Definitions
Apply Vocabulary
Central Idea
Genre Frame
Theme
100

What is a change maker? 

A person who takes action to solve a social problem. 

100

Give an example of a change maker and why.

Answers will vary. 

100

Many people enjoy spending time in nature, whether it’s hiking through the forest, sitting by a lake, or simply walking in a park. Being outdoors can help reduce stress and improve mood. Scientists have found that spending time outside also boosts creativity and helps people focus better. For these reasons, more schools are including outdoor learning activities in their curriculum.

What is the main idea of this passage?

The main idea is that spending time outdoors has many benefits for people’s mental health and learning.

100

What is the part of the text that tells what the whole text is about?

Main Idea/Central Idea

100

In a small village, a young girl named Maya always helped her neighbors, sharing food and kindness even when she had little for herself. When a big storm damaged many homes, the villagers came together to rebuild, inspired by Maya’s generosity. Through their teamwork and care, the village became stronger than before.

What is the theme of this passage?

The theme is that kindness and helping others can bring people together and make a community stronger.

200

Define Liberation.

The act of setting somone free from imprisonment or oppression. 

200

How can sabotage be used in a story?

Answers will vary.

200

The city library is more than just a place to borrow books. It offers free workshops, computer access, and quiet study spaces. Recently, the library started a program to help adults learn new skills like coding and resume writing. This program has helped many people find better jobs and improve their lives. Libraries continue to be important community centers in many neighborhoods.

What is the main idea of this passage?

The main idea is that libraries provide important services and programs that support the community beyond lending books.

200

Example: “Climate change is causing sea levels to rise.” What is this sentence’s purpose?

To provide a fact or main idea. 

200

Jack loved playing soccer but was afraid to try out for the school team because he worried about failing. His coach encouraged him to practice every day and believe in himself. Over time, Jack’s confidence grew, and he made the team. He learned that facing fears and working hard can lead to success.

What is the theme of this passage?

The theme is that courage and perseverance help overcome fear and achieve goals.

300

What is a biography versus an autobiography? 

A biography is an account of someone's life written by another person whereas an autobiography was written by the same person. 

300

Give an example of a norm in our classroom. 

Anything from our non negotiables, hand signals, etc. 

300

Passage:
Deserts might seem lifeless at first glance, but many plants and animals have adapted to survive in these harsh conditions. Cacti store water in their thick stems, and some animals are nocturnal, meaning they are active at night when it’s cooler. These adaptations help desert life thrive despite extreme heat and limited water. Understanding these survival strategies can teach us about resilience and adaptation in nature.

What is the main idea of this passage?

The main idea is that plants and animals have special adaptations that help them survive in desert environments.

300

What are some figurative language techniques of poetry?

Metaphor, Simile, Allusion, Hyperbole, Onomatopoeia, etc. 

300

Lila found an injured bird and cared for it until it could fly again. Even though it was hard work and took time, she never gave up. When the bird finally flew away, Lila felt proud and realized that patience and dedication are important in helping others.

What is the theme of this passage?

The theme is that patience and dedication are valuable when helping others and achieving goals.

400

What is ingenuity?

Skill or cleverness. 

400

What are some reasons someone might choose to be a hermit?

Answers will vary. 

400

Passage:
Volunteering can benefit both the community and the volunteer. People who volunteer often feel happier and more connected to those around them. Volunteering at local shelters, food banks, or community gardens helps improve neighborhoods and provides support for those in need. Many organizations rely on volunteers to carry out important work, showing how teamwork can make a positive difference.

What is the main idea of this passage?

The main idea is that volunteering helps communities and also benefits the volunteers personally.

400

This is the person or animal who is the main lead in a fictional story.

Protagonist.

400

A group of friends decided to explore a forest despite warnings about getting lost. When they did get lost, they stayed calm and worked together to find their way home safely. Their adventure taught them the importance of teamwork and trusting each other.

What is the theme of this passage?

The theme is that teamwork and trust are essential in overcoming challenges.

500

Define optimistic versus pessimistic. 

Optimistic is feeling confident and hopeful about the future or outcome of something. Pessimistic is tending to see the worst aspects of things or believe the worst will happen. 

500

Discuss the symbolism of looming in literature.

Answers will vary: creates suspense, conveys a sense of foreboding, and represents an approaching, often uncontrollable, force. The image of something large and indistinct appearing on the horizon or from the darkness serves as a metaphor for an inevitable threat, challenge, or psychological burden. 

500

Read the passage below and identify the main idea.

Passage:
Electric cars are becoming more popular because they offer an environmentally friendly alternative to traditional gasoline vehicles. These cars run on batteries and produce no tailpipe emissions, which helps reduce air pollution. While electric cars can be more expensive upfront, they often cost less to maintain and operate over time. As technology improves, electric cars are expected to become even more affordable and widespread.

What is the main idea of this passage?

The main idea is that electric cars are a cleaner, more affordable alternative to gasoline cars and are becoming more popular.

500

How do genre frames help in understanding texts?

Answers will vary; Genre frames help in understanding texts by providing a roadmap of expectations based on established conventions of structure, style, and purpose. This mental framework helps readers and writers process, interpret, and predict information more efficiently by activating prior knowledge. 

500

Tommy loved to draw but was often teased by classmates for being different. Instead of giving up, he kept practicing and sharing his art. Over time, others admired his creativity, and Tommy learned to be proud of what makes him unique.

What is the theme of this passage?

The theme is that embracing your uniqueness and staying true to yourself leads to confidence and respect.