You can use these story elements to summarize a short fictional text:

What is the best summary of the text?

What is the text mainly about?

When writing a summary, it is okay to include any opinions or background knowledge you have on the topic.

Telephones have changed a lot over the years! Fifty years ago, phones were much bigger than they are now. They had dials instead of buttons. Not only that, every phone had a cord. There was no such thing as a wireless phone back then. Even though technology was different, you could still use a phone to talk to someone a thousand miles away, and you still had to pay the phone bill at the end of the month!

In what ways are phones still the same?

Coal is used to supply about half of the electricity that is used in the United States. Coal must be burned to make electricity and burning coal causes pollution. Solar power can also be used to make electricity. Unlike burning coal, using solar power to make electricity does not cause pollution. In addition, someday we will run out of coal, but we will never run out of solar power.

How are coal and solar power the same?

Coal is used to supply about half of the electricity that is used in the United States. Coal must be burned to make electricity and burning coal causes pollution. Solar power can also be used to make electricity. Unlike burning coal, using solar power to make electricity does not cause pollution. In addition, someday we will run out of coal, but we will never run out of solar power.

How are coal and wind different?

Coal is used to supply about half of the electricity that is used in the United States. Coal must be burned to make electricity and burning coal causes pollution. Solar power can also be used to make electricity. Unlike burning coal, using solar power to make electricity does not cause pollution. In addition, someday we will run out of coal, but we will never run out of solar power.

What words mean "similar"?

Two famous children's authors are Roald Dahl and Theodore Seuss Geisel. Both authors were born in the early twentieth century and both authors have written dozens of books that have been read by millions. Also, some of both authors books make social or political statements of their time. However, Roald Dahl is known most for writing middle grade chapter books, whereas Theodore Seuss Geisel is known for both writing and illustrating books for younger children. Theodore Seuss Geisel is also best known as Dr. Seuss.

What word(s) mean "different"?

Two famous children's authors are Roald Dahl and Theodore Seuss Geisel. Both authors were born in the early twentieth century and both authors have written dozens of books that have been read by millions. Also, some of both authors books make social or political statements of their time. However, Roald Dahl is known most for writing middle grade chapter books, whereas Theodore Seuss Geisel is known for both writing and illustrating books for younger children. Theodore Seuss Geisel is also best known as Dr. Seuss.

What word(s) mean "similar"?

Two famous children's authors are Roald Dahl and Theodore Seuss Geisel. Both authors were born in the early twentieth century and both authors have written dozens of books that have been read by millions. Also, some of both authors books make social or political statements of their time. However, Roald Dahl is known most for writing middle grade chapter books, whereas Theodore Seuss Geisel is known for both writing and illustrating books for younger children. Theodore Seuss Geisel is also best known as Dr. Seuss.

What are the similarities between the two authors?

Rosa Louisa McCauley Parks was a forty-two year old seamstress when she stood up for Civil Rights by sitting down. During Rosa's lifetime, the South was plagued by the 1896 U.S. Supreme Court decision Plessy v Ferguson which legalized segregation. Schools were segregated. Water fountains were segregated. Bathrooms, movie theaters, and even seating in the courthouse was segregated. And public transportation was segregated. On the evening of December 1, 1955, Rosa Parks was ordered along with the other African Americans sitting on her row to get up and stand so a white man could sit. Rosa refused. She was arrested for Civil Disobedience and causing a a public disturbance. Her arrest sparked a 381-day boycott that drew attention from all over the world to the unfair and unjust treatment of segregation. The boycott led to the 1956 United States Supreme Court decision banning segregation on public transportation.

What was the direct effect of Rosa Parks arrest?

Rosa Louisa McCauley Parks was a forty-two year old seamstress when she stood up for Civil Rights by sitting down. During Rosa's lifetime, the South was plagued by the 1896 U.S. Supreme Court decision Plessy v Ferguson which legalized segregation. Schools were segregated. Water fountains were segregated. Bathrooms, movie theaters, and even seating in the courthouse was segregated. And public transportation was segregated. On the evening of December 1, 1955, Rosa Parks was ordered along with the other African Americans sitting on her row to get up and stand so a white man could sit. Rosa refused. She was arrested for Civil Disobedience and causing a a public disturbance. Her arrest sparked a 381-day boycott that drew attention from all over the world to the unfair and unjust treatment of segregation. The boycott led to the 1956 United States Supreme Court decision banning segregation on public transportation.

What was the effect of the 1896 Supreme Court decision that "separate, but equal" was legal?

