8th Grade Reading Skills Flashcards

Front

What is the *main idea* of a paragraph or passage?

Back

The central point or message the author is trying to communicate.

• Hint: Ask: "What is this mostly about?"

• Memory Trick: The main idea is the main dish—everything else is just the sides.

Front

How do you identify *supporting details*?

Back

Front

What does it mean to *make an inference*?

Back

Front

What is the author's *purpose* in a text?

Back

Front

How can you tell if a statement is *fact or opinion*?

Back

Facts can be proven; opinions are based on beliefs or feelings.

Front

What is a *theme* in literature?

Back

A message or lesson the author wants readers to understand, like “friendship” or “overcoming fear.”

• What it is: The message or lesson in the story.

• Hint: Ask: "What did the character learn?" or "What’s the big idea?"

• Example: Friendship, courage, don’t judge others.

Front

What is *figurative language*? Give an example.

Back

Front

What is the *tone* of a text?

Back

Front

How do you analyze *character development*?

Back

Front

What does *context clues* mean?

Back

Hints in the surrounding text that help you figure out the meaning of unfamiliar words.