Academic Vocabulary
What is the main message of the big idea in a story, poem, or text? It's what the author wants you to think about or learn, like friendship, courage, or overcoming challenges.
What is a Theme
Jamal failed his math test even after studying hard. Instead of giving up, he asked his teacher for help and practiced every day. By the next test, he scored an A. His effort showed that setbacks can lead to growth.
Question: What is the purpose of this passage?
A. To describe a math test
B. To show how Jamal gave up
C. To explain how adversity can lead to improvement
D. To compare two students
C. To explain how adversity can lead to improvement
Read: The current journey along the National Millennium Trail takes the mushers over mountains (the Kuskokwim and Alaska ranges), through dense forests and across frozen rivers (the Yukon for 150 miles), the Norton Sound pack ice, and desolate tundra.
The word desolate comes from the Latin word desolatus, which means “leave alone” or “desert.” Based on this information, what is most likely true about the mushers as they travel across the tundra?
A. They try to get out of certain places quickly
B. They do not encounter other people.
C. They try to stay relatively close together.
D. They do their best not to harm nature.
They do not encounter other people.
The information about the Latin word desolatus and the context in which the word "desolate" is used in the sentence from the text suggest that the tundra is deserted or uninhabited. People would be very unlikely to encounter others when traveling through an uninhabited area.
Origami came from Japan. Children in Japan learn how to do origami from their parents. They practice each fold and are very careful to crease every layer so that it is exactly in the right place. One of the most famous origami birds is the paper crane. It is a Japanese belief that if you fold a thousand paper cranes, you will have good health and happiness.
What is the central idea of the paragraph?
A. Japanese children are the only ones who do origami.
B. Origami originated in Japan.
C. Origami requires you to make a thousand cranes.
D. Origami is a hobby that focuses on birds.
B. Origami originated in Japan.
Read the following sentence.
Choose the demonstrative pronoun from the list of pronouns below that BEST completes the sentence.
Sentence:
___ were the documents referenced in the court ruling, and they contain critical evidence.
Choose one (1) option.
A. It
B. Whom
C.Those
D. Yours
A. Those
What is the way someone sees or understands something in writing? It's the point of view or opinion of the narrator or character.
What is perspective
Jamal failed his math test even after studying hard. Instead of giving up, he asked his teacher for help and practiced every day. By the next test, he scored an A. His effort showed that setbacks can lead to growth.
What detail supports the purpose?
A. Jamal failed his test
B. He asked for help and practiced
C. He studied hard
D. He liked math
B. He asked for help and practiced
Read: The word volunteer comes from the Latin word voluntarius, meaning “willing” or “of one’s free will.” Based on this information, what is most likely true about the volunteers?
A. They were forced to help
B. They helped because they were paid
C. They chose to help freely
D. They were assigned by the government
C. They chose to help freely
Read:
Rosa Parks refused to give up her seat on a bus in Montgomery, Alabama, in 1955. Her quiet protest became a powerful symbol in the Civil Rights Movement. Her actions inspired others to stand up against unfair laws. Rosa Parks is remembered for her courage and impact on history.
What is the central idea of the paragraph?
A. Rosa Parks was a bus driver.
B. Rosa Parks helped change history through her protest.
C. Rosa Parks was arrested for speaking loudly.
D. Rosa Parks worked with Martin Luther King Jr.
B. Rosa Parks helped change history through her protest.
Read the following sentence.
Choose the demonstrative pronoun from the list of pronouns below that BEST completes the sentence.
Sentence:
___ is the kind of behavior that leads to misunderstandings in group projects.
Options:
A. This
B. They
C. She
D. That
Answer is: This
What is the effect of changing something has? In reading or history, it's how an event, action, or idea influences people or situations.
When Maya moved to a new city, she felt lonely and missed her old friends. She joined a local art club and slowly made new connections. Now, she looks forward to every meeting. Her courage helped her overcome isolation.
Question:
What is the purpose of this passage?
A. To explain how art clubs work
B. To show how Maya overcame loneliness
C. To describe a new city
D. To list hobbies
B. To show how Maya overcame loneliness
Read:
The philosopher’s argument was both profound and nuanced, challenging listeners to think deeply about justice and morality. His ideas were not simple, but layered with meaning and open to interpretation.
The word nuanced comes from the French word nuance, meaning “a slight difference or shade.” Based on this information, what is most likely true about the philosopher’s ideas?
A. They were basic and easy to understand
B. They had many subtle and complex parts
C. They were repeated often
D. They were unrelated to real life
B. They had many subtle and complex parts
Read:
Photosynthesis is the process plants use to make their own food. They take in sunlight, water, and carbon dioxide, and produce oxygen and glucose. This process helps plants grow and gives animals the oxygen they need to breathe. Without photosynthesis, life on Earth would not survive.
What is the central idea of the paragraph?