Rosa Louisa McCauley Parks was a forty-two year old seamstress when she stood up for Civil Rights by sitting down. During Rosa's lifetime, the South was plagued by the 1896 U.S. Supreme Court decision Plessy v Ferguson which legalized segregation. Schools were segregated. Water fountains were segregated. Bathrooms, movie theaters, and even seating in the courthouse was segregated. And public transportation was segregated. On the evening of December 1, 1955, Rosa Parks was ordered along with the other African Americans sitting on her row to get up and stand so a white man could sit. Rosa refused. She was arrested for Civil Disobedience and causing a a public disturbance. Her arrest sparked a 381-day boycott that drew attention from all over the world to the unfair and unjust treatment of segregation. The boycott led to the 1956 United States Supreme Court decision banning segregation on public transportation.

What was the direct result of the 1956 Untied States Supreme Court decision banning segregation on public transportation?

National Doughnut Day began in 1938 to honor those who served doughnuts to soldiers during World War I. During the war, nearly 250 Salvation Army volunteers went to France to serve doughnuts. When soldiers returned home, they craved the tasty treats they had eaten abroad. Capitalizing on the doughnut cravings, National Doughnut Day began in Chicago. It started as a fundraiser for the Salvation Army. The idea was to help those in need and honor those who served doughnuts throughout the war. The special day has caught on. Now, it is celebrated on the first Friday in June each year and National Doughnut Day is still a fundraiser for the Salvation Army in many parts of the country.

What is the main idea of the passage?

If you were writing a paragraph with the main idea being Thanksgiving holiday traditions, which supporting detail would you not use?

If I was writing a paragraph on the benefits of an organized binder, which detail would I not include?

Which statement is an opinion?

Which statement is an opinion?

While Benjamin Franklin is known as a statesman

and diplomat, he was also an accomplished inventor

and scientist. Franklin was mainly a printer

by profession, but he also investigated natural

phenomena, such as ocean currents and lightning. His

marine research led to his publication of a map of the

Gulf Stream currents. Franklin developed theories

about electricity, made famous by his experiment with

a kite and a key during a lightning storm. As a result

of his work with electricity, Franklin invented the

lightning rod, which protected buildings from lightning

strikes. Always curious and imaginative, Franklin also

invented the bifocal glasses, the Franklin stove, an

odometer for carriages and a musical instrument called

a glass armonica. He investigated evaporation as a

cooling technique and designed nautical enhancements,

including watertight compartments. (k12reader.com)

What is the main idea of this passage?

While Benjamin Franklin is known as a statesman

and diplomat, he was also an accomplished inventor

and scientist. Franklin was mainly a printer

by profession, but he also investigated natural

phenomena, such as ocean currents and lightning. His

marine research led to his publication of a map of the

Gulf Stream currents. Franklin developed theories

about electricity, made famous by his experiment with

a kite and a key during a lightning storm. As a result

of his work with electricity, Franklin invented the

lightning rod, which protected buildings from lightning

strikes. Always curious and imaginative, Franklin also

invented the bifocal glasses, the Franklin stove, an

odometer for carriages and a musical instrument called

a glass armonica. He investigated evaporation as a

cooling technique and designed nautical enhancements,

including watertight compartments. (k12reader.com)

What are the supporting details in the paragraph above?

The Adventures of Tom Sawyer, written in 1876, is the story of a boy growing up on the Mississippi River. In this passage, Tom’s town believes that he and his friends

have drowned. In fact, Tom and his friends are alive and planning to surprise the town by appearing at their funeral.

Chapter XVII

BUT there was no hilarity in the little town that same tranquil Saturday afternoon. The Harpers, and Aunt Polly’s family, were being put into mourning, with great grief and many tears. An unusual quiet possessed the village, although it was ordinarily quiet enough, in all conscience. The villagers conducted their concerns with an absent air, and talked little; but they sighed often. The Saturday

holiday seemed a burden to the children. They had no heart in their sports, and gradually gave them up.

What is the main idea of the passage?

The Adventures of Tom Sawyer, written in 1876, is the story of a boy growing up on the Mississippi River. In this passage, Tom’s town believes that he and his friends

have drowned. In fact, Tom and his friends are alive and planning to surprise the town by appearing at their funeral.

Chapter XVII

BUT there was no hilarity in the little town that same tranquil Saturday afternoon. The Harpers, and Aunt Polly’s family, were being put into mourning, with great grief and many tears. An unusual quiet possessed the village, although it was ordinarily quiet enough, in all conscience. The villagers conducted their concerns with an absent air, and talked little; but they sighed often. The Saturday

holiday seemed a burden to the children. They had no heart in their sports, and gradually gave them up. (k12reader.com)

What are supporting details for the main idea in the passage above?

As I walked in the door, I was amazed at the beautiful colors and smells. I knew it would be hard to decide what I would buy with my $3. The chocolate truffles looked delicious, but they were expensive. The jelly beans were not only cheaper, but so colorful! With so much to choose from, I knew I would be here a long time.

