Hunt for Clues
What is a "context clue"?
A hint in the text that helps define an unknown word.
What does it mean to "preview" a text before reading? (One sentence)
To look over text features quickly to get an idea of the topic and structure before reading.
When answering a multiple-choice question, why is it helpful to cross out wrong answers? (One sentence)
It narrows choices so you can focus on the most likely correct answer.
What does "text evidence" mean? (One sentence)
Proof from the text (words or details) used to support an answer.
Read the sentence: "The arid desert had few plants." Which word is a clue that tells you what "arid" means?
"arid" clue = "desert" or "few plants"
Name two things you can look at when previewing a book or article.
Look at title, headings, pictures, captions, table of contents, bold words.
For the question "What did Mia do after school?" choices: A) Wrote a story B) Played soccer C) Ate breakfast D) Slept. Which choice would you cross out first and why?
Cross out C) Ate breakfast (breakfast is unlikely after school).
If a question asks "Why did Sam cry?" what should you do to find the answer in the text?
Reread the part about Sam and underline sentences that explain why (look for feelings, actions, events).
Give one strategy you can use to figure out the meaning of an unknown word when reading.
Strategies: use context clues, look at word parts (prefix/suffix), consult a dictionary, reread surrounding sentences.
You see a chapter title "The Big Storm", a map, and a list of dates. What predictions can you make before reading? Give two predictions.
Predictions: The storm will cause damage; characters must find shelter; dates/map suggest a timeline or places affected.
A question asks the main idea of a paragraph about recycling. The choices are: A) How recycling helps the planet B) My trip to the zoo C) Favorite ice cream flavors D) Types of pets. Which two choices would you cross out and why?
Cross out B and D because they are unrelated to recycling.
Read: "Lina wore a heavy coat and shivered all morning." Question: What evidence supports that Lina was cold? Write the exact phrase from the sentence.
Exact phrase: "wore a heavy coat and shivered"
Identify the clue in this sentence that helps you understand "reluctant": "She was reluctant to jump into the cold water, so she waited." Explain what the clue shows.
Clue = "so she waited" → shows she did not want to jump; reluctant = unwilling or hesitant.
Show three quick questions you would ask after previewing an informational article about honeybees to help focus your reading.
Questions: What are honeybees' jobs? How do bees make honey? Why are bees important to plants?
Read this short passage: "Carlos practiced piano every day, and in six months he performed in a recital." Question: What does the passage mainly show? Choices: A) Carlos loves music B) Carlos is a fast runner C) Carlos enjoys math D) Carlos hates practice. Which answers do you cross out and why? Explain your thinking with text clues.
Cross out B and C and D; text mentions "practiced piano" and "performed" → A fits.
Short paragraph: "Every evening, Mark fed the stray cat and left a blanket on the porch. Over time, the cat sat on the blanket and purred." Question: What evidence shows that the cat started to trust Mark? Quote or paraphrase two details from the paragraph.
Evidence: "fed the stray cat" and "left a blanket on the porch" and "the cat sat on the blanket and purred."
Read this short sentence: "The ancient ruins were dilapidated; stones lay in heaps, and vines covered the walls." List two clues that help you know what "dilapidated" means and explain how each clue helps.
"stones lay in heaps" and "vines covered the walls" → indicate broken, falling apart, or worn-down.
Explain how previewing a fiction story (looking at the cover, title, and chapter names) can help you find the main idea while you read. Give one specific example.
Previewing helps set expectations; e.g., a cover showing a castle and the title "Lost Crown" predicts a story about a search for a crown — helps focus on character quests and setting details
Give a step-by-step explanation (3 steps) of how you would eliminate wrong answer choices when a question asks for an inference (a guess based on clues). Use an example inference about a character who cleans up after storms.
Steps: 1) Reread question and underline clues. 2) Eliminate choices that don't match clues. 3) Choose the best remaining answer and find evidence in text. Example: If a character cleans after storms, infer they care for their neighborhood; eliminate answers that don't match caring or responsibility.
Read this mini-passage: "During the drought, the river slowed to a trickle. Farmers watched crops wilt and trucks brought water in tanks to fields." Question: Use two pieces of text evidence to explain how the drought affected the town's farming. Be specific.
Evidence: "river slowed to a trickle" and "crops wilt" and "trucks brought water in tanks" — explains less water, harmed crops, and need for transported water.