Understanding Author’s Craft #3

Lady bugs can be farmer’s best friends. These tiny insects love to eat, and their favorite meal is plant-eating insects. Plant-eating insects can destroy farm crops. By eating these insects, ladybugs help protect the crops.

What does the author want the reader to believe?

• Ladybugs are the only good insect.

• Farmers need to plant more crops

• Ladybugs are useful on farms

It took lots of elbow grease to scrub the tile floor, but now it sparkles.

What does elbow grease mean?

• Hand cream

• Hard work

• Dirty water

Piper climbed in and out of the assorted kayaks on the beach. Some felt too large and awkward, while others were too snug. Finally, she found a kayak that was completely comfortable and pushed it into the stream. It fit her like a shell on a turtle, making it easier to keep her balance.

Why does the author write, “It fit her like a shell on a turtle”?

• To indicate that it was the right size for Piper

• To suggest Piper will see turtles in the stream

• To provide the reader an image of the kayak

Elizabeth stretched and began her usually Saturday morning jog through the neighborhood. Rounding a corner, she nearly collided with a cluster of dismayed children watching their red rubber ball bounce into the street. Elizabeth stopped jogging and said to the children, “You wait here!” When the traffic cleared, she recovered the ball and delivered it to them.

What motivates Elizabeth to get the ball?

• She is concerned for the children’s safety

• She wants to be in charge of the situation

• She is upset that the children got in her way

The line at the bank was long, and Shan’s jar of coins was heavy. Shan set the jar on the floor. Removing a magazine from her backpack, she started reading. As the line crept forward, Shan nudged the jar along with her foot. Twelve minutes later, Shan grinned as she gave her jar to the clerk.

What can you tell about Shan?

• She doesn’t mind waiting

• She is worried about the coins

• She is unfriendly sometimes

Juan remained on the beach, while his family splashed in the ocean. He certainly didn’t find it appealing to swim among fish and underwater plants. As the temperature rose, Juan began to rethink the idea. Before long, he abandoned the sandy towel and joined his family. “The ocean is fun!” he shouted to his father.

How does the setting affect Juan?

• It makes him try something new

• It helps him learn about ocean life

• It lets him learn how to swim

People are not born knowing how to swim. But as far as we know, people have always learned to swim. Ancient poems talk about swimming. There are even ancient cave drawings of people swimming. So we know people have been swimmers for a very long time.

What is the main idea?

• Ancient cave drawings show people swimming

• People have been swimmers for a long time

• It is important for people to learn how to swim

The north wind howled as Meg and her sister hurried home. Snow swirled along their path. Their fingers felt as though they were on fire from the stinging cold. The girls shoved their hands deep into their pockets. They were relieved to see the kitchen door swing open up ahead and could almost smell the hot cocoa.

The author helps you imagine the depth of the cold by_________.

• Describing how the girls’ fingers feel

• Telling how Meg and her sister hurry

• Mentioning that the kitchen door opens

Summer is the best time of the year. It is a shame summer has to share the year with the other seasons. In the fall, winter, and spring, life is very busy. We have to go to school and always pay attention to the time. In the summer, however, life is less rushed. We can take the time to enjoy the sunshine.

Why does the writer think summer is the best time of year?

• Because life is less rushed in the summer

• Because the sun only shines in the summer

• Because it shares the year with other seasons

Angela sighed and turned to face the snatching blackberry bushes. Her grandpa had asked her to help defeat this enemy growing along his driveway. She jerked away as thorns reached for her. Angela was starting to wish she hadn’t agreed to take on the vicious tangle. At last the bushes shared fresh berries every year, and Grandpa made delicious jam.

Why does the author refer to the blackberry bushes as an “enemy” and a “vicious” tangle?

• The author is showing that Angela finds clearing the blackberry bushes to be a demanding job

• The author is revealing Angela’s dislike for blackberries and the jam that Grandpa makes

• The author is letting the reader discover that angels is frightened of the blackberry bushes