Where am I?

Below are two passages from L. Frank Baum’s classic story “The Wonderful Wizard of Oz.” The first passage is about Dorothy’s home in Kansas. The second refers to the road outside the Emerald City in Oz.

Read both passages and answer the questions.

When Dorothy stood in the doorway and looked around, she could see nothing but the great gray prairie on every side. Not a tree nor a house broke the broad sweep of flat country that reached to the edge of the sky in all directions. The sun had baked the plowed land into a gray mass,

with little cracks running through it. Even the grass was not green, for the sun had burned the tops of the long blades until they were the same gray color to be seen everywhere. Once the house had been painted, but the sun blistered the paint and the rains washed it away, and now the house was as dull and gray as everything else. (k12reader.com)

What is the most common color of the area around Dorothy’s home?

When Dorothy stood in the doorway and looked around, she could see nothing but the great gray prairie on every side. Not a tree nor a house broke the broad sweep of flat country that reached to the edge of the sky in all directions. The sun had baked the plowed land into a gray mass,

with little cracks running through it. Even the grass was not green, for the sun had burned the tops of the long blades until they were the same gray color to be seen everywhere. Once the house had been painted, but the sun blistered the paint and the rains washed it away, and now the house was as dull and gray as everything else.

Does this sound pleasant?

The road was smooth and well paved, now, and the country about was beautiful, so that the travelers rejoiced in leaving the forest far behind, and with it the many dangers they had met in its gloomy shades. Once more they could see fences built beside the road; but these were painted green,

and when they came to a small house, in which a farmer evidently lived, that also was painted green. They passed by several of these houses during the afternoon, and sometimes people came to the doors and looked at them as if they would like to ask questions; but no one came near them nor spoke to them because of the great Lion, of which they were very much afraid. The people were all dressed in

clothing of a lovely emerald-green color and wore peaked hats like those of the Munchkins. (k12reader.com)

What is the most common color of the surroundings in this passage?

The road was smooth and well paved, now, and the country about was beautiful, so that the travelers rejoiced in leaving the forest far behind, and with it the many dangers they had met in its gloomy shades. Once more they could see fences built beside the road; but these were painted green,

and when they came to a small house, in which a farmer evidently lived, that also was painted green. They passed by several of these houses during the afternoon, and sometimes people came to the doors and looked at them as if they would like to ask questions; but no one came near them nor spoke to them because of the great Lion, of which they were very much afraid. The people were all dressed in

clothing of a lovely emerald-green color and wore peaked hats like those of the Munchkins. (k12reader.com)

Does this place sound pleasant?

When Dorothy stood in the doorway and looked around, she could see nothing but the great gray prairie on every side. Not a tree nor a house broke the broad sweep of flat country that reached to the edge of the sky in all directions. The sun had baked the plowed land into a gray mass,

with little cracks running through it. Even the grass was not green, for the sun had burned the tops of the long blades until they were the same gray color to be seen everywhere. Once the house had been painted, but the sun blistered the paint and the rains washed it away, and now the house was as dull and gray as everything else.

The road was smooth and well paved, now, and the country about was beautiful, so that the travelers rejoiced in leaving the forest far behind, and with it the many dangers they had met in its gloomy shades. Once more they could see fences built beside the road; but these were painted green,

and when they came to a small house, in which a farmer evidently lived, that also was painted green. They passed by several of these houses during the afternoon, and sometimes people came to the doors and looked at them as if they would like to ask questions; but no one came near them nor spoke to them because of the great Lion, of which they were very much afraid. The people were all dressed in

clothing of a lovely emerald-green color and wore peaked hats like those of the Munchkins. (k12reader.com)

What do you think the author is trying to say about the differences in these two places?

After losing the game, Tom stormed off the field. "Tom sure has a short fuse," said Mom.

What is Mom saying?

"The new game will be out this Friday!" exclaimed Kam.

"But it will cost an arm and a leg," Damien lamented.

What was Damien saying?

when a book or poetry uses an over exaggeration to describe emotions

a literary deivce that gives the reader a warning about something that will happen later in the story; this is often an ominous, dangerous, or negative event

to decide, discover, learn, or calculate

a book that includes magic, talking animals, or imagery creatures and could not happen in real life

when the rising action abruptly stops and provides the reader with information about past events; this information help with understanding a character's motivation or why he or she acts or reacts certain ways

the end of a story

a fault or weakness in a person’s character

a reason for doing something

a group of lines in a poem

an object or animal is given human feelings, thoughts, or attitude

thanks, appreciation, and recognition

These are synoyms for which of the following words:

describes how a character (or an actual person) acts, reacts, responds to, or speaks throughout a book, short story, poem, or other types of text

fictional text based on future scientific or technological advances (can include the following: aliens, ufos, or other unexplained happenings)

the sequence of events in a story

a description of a character or the setting used or the directions provided in the text of a play.

conversation between two characters

Tommy is Cassie's older brother. One day they are walking home from school when a cold front rolls in and the temperature drops 20 degrees. Tommy is dressed more appropriately for the weather than Cassie. He takes off his hooded sweatshirt and offers it to her. She gratefully accepts. Tommy is now colder, but he is happier.

