Inference & Text Evidence
What is a prediction?
A logical conclusion based on text evidence and background knowledge.
True or False: A theme can be stated in a single word like "honesty."
False (that is a topic; a theme must be a complete statement or lesson, e.g., "Honesty builds trust").
Which element of plot is the turning point or peak action of a story?
The climax.
What is an opposite-meaning word called?
An antonym
Which point of view uses pronouns like I, me, and we?
First-person point of view.
Maya checked her watch for the fourth time and tapped her foot against the pavement as the streetlights flickered on.
What can you infer about Maya?
She is impatient, anxious, or waiting for someone/something that is late.
What is a central idea?
The topic/what a story is about - look at the heading, look at pictures, and specific details
What is a conflict in a story?
the problem
Unlike her gregarious sister who loves party crowds, Elena prefers quiet evenings alone.
What does gregarious mean?
Social, outgoing, or friendly.
What is diction?
author's choice of words - informal/formal, slang
What is a synonym for the word prediction that we have used when annotating a selection? (think about the margins in your workbook)
Inference
What is a theme?
The lesson or message the author wants the reader to learn.
What is the difference between an internal conflict and an external conflict?
Internal happens inside a character's mind (decisions/feelings); external is against an outside force (character, nature, society).
What is connotation?
Connotation is the emotional feeling attached to the word.
What is a metaphor?
figure of speech - comparing using "like" or "as"
Leo shoved the crumpled paper into his desk, refusing to look at the red ink at the top.
What evidence proves Leo is upset about his grade?
He "shoved" the paper away and "refused to look at the red ink."
What is the purpose of a summary?
To state the main points of a text without adding personal opinions or feelings.
What is a plot?
sequence of events in a story
Compare the words frugal and stingy. Which one has a negative connotation?
Stingy (implies cheap/mean), whereas frugal implies smart spending.
What is a stanza?
only found in poetry - group of lines
Why is a single quote often not enough to support an inference/prediction?
We require several pieces of evidence to prove a point fully.
A character fails a tryout, practices every day after school, and makes the team next year. What is a likely theme?
Practice makes perfect/never give up
The blustery blizzard knocked out the town's power grid. How does this setting affect the characters?
It creates a struggle for warmth/survival and forces them to adapt to the cold dark.
How does an author’s choice of words create the tone of a passage?
Word choice reveals the author's attitude toward the subject (e.g., using "gloomy" vs. "cozy" sets a different mood/tone).
Why might an author choose to write a story in third person rather than first person?
To give the reader a different perspective (POV)