Central Ideas

What do you think is the central idea of a passage? Write a definition. We are just doing a preskills check.

​ (a)   is real information based on ​ (b)   about a specific topic. ​ (c)   is something made up from the writer's​ (d)   .

• Nonfiction
• facts
• Fiction
• imagination
• opinion

Which are types of nonfiction works? There may be more than one answer, so select all that apply.

• Fables

• biographies

• memoirs (writings from a person's life)

• Fairy tales

Themes are found in nonfiction passages.

• True

• False

There are ​ (a)   purposes that an author may write a passage.

• three
• many
• no

What are the types of author's purpose? Select all that apply.

• Research

• persuade

• inform

• entertain

Which do you think is the author's purpose for writing this passage?

• persuade

• inform

• entertain

Organize these options into the right categories

Groups:

(a) Cause and effect

,

(b) Descriptive

,

(c) Compare/contrast

,

(d) Chronological

• First, the sun rises in the east.

• The author tells how things are alike and different to help us gain better understanding.

• The author explains the intricate patterns found in nature.

• Because the sun sets, it becomes dark outside.

• Next, the birds start to sing as morning approaches.

• In comparing the two cities, the author discusses their unique cultures and shared challenges.

• When the temperature drops, water freezes and turns into ice.

• The author provides a detailed account of the ancient ruins.

• After that, breakfast is served in many households.

• If the plants do not receive enough sunlight, they will wilt and die.

• The author gives details about something.

• By examining the two historical events, the author illustrates how they influenced each other.

• The author illustrates the various textures of the fabric.

• The author highlights similarities and differences between two characters in the story.

• As a result of heavy rainfall, the river overflowed its banks.

• The author presents information in the order that it happens to help us know the events.

• Finally, the day comes to an end as the sun sets in the west.

• The author presents something that happens and the results of that situation.

• The author describes the vibrant colors of the sunset.

• The author contrasts the benefits and drawbacks of two different approaches to solving a problem.

Which best describes the problem/solution text structure?

• It describes something that is wrong followed by how it was fixed.

• It focuses solely on one specific solution.
• It lists various unrelated topics.
• It describes a solution followed by problems.

The author is using ​ (a)   text structure.

• descriptive
• compare/contrast
• chronological