Which trait best describes Tommy based on the text?

Craig is a football player training over the summer for next season. The coach demands that all players come in at 6:00 AM and lift weights until 8:00 AM, when practice begins. Craig gets there at 5:00 AM to begin his training.

Which trait best describes Craig based on the text?

Anna volunteered to help Kylie clean her house. When Anna washed the mirrors, Kylie asked her if she used paper towels instead of newspapers. When Anna admitted that she had, Kylie asked her to redo them. Then, while Anna was sweeping, Kylie corrected her on her technique. "Don't just push the dirt around, Anna. SWEEP it," Kylie told Anna.

Which trait best describes Kylie based on the text?

When Susie came back to class, she noticed that her notes were missing. She looked around the room and saw that Beth using her notes to complete the assignment listed on the board.. Susie stormed over to Beth’s desk, demanded that she return her notes, and snatched the papers off of her desk. Beth was shocked because they had always shared notes and worked together on past assignments.

Which trait best describes BETH based on the text?

Kelvin found a wallet on the ground. He opened up the wallet and saw an old woman's ID card. Kelvin removed the ID from the wallet, walked to the woman's house, and returned the wallet to her.

Which trait best describes Kelvin based on the text?

Jonathan invited a bunch of friends over to his house. He then talked to them for hours about all the trophies that he had won, his rare comic book collection, and how much money his dad makes. His friends did not enjoy their time at Jonathan's.

Which trait best describes Jonathan based on the text?

Rocky's cousin brought him to a party. Rocky didn't know anyone at the party. Shortly after getting there, Rocky's cousin disappeared. Rocky made a lot of new friends at this party and had a great time.

Which trait best describes Rocky based on the text?

The teacher asked Khadija what the answer was to the problem on the board. Khadija looked away for a moment and then put her head down on her desk. After the teacher moved on to someone else, Khadija whispered to her friend that the answer was 26. Khadija was right.

Which trait best describes Khadija based on the text?

After Mark's mechanical pencil ran out of lead, he asked Pete, who sat next to him, if he could borrow a pencil. Pete yelled, "No, Mark. If you didn't come prepared, why is that my fault? Bring TWO pencils to class! You can't have one of mine or you'll never learn your lesson."

Which trait best describes Pete based on the text?

Scott doesn't talk much, but five girls in our homeroom class are currently competing for his attention. This is nothing new. Girls have liked Scott for as long as I can remember.

Which trait best describes Scott based on the text?

Which part of the plot creates tension and suspense?

Which of these is an internal conflict?

When you are reading and come to an unknown word, what should you do first?

The text ____ is how the text is organized.

Logical reasoning based on textual evidence is...

Read this short paragraph.

Maddie loved to tell jokes. Making people laugh came easily to her, and she enjoyed seeing others filled with joy. At school her friends were always listening to her jokes. This did not change once she was at home either. Her family loved her wittiness and laughed along with her.

What character trait is Maddie displaying?

Read the sentences below:

Julia was quiet all day long. In class, she put her head down. At dinner, she barely touched her food. After dinner, she went straight to bed. her mother wondered why Julia was acting so differently from how she usually behaved.

What can you infer about Julia?

Read the sentences below: Nate wanted everything his older brother had.  When his parents bought his brother new clothes, he wanted new clothes, too.  When his older brother went to the movies with his friends, Nate was angry. What can you infer about Nate?

What is the highest, most suspense-building, part of the story? The part of the story where the character reaches a turning point.

Claire felt things deeply. She cried reading books or watching animal shows. She tried not to hurt other people's feelings, because she knew how easy it was to have her own feelings hurt. Claire's friends understood her gentle heart but others didn't get it.

Braxton liked to chat with people. He woke up talking and talked all day long. He talked to people he knew and even to people he didn't know well. It didn't matter what they were talking about, Braxton had something he wanted to say about it. Sometimes he talked too much!

Natalia was going to be a big sister. Her mom and dad knew she would be a great big sister because she treated everyone kindly. She gave hugs to her grandma and grandpa. She was sweet to her dog and cat and she took care of them to. Natalia couldn't wait!

