Text Structure
Context Clues
Vocabulary
Figurative Language
Central Idea
100

Christmas is celebrated in various ways around the world. In some countries, people exchange gifts on Christmas Eve, while in others, it's done on Christmas Day. Some cultures have unique traditions like lighting candles, hanging stockings, or leaving out treats for Santa. Despite the differences, the spirit of joy and togetherness unites all Christmas celebrations.

What is the text structure of this paragraph?

Compare & Contrast

100

Thanksgiving was amazing! The food was plentiful and delicious!

What does plentiful mean?

having large amounts or more than enough of something

100

What vocab word means a large, moving crowd?

Horde

100

Peter Piper picked a patch of pickled peppers.

What type of figurative language is this?

Alliteration

100

Rock climbing is an extreme sport that requires a lot of skill. Many people start learning to rock climb in gyms by using climbing walls, but expert rock climbers can even climb while upside down! They must be very strong and practice a lot to be able to do this. Rock climbers must use special ropes and protective equipment to stay safe. One wrong move can mean falling. 

What is the central idea?

Rock climbing is an extreme sport that requires a lot of skill.

200

Winter brings cold temperatures, which can be a challenge. To solve the problem of staying warm, people wear layers of clothing, use heaters, and drink hot beverages. They may also encounter problems like frozen pipes, which can be solved by insulating them or using heat tape. These solutions help people cope with the challenges of the winter cold.

What is the text structure of this paragraph?

Problem & Solution

200
We need an answer this instant. We have no time to waste.

What does instant mean?

right now or right away

200

What vocab word means money paid to attend a school or college?

tuition

200

Her eyes are like two emeralds sparkling.

What type of figurative language is this?

Simile

200

Ketchup, a popular sauce, has a long and complicated history. It is hard to believe, but the original ketchup did not have any tomatoes in it! The name comes from China, where it was originally made. This ketchup, made in the 17th century, was a mix of pickled fish and spices. Later, English colonists tasted it and made mushroom-based ketchup. Then, a recipe from the 1800s used tomatoes and anchovies. Finally, cooks in America began making ketchup as we know it today. 

What is the central idea?

Ketchup has a long and complicated history.

300

The winter solstice is an important astronomical event that occurs each year. It marks the shortest day and longest night of the year in the Northern Hemisphere. During this time, the Earth's axis is tilted farthest away from the sun. Many cultures celebrate the winter solstice as a time of renewal and the return of light.

What is the text structure of this paragraph?

Description

300

As soon as I saw my friend, my stomach felt queasy. I was worried about telling her the truth after lying to her.

What does queasy mean?

having a sick feeling due to being nervous

300

What vocab word means a large spot or stain?

blotch

300

He's a walking encyclopedia.

What type of figurative language is this?

Metaphor

300

Goliath beetles are one of the heaviest and biggest beetles in the world. They grow up to 4.5 inches long and weigh up to 3.5 ounces. These large beetles grow so big by eating animal dung, fruit, and dead plant material. Even though they're big, goliath beetles can fly! Scientists have studied insects all over the world and haven't found any that are heavier than this beetle.

What is the central idea?

Goliath beetles are heaviest beetles in the world.

400

Building a snowman is a fun winter activity. First, gather a large ball of snow for the base. Roll a smaller ball for the middle section and a smaller one for the head. Stack them in a sequence, largest to smallest. Use sticks for arms and stones for eyes and buttons. Finally, add a carrot for the nose and a hat for the finishing touch. 

What is the text structure of this paragraph?

Sequence

400

The couch was shabby. You could tell it had been used a lot over the years. 


What does shabby mean?

in poor condition

400

What vocab word means to put pages together in the correct order?

collate

400

Lightning danced across the sky.

What type of figurative language is this?

Personification

400

A small group of towns in India, called Mawsynram, gets a lot rain each year. In fact, the area gets an average of over 460 inches of rainfall each year. That is the highest average of rainfall in the world. As a result, most days are quite rainy. It's so wet there that people can't even farm. However, it is a beautiful area with lush vegetation, waterfalls, and gorgeous cave. 

What is the central idea?

Mawsynram is the wettest place on earth.

500

During winter, weather conditions change. When temperature drops, precipitation often turns into snow. The cold weather can cause roads to become slippery, leading to accidents. People bundle up in warm clothing to stay comfortable The effect of winter weather is the need for precautions and adjustments to ensure safety and comfort.

What is the text structure of this paragraph? 

Cause & Effect

500

The rocks were quite jagged. I was worried about tripping and getting a cut.

sharp or uneven surface

500

What vocab word means a place where things meet or cross?

junction
500

Disney is the happiest place on Earth!

What type of figurative language is this?

hyperbole

500

The first black woman in space was Mae Carol Jemison. She is an American engineer, physician, and astronaut. After retiring from NASA, she has done a lot of work to help minority children who are interested in science. In 1994, she ran a space camp for kids to boost their interest in sciences. She also worked with organizations like Bayer and 4-H to help raise awareness about the importance of agricultural science. She believes that girls and children of color have an important role to play in science. 

What is the central idea?

Mae Carol Jemison was an astronaut who now works to make sure girls and children of color can study science.