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

Look for facts, examples, and descriptions that explain or prove the main idea.

Front

What does it mean to *make an inference*?

Back

To draw a logical conclusion based on evidence and reasoning, not directly stated.

• Hint: Text clue + background knowledge = inference.

• Example: She slammed the door and didn’t speak. → Inference: She’s angry.

Front

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

Back

To inform, entertain, persuade, or explain something to the reader.

• What it is: The reason the author wrote the text.

• Hint: Use PIE – Persuade, Inform, Entertain.

• Example: A news article = Inform. A funny story = Entertain.

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

Words or phrases with meaning beyond the literal—e.g., "He has a heart of stone" (metaphor).

• What it is: Language that’s not literal.

• Hint: Look for similes, metaphors, personification, etc.

• Example: “The clouds were cotton candy.” = metaphor

Front

What is the *tone* of a text?

Back

The author’s attitude toward the subject—like serious, sarcastic, hopeful, etc.

• Hint: Look at word choice. Is it playful? Serious? Sad?

• Example: “He trudged home in the pouring rain.” = Gloomy tone.

Front

How do you analyze *character development*?

Back

Look at how a character changes, what motivates them, and what they learn.

• Hint: Track thoughts, actions, and how others treat them.

• Example: A shy character becomes confident by the end.

Front

What does *context clues* mean?

Back

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