Pete was usually a very nice person. In fact, most people didn't know that he got mad so quickly! Sometimes, the smallest things made Pete mad. One day he was at the zoo and someone stepped on the back of his shoe. He turned around and yelled without thinking.

Amy liked to do things herself. Lots of her friends had parents who had to remind them to do their homework, but Amy came home and did it without asking. Amy didn't need a lot of attention from other people either. She liked to be around people, but she was just as happy being alone.

Micah knew that things didn't always go as planned. He had five brothers and sisters and learned from living with them, that it was best not to be disappointed when there had to be changes. Micah went with the flow. If plans changed, it was still going to be okay to him.

Daniel was not stingy. If you needed something and he was able to help, Daniel would give it to you. One time, he was eating at school and saw that a new friend didn't bring much for lunch. The next day, Daniel brought some extra food to share with him. Daniel tried to make a difference.

Samantha danced in her room so much that finally, her parents let her take lessons. After taking dance for a few years, she decided she wanted to be a dance teacher. She kept dancing in college. Then, she worked at whatever job she could find until she had enough money to open her own dance studio.

Suzanne never steps on a crack. She keeps a lucky rabbit's foot in her pocket and likes to look for four leaf clovers. She things the number 13 is unlucky and gets worried when it's Friday the 13th! She makes sure never to walk under a ladder or break a mirror.

David can be difficult. Once his mom told him to clean up his room before he played. Instead of cleaning it up, he sat in his room doing nothing. When he and his brother disagreed about a baseball fact, his brother looked it up. Even though David was wrong, he wouldn't admit it.

Cameron couldn't help it! He bumped into things often. His legs were sore from hitting the corners of the bed. He sometimes tripped on rocks or on steps. Sometimes he tripped for no good reason at all. Cameron knew it was a problem, and he tried to be extra careful.

Alicia wrote the best stories! When her teacher asked each student to make up a story, Alicia couldn't be happier! Right away she thought of castles and dragons, or mermaids and sunken ships, or even aliens on new planets. Writing stories to her was a way to share he ideas.

Christian's room looks like a pig. The floor is covered with clothes, books, and toys. If you open a dresser drawer, you never know what you will find. Besides clothes, there are all sorts of mixed in. If his mom asks him to clean his room, he shoves things under his bed.

Rebecca doesn't follow the rules. One day, her mom said not to eat any cookies before dinner. A few minutes later, she tiptoed into the kitchen and put a cookie in her pocket to eat in her room. At school, she tried to eat candy or when the teacher wasn't looking.

Brandon doesn't have much money. His clothes are clean but not new. His house is small but keeps him warm. Even though he should have been happy, he sometimes looked at his friend, Christopher and wished that he had things that he had, like a new bike, a fancy computer, and a big house.

Maria made sure that everything was in its place. She had boxes with labels for all of her toys. Each drawer in her dresser had neatly folded clothes. She had a binder for school with sections for each subject and a pencil pouch. It was east for her to find things.

Tessa asked her parents lots of questions when she was tiny. After they answered, she often would follow up the question by asking why! Even now, Tessa is interested in learning more about almost everything. She reads lots of books and searches the internet too.

Nico wanted a new bicycle. His parents said he could have one if he earned the money himself. Nico decided to start a dog walking business. He made his own business cards and gave them to his neighbors. He saved everything he earned and soon, he bought a bike!

Evelyn wanted everyone to be extra careful. She worried that someone could get hurt or get in trouble. Evelyn made sure to wear a coat when it was cold, an umbrella when it was rainy, and sunscreen if it was sunny. She was prepared for everything...just in case.

James likes to think of ways to make things better. He made a remote control to close the curtains in his bedroom. James added a timer to his electric toothbrush. He even made his mom an alarm for the cookie jar, so kids didn't tr to sneak cookies before dinner.

Which word is a synonym of obsolete?

Read the sentence:

Last night's violent storm set off a cascade of power outages across the stage.

Select the definition of cascade that the sentence uses.

The word 'evaluate' means:

Read the sentence:

After the brief recession, stocks were finally starting to rebound.

Select the definition of rebound that the sentence uses.

Which word is a synonym of fluctuate?

Read the sentence:

The hosts provided liberal amounts of food and drink, and all the guests were stuffed by the end of the night.

Select the definition of liberal that the sentence uses.

The wizard's new apprentice just created the first spell of his career. SO EXCITING!

An apprentice is...

My little sister is learning to drive and it's not going very well. Everytime she has to a stop the car, all the passengers lurch forward; thank goodness for seatbelts!

Cruising along, the sports car stopped abruptly at sight of the runaway baby carriage

The city was devasted by the earthquake! Not only did it cause massive damge thouroughout the downtown area, there was also flooding due to the dam breaking!

