Basic Reading Skills

Writing that is based on facts and information. Tells about real people, places, and events.

• nonfiction

• fiction

• fantasy

• context clues

Writing that is imaginary, not real. Contains characters, setting, and plot.

• nonfiction

• fiction

• context clues

• main idea

Words or phrases in the text that give hints to an unknown word’s meaning

• synonyms

• antonyms

• context clues

• multiple meaning words

Words that have more than one meaning

• context clues

• main idea

• cause and effect

• multiple meaning words

Words that have the same or similar meanings

• synonyms

• antonyms

• context clues

• multiple meaning words

Words that have the opposite meanings

• synonyms

• antonyms

• homophones

• homographs

The most important point the author is trying to make. What is the text mostly about?

• author's purpose

• making inferences

• central idea

• supporting details

Facts, examples, reasons, or descriptions that are stated in the text

• main idea

• central idea

• details

• inferences

Using prior knowledge and evidence from the text

• main idea

• multiple meaning words

• plot

• making inferences

The reason an author writes something

• author's purpose

• central idea

• context clues

• story structure