention to. Then read the passage.
How can you determine the meaning of an unfamiliar word?
You can use context clues from the surrounding sentences or synonyms, antonyms, roots, etc. to figure out the word’s meaning.
What is the purpose of a thesis statement in an essay?
The thesis statement clearly expresses the main argument or point of the essay and sets the direction for the entire piece.
What is a synonym, and why is it helpful to know when writing?
A synonym is a word that means the same or almost the same as another word. Knowing synonyms helps you avoid repeating words and makes your writing more interesting.
What literary element is shown in this sentence: “The wind whispered through the trees”?
Personification
Which of these words has the most negative connotation?
A) Confident
B) Proud
C) Arrogant
D) Assertive
Arrogant
What is the difference between a fact and an opinion in a text?
A fact is something that can be proven true or false, while an opinion is a personal belief or judgment.
What is a transition word, and why is it important in writing?
A transition word or phrase helps connect ideas between sentences and paragraphs, ensuring that the writing flows smoothly and logically.
In the sentence, "The abandoned house was eerie and silent," what kind of mood does the word “eerie” create?
The word “eerie” creates a creepy or unsettling mood, helping the reader feel the mysterious or scary atmosphere.
What is the conflict in a story?
The conflict is the central struggle or problem that the characters must face and overcome.
What is a strategy for answering questions about vocabulary in context?
Look at the surrounding words or sentences to determine the meaning of the word in context, and choose the answer that fits best.
In a story, how can you identify the author’s purpose?
The author’s purpose can be identified by analyzing the text’s tone, content, and structure, and considering whether the author is trying to inform, persuade, entertain, or express an opinion.
What is the purpose of the concluding sentence in a paragraph, and what should it include?
The concluding sentence wraps up the paragraph by reinforcing the main idea and showing how the evidence supports it. It should not introduce new information but instead leave the reader with a clear understanding of the paragraph’s point.
What is the difference between tone and mood in a story?
Tone is the author’s attitude toward the subject or audience, shown through their word choice and style. Mood is the feeling that the reader experiences while reading the story.
What is an example of either verbal or situational irony?
*Choose one and make sure to label whether its verbal or situational*
Verbal: A student looks out the window at a thunderstorm and says,
"What beautiful weather we're having today!"
Situational: A fire station burns down.
What is the definition of an adverb and adjective?
Adjective describes a noun (person, place, thing, idea)
What does it mean when a passage is described as having a "chronological structure"?
A chronological structure arranges events in the order they happen in time, typically from the beginning to the end of the story or event.
What does it mean to analyze evidence in your writing, and how is it different from just summarizing it?
Analyzing evidence means explaining how the evidence supports your argument or main idea. It goes deeper than summarizing by interpreting the meaning and significance of the evidence rather than just restating what it says.
An author describes a house as “cozy” instead of “small.” What effect does that word choice have on the tone?
It creates a warm, positive feeling instead of a negative one
What’s the difference between the theme and the main idea of a story?
The theme is the underlying message or lesson, while the main idea is what the story is mostly about
In a short story, a boy constantly compares himself to his older brother and feels like he’ll never measure up. Eventually, he learns that he has his own unique strengths and doesn’t need to compete with anyone to feel worthy.
What is a possible theme based on this scenario?
*Teacher approved themes*