Like Mother Theresa, the young nun decided to devote her life to feeding the poor.

Don’t hesitate to reach out and I will get you the sign-up information. The sooner you reach out, the sooner you will get your information.

On the periphery of the cirlce was a circle of roses for her graduation surprise.

The 7th grader was full of regret for being cruel to the new girl, so she sent her and apology.

It depends on whose point of view you are trying to understand. You have to take a walk in her shoes to understand her actions.

Which word is more negative in connotation?

apprentice or regretful?

Landscaping is critical to keeping your neighborhood clean and safe. You should have your lawn manicured at least once a week. Manicure means...

When the meteor hit the earth it left a large cavity in the earth they later used as as a local swimming hole. Select all that apply.

He manevered the shopping cart through the busy Walmart: dodging people and clothing racks sucessfully.

The boy held a grudge toward his aunt for many years. Finally, he decided to resolve the issue by talking to her about it.

Artemis Fowl is the international bestseller about a teenage criminal mastermind and his siege against dangerous, tech-savvy fairies. Twelve-year-old criminal mastermind Artemis Fowl has discovered a world below ground of armed and dangerous--and extremely high-tech--fairies. He kidnaps one of them, Holly Short, and holds her for ransom in an effort to restore his family's fortune. But he may have underestimated the fairies' powers. Is he about to trigger a cross-species war? ~ Artemis Fowl by Eoin Colfer

Which text evidence from the blurb best supports the genre for the book, Artemis Fowl?

From award-winning author Sharon Draper comes a story that will forever change how we all look at anyone with a disability, perfect for fans of RJ Palacio's Wonder. In Out of My Mind, eleven-year-old Melody is not like most people. She can't walk. She can't talk. She can't write. All because she has cerebral palsy. But she also has a photographic memory; she can remember every detail of everything she has ever experienced. She's the smartest kid in her whole school, but NO ONE knows it. Most people--her teachers, her doctors, her classmates--dismiss her as mentally challenged because she can't tell them otherwise. But Melody refuses to be defined by her disability. And she's determined to let everyone know it...somehow.

Which evidence best supports the genre for Out of My Mind?

Evil tree. Bad Apple? Twenty years ago, all the evil villains were banished from the kingdom of Auradon to the Isle of the Lost-a dark and dreary place protected by a force field that makes it impossible for them to leave. Stripped of their magical powers, the villains now live in total isolation, forgotten by the world. Mal learns from her mother, Maleficent, that the key to true darkness, the Dragon's Eye, is located inside her scepter in the forbidden fortress on the far side of the island. The eye is cursed, and whoever retrieves it will be knocked into a deep sleep for a thousand years. But Mal has a plan to capture it. She'll just need a little help from her "friends." In their quest for the Dragon's Eye, these four kids begin to realize that just because you come from an evil family tree, being good ain't so bad.

Praise for The Isle of the Lost "Disney lovers and fairy-tale fans alike will need to get their hands on this book."

Which evidence from the book's blurb best supports The Isle of the Lost's genre?

From first-time novelist Jordan Sonnenblick, a brave and beautiful story that will make readers laugh and break their hearts at the same time. Thirteen-year-old Steven has a totally normal life: he plays drums in the All-Star Jazz band, has a crush on the hottest girl in the school, and is constantly annoyed by his five-year-old brother, Jeffrey. But when Jeffrey is diagnosed with leukemia, Steven's world is turned upside down. He is forced to deal with his brother's illness and his parents' attempts to keep the family in one piece. Salted with humor and peppered with devastating realities, DRUMS, GIRLS, AND DANGEROUS PIE is a heartwarming journey through a year in the life of a family in crisis.

Which evidence best supports the genre for Girls, Drums, and Dangerous Pie?

Bestselling author Sherman Alexie tells the story of Junior, a budding cartoonist growing up on the Spokane Indian Reservation. Determined to take his future into his own hands, Junior leaves his troubled school on the rez to attend an all-white farm town high school where the only other Indian is the school mascot. Heartbreaking, funny, and beautifully written, The Absolutely True Diary of a Part-Time Indian, which is based on the author's own experiences, coupled with poignant drawings by Ellen Forney that reflect the character's art, chronicles the contemporary adolescence of one Native American boy as he attempts to break away from the life he was destined to live. With a forward by Markus Zusak, interviews with Sherman Alexie and Ellen Forney, and four-color interior art throughout, this edition is perfect for fans and collectors alike.

