Interpreting Nonfiction and Informational Text

The central idea of a nonfiction text is...?

• the focused idea of the text

• the first sentence of a paragraph in the text

• a detail from the text

• a lesson that the author is trying to teach the reader

What is the purpose of the author including supporting details in a nonfiction text?

• They help provide more information about the central idea(s) of a text.

• They give the reader more knowledge about the topic of the text.

• They help the reader identify the central idea(s) of a text.

• All of the above

What is the central idea of the following passage?

^{What's that humming sound? Could it be hummingbird, the only bird capable of backward flight? Hummingbirds have many unique flight habits that distinguish them from other birds. Most birds flap their wings up and down to fly, but the hummingbird moves its wings forward and backward very rapidly in a figure eight pattern. This allows the hummingbird to hover in position, fly upside down, and move about very rapidly. And while other birds have to push off with their feet to begin flying, and work their ways up to their top speeds, the hummingbird can both start flying at maximum speed and stop flying instantaneously. After you've seen a hummingbird in flight, it's unlikely that you'll mistake them for another bird.}

• Birds and hummingbirds are very different.

• Hummingbirds fly in a figure eight pattern.

• Hummingbirds are known for their humming sound.

• The hummingbird flies in a very unique and unusual way.

Which sentence would be considered a supporting detail for the idea that RECYCLING IS IMPORTANT?

• There are many landfills available for waste.

• You should always clean jars before recycling them.

• Recycling paper saves trees from being cut down.

• Separate your paper, cans, and glass jars before recycling.

What is the central idea of the following passage?

If you are feeling sad, you can make yourself feel better by doing a few simple things. You can take a walk (or get another form of exercise), you can talk to a friend, or you can write down your feelings. Writing down the good things in your life will help too. Doing something good for someone else will also help you feel better. If you still feel a little sad, act happy. If works like magic to make you feel better!

• If you are sad, you can make yourself feel better by exercising.

• There are many ways to make yourself feel better when you are sad.

• You should do good things for others to help improve your mood.

• Everyone will feel sad at some point in their life.

What is the purpose of text features in a nonfiction text?

• provide the reader with more information about the central idea

• helps the reader locate specific information about the topic of the text

• brings attention to important key details in the text

• all of the above

Which of the following is NOT an example of a text feature?

• bold or italicized words

• pictures or illustrations

• paragraph in a text

• diagrams or maps

An author would use the attached diagram in order to...?

• explain to the reader how shark fins look

• compare and contrast a shark fin to a dolphin fin

• explain to the reader how dolphin fins look

• show which type of fin is better for breaching the water's surface

Text structure refers to how the text is organized. Which type of text structure explains the similarities and differences between two or more different subjects?

• Compare and Contrast

• Cause and Effect

• Description

• Problem and Solution

What is the text structure of the following paragraph?

Students who are frequently absent often have lower average grades than those who have good attendance. When they are out of the classroom, students do not get to see a teacher’s lessons. Even if they attend extra help, it’s usually much shorter and less detailed than the actual lesson. In addition, frequently absent students often miss tests or other assignments and don’t always make up the work.

• Problem and Solution

• Cause and Effect

• Description

• Compare and Contrast