A. Photosynthesis helps plants and animals survive.
B. Photosynthesis only happens in trees.
C. Photosynthesis creates water.
D. Photosynthesis is a slow process.
A. Photosynthesis helps plants and animals survive.
Read the following sentence.
Choose the demonstrative pronoun from the list of pronouns below that BEST completes the sentence.
Sentence:
___ are the results from the experiment we conducted last semester, and they support our hypothesis.
Options:
A. That
B. These
C. This
D. Theise
B. These
What are facts, examples, or explanations that help prove or explain the main idea? They give evidence to help you understand the topic better.
What is Supporting Details
Carlos broke his leg during soccer season and couldn’t play for months. Instead of feeling defeated, he helped coach his team and learned new strategies. His teammates appreciated his support. Carlos turned a tough situation into a chance to grow.
Question:
What is the purpose of this passage?
A. To show how Carlos helped his team despite injury
B. To explain soccer rules
C. To describe a coaching job
D. To talk about sports injuries
What detail supports the purpose?
A. Carlos broke his leg
B. He couldn’t play soccer
C. He helped coach and learned strategies
D. His teammates played well
A. To show how Carlos helped his team despite injury ✅
C. He helped coach and learned strategies ✅
Read: The ancient ruins stood in silence, untouched for centuries. Vines crept along the stone walls, and the air was thick with mystery. Tourists walked carefully, aware of the fragile history beneath their feet.
The word ruins comes from the Latin word ruina, meaning “a fall” or “collapse.” Based on this information, what is most likely true about the ancient site?
A. It was recently built
B. It had been destroyed or broken down
C. It was full of modern buildings
D. It was still in perfect condition
B. It had been destroyed or broken down
The Great Wall of China stretches over 13,000 miles and was built to protect ancient China from invaders. It took hundreds of years and many dynasties to complete. Workers used stone, brick, and earth to build the wall across mountains and deserts. Today, it is a symbol of China’s history and strength.
What is the central idea of the paragraph?
A. The Great Wall was built quickly.
B. The Great Wall is made of bricks.
C. The Great Wall of China is a historic structure built for protection.
D. The Great Wall is the longest wall in the world.
C. The Great Wall of China is a historic structure built for protection.
Read: As the waves crashed gently against the shore, Maya sat quietly, watching the rhythm of the water. Each wave rolled in and out with a steady beat, almost like a lullaby. The motion was so hypnotic that she lost track of time, her thoughts drifting like the tide. It was as if the ocean had pulled her into a peaceful trance.
Question:
Based on the paragraph, what does the word hypnotic most likely mean?
A. Loud and distracting
B. Fast and unpredictable
C. Soothing and trance-like
D. Cold and uncomfortable
C. Soothing and trance-like
What is the breaking something down into parts to understand it better.
What is Analysis
After failing her first science project, Tasha felt discouraged. Her teacher encouraged her to try again with a new idea. She worked hard and won second place in the school fair. Tasha learned that failure isn’t the end—it’s a chance to begin again.
Question:
What is the purpose of this passage?
A. To describe a science fair
B. To show how Tasha succeeded after failure
C. To explain how to do a project
D. To compare science topics
What detail supports the purpose?
A. Tasha failed her first project
B. Her teacher gave her a new idea
C. She liked science
D. She entered the fair
B. To show how Tasha succeeded after failure
B. Her teacher gave her a new idea
Read: The researchers trekked through the arid desert, where temperatures soared and water was scarce. Despite the harsh environment, they continued collecting soil samples and documenting plant life that had adapted to survive.
The word arid comes from the Latin word aridus, meaning “dry” or “without moisture.” Based on this information, what is most likely true about the desert the researchers explored?
A. It was full of lakes and rivers
B. It had very little rainfall
C. It was covered in snow
D. It was easy to grow crops there
B. It had very little rainfall
Read: The Industrial Revolution marked a major turning point in history. It introduced machines that could produce goods faster and more efficiently than human labor. As factories grew, cities expanded rapidly, and new social classes emerged. While it brought economic growth, it also led to harsh working conditions and environmental changes.
What is the central idea of the paragraph?
A. The Industrial Revolution caused pollution.
B. The Industrial Revolution changed how goods were made and affected society.
C. The Industrial Revolution created only positive outcomes.
D. The Industrial Revolution was limited to rural areas.
B. The Industrial Revolution changed how goods were made and affected society.
Read: Mr. Amato was a rather quick study, catching on almost immediately to Matt's instruction and explanation.
How does the phrase "rather quick study" contribute to the meaning of the text?
A. It shows that Mr. Amato is someone who lacks the patience to learn.
B. It implies that Mr. Amato is someone who is too distracted to learn.
C. It suggests that Mr. Amato is someone who finds things easy to learn.
D. It explains that Mr. Amato is someone who is too uninterested to learn
C. It suggests that Mr. Amato is someone who finds things easy to learn.