"A beautifully measured novel of life and line." -- The New York Times Book Review "With a bolt of lightning on my kicks . . . The court is SIZZLING. My sweat is DRIZZLING. Stop all that quivering. 'Cuz tonight I'm delivering," raps twelve-year-old Josh Bell. Thanks to their dad, he and his twin brother, Jordan, are kings on the court. But Josh has more than basketball in his blood--he's got mad beats, too, which help him find his rhythm when it's all on the line. As their winning season unfolds, things begin to change. When Jordan meets a girl, the twins' bond unravels.Told in dynamic verse, this fast and furious middle grade novel that started it all absolutely bounces with rhythm and bursts with heart.

I need an informational book to finish my 40 Book Challenge Checklist! One more and my challenge is done! I'm so excited!

Which book blurb is for an informational genre?

Read the following paragraph from "Keep Calm and Read On."

(INFORMATIONAL TEXT)

Today the now-famous wartime slogan has been rewritten in different ways. Some people have created fun phrases like “Keep Calm and Call Mom” or “Keep Calm and Eat a Cupcake.” Others have added sarcasm to the slogan by writing versions such as “Now Panic and Freak Out” or “Keep Calm and This Poster Is Getting Old.” No matter the version or interpretation of the Keep Calm slogan, it is highly recognizable. Many online shopping websites continue to sell a variety of products with some form of the Keep Calm and Carry On slogan. And variations of the slogan show up on social networking sites daily.

What is the best central idea for the paragraph?

Read the paragraph from “Capturing the Moment” by Gary Soto.

(REALISTIC FICTION)

Lisa turned and gasped. Over the lake arched a rainbow that began somewhere behind the tractors. The centerpiece was the pair of egrets, still as statues. Even Pecas stopped his whining. Lisa wondered, Can he really see the rainbow? She had read that dogs were mostly color-blind, but that birds, even common ones like the sparrow and finch, could slice the color red into a dozen shades. Their world was richer in color than some of the greatest paintings.

Which statement best expresses a central idea of this paragraph?

Examine the image and Read the paragraph from “A Man’s Cup” from Children of the Longhouse by Joseph Bruchac.

(NATIVE AMERICAN HISTORICAL FICTION)

Ohkwa'ri put the sumac blowpipe back on the shelf above his uncle's bed. Like all things that would be useful to more than one person, it was kept in plain sight. That way, if anyone in the village had need of it they could simply take it and return it when they were done. Truly personal things—like Ohkwa'ri's stone with its two beautiful crystal —were kept out of sight in the bark boxes under everyone's beds. No one would ever look under another person's bed.

Which important idea does the author develop in this paragraph?

Read the paragraph from “Capturing the Moment” by Gary Soto.

I’ll draw the lake, Lisa decided. She liked drawing birds, but had grown tired of sparrows, blue jays, and blackbirds wrapped in glossiness. These days she liked doing portraits, though she could draw objects, too. The previous week she had drawn the pile of tires behind the tractors; the drawing now adorned the front of the refrigerator.

Which inference about Lisa is best supported by this paragraph?

Read the paragraphs from “Robots on the Reef."

(INFORMATIONAL TEXT)

Coralbots are small robots designed to piece together damaged coral in the oceans. The Centre for Marine Biodiversity and Biotechnology (CMBB) has piloted a program exploring the use of such robots to efficiently and safely restore coral reefs. Scientists at CMBB hope to program Coralbots to locate colonies of endangered coral and reconstruct them. Following a simple set of rules, several robots would work as a team to seek out coral fragments that have broken off and cement the pieces to reefs. Coralbots would also be programmed to discriminate between coral and non-coral objects. Scientists believe these robots could someday repair a reef in just a few weeks.

What is one reason scientists are most excited about Coralbots restoring coral reefs in the ocean?

Read the paragraph from “Robots on the Reef,”

The idea of working as a team is not new in nature. Insects work together to build hives, and birds work together to build nests. Noel Sharkey, a scientist working on the Coralbots project, said, “Look at termites—a termite follows a simple rule, pushing a little ball of dirt until it meets another ball of dirt. And you end up with these huge mounds that termites build and live in.” Sharkey says that the Coralbots would work in a similar way.

Which text evidence best supports the central idea that coralbots will efficiently restore the coral reefs throughout the ocean?

Read the paragraph from The Fast and the Furriest by Andy Behrens.

In the days that followed, it became perfectly clear that Cromwell was obsessed with agility. It was not merely a phase, but an addiction. He dropped his leash at Kevin's feet constantly. He ran phantom courses in the backyard. He lodged himself in the tire swing daily. It was mid-June and oppressively hot, but not even a series of 100-degree days could stop the dog. At times, Kevin would simply sit in a lawn chair, spraying himself with the hose, while Cromwell made run after failed run at the tire swing. Zach accompanied them on what Kevin felt were murderously long walks. At Montrose Beach, Cromwell ran through obstacle courses that Kevin constructed from abandoned tin pails and shovels; in Homer Park, the dog routinely broke free of his leash and tore through picnics and volleyball games; on the lakefront path, he chased bikes and terrorized pigeons. (Or maybe he just amused them. Tough to tell with pigeons.) He was an entirely new—and an unrelentingly active—Cromwell Pugh.

