The main idea is what the passage or text is mainly about.
100
What is the theme of a story?
The lesson or moral that the author wants us to learn and apply to our own lives.
100
What are two character traits that describe Travis in "Old Yeller"?
Hard-worker, responsible, brave
100
The student strives to get an A on the test. What does "strives" mean?
Works very hard.
100
What is the definition of cite?
To quote something accurately from a text.
200
What is the difference between a main idea and theme?
The main idea is what the story is mostly about. The theme is the moral or lesson of a story.
200
What is a synonym for theme?
Moral or lesson.
200
How would you compare and contrast Nou and the Warriors in "Throwing Fire"?
Nou is clever and small. The warriors are strong and proud.
200
The gymnast was so agile. I was amazed at the graceful way she moved during the floor routine. What does "agile" mean?
Flexible or able to move many ways easily.
200
What is the meaning of delineate?
To describe or explain.
300
What are two things that should be included in the first sentence of a summary?
The name of article, type of writing, the author, a verb, and the main idea.
300
Should your theme be only one word?
No!
300
Why do you analyze a character to determine the theme of a story?
To determine how characters respond to challenges. The main character is usually learning the theme as well.
300
The auditorium looks like it is filled to capacity. I don't think we will find an empty seat. What does "capacity" mean?
The largest amount possible
300
What is the difference between paraphrasing and summarizing?
To paraphrase means to put information from a text into your own words without copying straight from the text; to summarize means to restate the main idea and supporting details of a text.
400
What are two things that should be included in the first sentence of a summary?
The name of article, type of writing, the author, a verb, and the main idea.
400
How can you support your theme?
By using text evidence.
400
List at least five 'positive' character traits.
Open-ended
400
Nina was completely inept at cooking. She seemed to burn everything she tried to cook. What does "inept" mean?
Have little or no skill
400
Define the prefixes "inter", "pre", and "mis".
Inter- between. Pre- before. Mis- bad or wrong.
500
How should you support your summary?
Text evidence and supporting details.
500
What is a universal theme?
A theme that can be applied to every culture, society, and person.
500
List at least five negative character traits.
Open ended.
500
Keep your speech concise to save time. We have many students who need to present their reports. What does "concise" mean?
Brief or short
500
What does it mean to plagiarize?
To take the idea of someone and pass it off as your own.