Context Clues + Author's Purpose

Many people have wondered - what is the greatest toy in the history of toys? Depending on when you grew up, you might have a different answer. Older people might say Lincoln Logs. Others might argue the Easy-Bake oven tops them all. However, none compare to the best toy - Legos. Legos are the best because their fun never ends. Unlike other toys that have a certain purpose, Legos are all up to the imagination of the child, or adult. Also, Legos are meant to be destroyed, and rebuilt. So if your baby sister knocks down the creation you just made, its cool because you can make something new! So, next time you go shopping for a gift, think about buying Legos - the world’s best toy.

What is the author’s purpose for writing this passage?

• a)Persuade the reader to think that Legos are the best toy in the world.

• Inform the reader about several different popular toys over the last few years.

• a)Entertain the reader with a story about a boy who had his Lego design destroyed by his sister.

• Persuade the reader to buy an Easy-Bake Oven, Lincoln Logs, and Legos.

Jessica felt exhausted after her math test. She teleported home instead of going to the library with Tim and Tanner. “Is that you, Jessica?” called Mom when Jessica walked in the door. “It’s me,” Jessica called back. “I got 100 on my math test.” She walked into the kitchen. There was Mom on the big screen TV. She was sitting at the desk in her office, but she had gone online to talk to Jessica when she got home. “That’s great!” said Mom. “You look a little tired, honey. Would you like to go to the beach and relax in the sun for a while?” Jessica smiled. “That would be great!” she said. “I love the beach.” Mom punched in a series of buttons on her desk. The kitchen walls suddenly disappeared. Suddenly, Jessica was standing on sand. She was wearing a bathing suit and a big hat. She flopped down on a large, soft towel in the sun. Her favorite book was waiting for her on the towel. The waves made a soothing sound. Jessica knew the whole thing was fake, but Jessica didn’t mind. “Thanks, Mom!” Jessica called. “See you when I get home, honey,” said her mother’s voice. “Over and out.”

The Author’s main purpose for writing this passage is to

• Entertain readers with an interesting story about Jessica going to the beach.

• Entertain readers with an interesting story about Jessica and her Mom going to the beach.

• Persuade readers that the future will allow us to go anywhere instantly.

• Persuade readers that Jessica’s mom really loved Jessica.

People have been driving cars for more than a century. If you traveled back in time, you’d find some interesting auto facts along the way. In 1901, car drivers in New York City had to have their initials on their cars. The first license plates were issued two years later in Massachusetts. Cars got electric headlights in 1912, and the first white sidewall tires appeared in 1928. The first auto theft was reported in St. Louis in 1905. In 1911, the first 500-mile race took place in Indianapolis. Parking meters first appeared in 1935 in Oklahoma City.

What is the author’s purpose for writing this passage?

• Inform the reader that owners of cars in New York City had to have their initials on the car.

• Entertain the reader with fun facts about cars.

• Persuade the reader that cars are dangerous and are often broken into.

• Inform the reader about interesting facts related to the history of cars.

I believe that the death penalty should be abolished. There are three compelling reasons why this horrible punishment should be ended.

First, disadvantaged defendants (like minorities and the poor) are sentenced to death more often than the rich because they can’t afford good lawyers. Is it fair that a person is put to death because he/she doesn’t have a lot of money?

Second, though the crime may have been terrible, it isn’t set right by killing the perpetrator. Instead, mercy, compassion and the will to reform criminals should be the modes of reaction.

Last, evidence used to convict murderers doesn’t always tell the truth and innocent people have been put to death unjustly. If there is the possibility that even one innocent person might be put to death based on false evidence, then no one should be put to death. Abolish the death penalty now!

The author’s purpose in this passage is to

• to inform the reader about the effectiveness of the death penalty in preventing crimes.

• to explain how people can help abolish the death penalty.

• to persuade the reader to oppose the death penalty.

• to entertain the reader about exciting court cases.

Tsunami is the Japanese word for a tidal wave. Tidal waves are larger than normal waves that sometimes reach heights of more than 100 feet. They are caused by earthquakes and volcanic eruptions that take place in or near large bodies of water.

Earthquakes

When the Earth’s plates move against one another, pressure is released in the form of an earthquake. Sometimes, like in December of 2004 off the coast of Sumatra, Indonesia, an earthquake will take place under the ocean. With such intense movement of the sea’s bottom, a large volume of water is displaced that needs somewhere to go; it therefore spreads out like enormous ripples in the form of tidal waves. When these waves reach shorelines, they can cause a tremendous amount of damage and loss of life.

Volcanic Eruptions

A volcanic eruption is sometimes so powerful that it blows away part of the mountain. If the volcano is by the sea, the resulting landslide will displace water and create tidal waves.

The author’s purpose in this passage is

• to inform readers of the causes of tsunamis.

• to entertain readers about the devastating effects of tsunamis.

• to explain how to escape a tsunami.

• to persuade the reader that tsunamis are dangerous.

Ten seconds to go. Carter’s heart was pounding as hard and fast as the basketball he was dribbling up the court. His team, down by two points, needed to win to reach the State Championships. Aware of every detail of his surroundings as though he were floating above the court, Carter felt the thousands of eyes glued to his every move. He knew he was going to hit the three-pointer—everything in his life and all of his dreams led up to this exact moment. He was ready.

As defenders surrounded him, he passed the ball to sure-handed Sam and ran around the baseline, letting his defenders get picked off by his teammates. At last, as the clock ticked down, he settled on the left baseline behind the three-point arc, received the pass from Sam and rose up off the court. Sweet release. Perfect arc. SWISH!

The author’s purpose in this passage is

• to persuade the reader that Carter is a great basketball player.

• to entertain the reader with an exciting description of a last second shot.

• to explain to the reader how to shoot a basketball.

• to inform the reader of the history of basketball

Mara was feeling apprehensive about the camping trip. She had never slept in a tent before. What if there were bears or mountain lions?

What does the word "apprehensive" mean? 

• worried
• angry
• excited
• in pain

Tags

CCSS.L.1.6

CCSS.L.3.6

CCSS.L.4.6

CCSS.RL.1.4

Grandpa was in a jovial mood, making jokes and laughing at everything. 
What does the word "jovial" mean? 

• crazy
• happy
• irritable
• angry

Tags

CCSS.L.1.6

CCSS.L.3.6

CCSS.L.4.6

CCSS.RL.1.4

We left the campsite after spending a wretched night in torrential rain with a ripped tent. 
What does the word "wretched" mean? 

• miserable
• wonderful
• comfortable
• angry

Tags

CCSS.L.1.6

CCSS.L.3.6

CCSS.L.4.6

CCSS.RL.1.4

I'm in a quandary about which friend's birthday party to attend this weekend. 
What does the word "quandary" mean? 

• dilemma
• anxiety
• surprise
• superiority

Tags

CCSS.L.5.4B

CCSS.L.6.1E