A main point that the author is making (also called a main idea). In other words, it’s what the article is about—similar to an objective summary, but even more basic.

A report of the exact words of an author or a speaker

The title of an article in a newspaper or magazine or on a website-- generally in larger type than the rest of the text on the page.

A short statement or paragraph that tells what an article is about and does not include your opinions.

To reword or rephrase something written or spoken by someone else--putting it into your own words

A short article placed alongside a longer article and containing additional or contrasting information. They usually appear in a box.

The heading, or title, of a section of a text, sometimes called a subtitle. It’s a title that comes after the headline and is usually in smaller print than the headline.

Information used to support an argument or a claim (also called “supporting details”)

Supporting evidence that comes from the text you are writing about. It can be in the form of a direct quotation or paraphrase.

Parts of a newspaper article, magazine article, textbook, web page, or other type of text, beyond the main article or story, that help you better understand what you read.

The way an author organizes information in a text.

The author provides a detailed description to give the reader a mental picture. If you see words and phrases like for instance, such as, for example, including, is like, to illustrate, and characteristics, those are clues

The author lists items or events in chronological order (in other words, in the order in which they happen) or presents the reader with step-by-step directions. If you see words and phrases like first, second, third, next, then, before, later, finally, now, when, previously, and before long, those are clues

The author presents a problem and explains one or more solutions to the problem. If you see words and phrases like problem is, dilemma is, if . . . then, so that, and answer is, those are clues

The author presents ideas, events, or facts as a cause, and what happens as a result. If you see words and phrases like so, because, since, therefore, if . . . then, this led to, reason why, as a result, effect of, and consequently, those are clues

The author provides information about the similarities and differences between two or more people, events, ideas, objects, etc. If you see words and phrases like same as, similar, alike, as well as, although, also, in the same way, either . . . or, in comparison, but, on the other hand, however, and in contrast, those are clues