Context Clues (Standard ELA.5.V.1.3)
Read this sentence: Cotton plants deplete the nutrients in the soil. Based on context clues, what does deplete mean?
To reduce or use up.
How does the detail about Carver inventing over 300 uses for peanuts support the main idea of paragraphs 6–7?
It shows how Carver helped create a demand and market for the surplus peanuts farmers grew.
How does the diagram titled "The Parts of a Corn Plant" contribute to the overall meaning of the text?
It clarifies the physical structure of the corn plant by visual labeling and describing the function of each part.
Which sentence supports the claim that corn is an adaptable and versatile plant?
"Corn is an adaptable plant that can be grown in different climates, so, as people migrated, they grew corn in other regions."
Read this sentence: Farmers would have to buy fewer things and would be more self-sufficient. What does self-sufficient mean?
Able to rely on oneself to provide what is needed.
Why did Carver recommend that farmers practice crop rotation by planting peanuts every other year?
Peanut plants added essential nutrients back into soil that had been worn out by cotton.
In the section "The Structure of a Corn Plant," how does the author use cause-and-effect structure to explain how corn kernels are formed?
By describing how pollen falling from the tassel onto the silks leads to fertilization and the growth of kernels.
What is the author's central claim regarding the importance of corn today?
Corn is a vital resource that serves many essential purposes beyond just being food for humans.
Read this sentence: The grass began to emerge from the soil at different times. What does emerge mean?
To grow or come into view.
Which detail supports the central idea that corn is a versatile natural resource beyond human food?
Corn can be processed into ethanol, a biofuel used to power vehicles.
How do the opposing section headings "Clean Burning Corn is America's Future" and "Keep Corn on the Cob—Not in My Car!" contribute to the meaning of the text?
They signal a shift between two opposing viewpoints regarding the debate over ethanol production.
What is the main argument presented by critics who oppose using corn for fuel production?
Diverting corn crops to fuel production raises food costs and reduces food supply.
Read this sentence: I'm surprised by how adaptable grass is. It was able to grow in all three light conditions. What does adaptable mean?
Able to adjust and survive in different environments.
In the "The Future of a Crop" section, how does the detail about ethanol production support the central idea that corn is a versatile natural resource?
It provides a specific, modern-day example of how corn can be used for energy (biofuel), proving it has utility beyond traditional food consumption.
In the text "The Future of a Crop," how does the author use a "cause-and-effect" structure to explain the economic impact of ethanol production?
By detailing how converting corn into fuel (cause) leads to a reduced supply for food/livestock, which results in higher grocery prices (effect).
In the section supporting the use of ethanol, what specific reason does the author give to claim that ethanol is preferable to petroleum-based fuels?
Ethanol is a cleaner-burning fuel that releases fewer carbon emissions into the atmosphere compared to petroleum.
Read the sentence: "Soil subject to extensive cotton growing becomes worn out." What does extensive mean?
Large in amount, scale, or degree.
George Washington Carver promoted crop rotation primarily to improve soil health. How does this specific detail support the central idea of his broader mission?
It demonstrates his holistic approach to farming—showing that improving long-term agricultural sustainability was essential to helping farmers achieve financial independence.
Beyond section headings, how does the author structure the argument to prove that corn is more than just a food crop?
By providing a categorical list of non-food uses—specifically livestock feed, medicine, and food preservatives—to demonstrate the plant's versatility.
Based on the "Future of a Crop" text, how does the author support the claim that using corn for fuel creates a debate?
By presenting two opposing viewpoints—one focusing on clean energy and another focusing