What information does the setting mainly suggest about Cromwell? (How does the setting affect the plot?)

The Fast and the Furriest

In the days that followed, it became perfectly clear that Cromwell was obsessed with agility. It was not merely a phase, but an addiction. He dropped his leash at Kevin's feet constantly. He ran phantom courses in the backyard. He lodged himself in the tire swing daily. It was mid-June and oppressively hot, but not even a series of 100-degree days could stop the dog. At times, Kevin would simply sit in a lawn chair, spraying himself with the hose, while Cromwell made run after failed run at the tire swing. Zach accompanied them on what Kevin felt were murderously long walks. At Montrose Beach, Cromwell ran through obstacle courses that Kevin constructed from abandoned tin pails and shovels; in Homer Park, the dog routinely broke free of his leash and tore through picnics and volleyball games; on the lakefront path, he chased bikes and terrorized pigeons. (Or maybe he just amused them. Tough to tell with pigeons.) He was an entirely new—and an unrelentingly active—Cromwell Pugh.

Which textual evidence from paragraph 1 best supports the answer to #7?

Read the paragraphs from “Canal Dreams.”

(1) What I recalled most vividly, often at night, was my reflection on the surface of the river when the stars were shining. There were stretches of the Susquehanna so calm and smooth they reminded me of a mirror Earth was holding up—less to the day sky with its blank sheet of brilliant blue than to the night sky with all its variation. The quiet would occasionally be interrupted by the quick splash of a bass leaping to snatch a dragonfly from the night air.

(2) It wasn’t a bad place to be at the age of thirteen. My grandfather was with me always (to this day I can shut my eyes and see him sitting at the head of our flat-bottomed craft, often with his greatcoat spread about him like a tent). I should have been in school, but we had been living near the Maryland line. Slavery was still legal in Maryland, and although my grandfather and I had been born free, the lower Susquehanna was much too close to slavery for safety’s sake. My grandfather had always made his living as a boatman, first in Virginia, and subsequently in Pennsylvania, a free state. Or at least more free. The river represented freedom, and safety, too.

According to the paragraphs, why does the grandfather allow his grandson to work with him instead of attending school?

Read the paragraphs from “Canal Dreams."

The Susquehanna River was the main highway of central Pennsylvania then, so wide the railroads couldn’t yet cross it. One track slithered up the eastern bank—sometimes when we were navigating among the willow-studded islands around Dalmatia, we would hear its rude hoot and see the smoke from its funnel. My grandfather said he knew a day would come when the flatboat trade would end—barges like our flatboat being all that could ply the Susquehanna’s shallow waters—but for the moment it was a good enough living for one man. And then for two, for I foolishly believed myself a man, helping my grandfather load and unload our craft or carrying the boat on our shoulders when summer drought made the shallows shallower. We hauled whatever we were paid to haul, buttons and nails from Harrisburg up to the little river towns, then grain back down.

What is the primary significance of the railroad to the narrator and his grandfather?

What is the central idea of the passage?

Rainforests can be found on the continents of Asia, Africa, South America and Australia. And on each continent the same fate is occurring to each rainforest, acres of each are being destroyed by human destruction and nature disasters. Many animals and people lose their homes when the rain forest is cut down. Today, people are destroying the forests so quickly that the animals are unable to adapt. Many of these animals, such as the leopard, need miles and miles of untouched rainforest in order to live. Furthermore, as more of the rainforest is destroyed, the risk of air pollution and loss of oxygen increases. Rainforests are often a distant concern, but they are a crucial part of the ecosystem and its balance for both the human race and the survival of many species of wildlife.

What is the central idea of the passage?

Thomas Edison’s life span is known as “The age of Edison.” If it wasn’t for Thomas Edison, we might not have electric lights, telephones, movie cameras, or computers! Think of all the ways these great products affect our lives today. Edison held over 1,000 patents and received dozens of awards during his lifetime for his inventions and contributions to science.

What is the central idea of the passage?

In 1969, Apollo 11’s successful landing on the moon was seen on TV all around the world. At last, men had walked on the moon for the first time ever! Neil Armstrong and Edwin Aldrin became famous American heroes. This mission was a great achievement for the U.S. space program, and led to six more Apollo flights in the years to come. The mission's success also led to further deep space explorations by the United States and other countries around the world.

What is the central idea of the passage?

The law was not exactly fair in the Middle Ages in Europe. Back then, you could blame someone in your town for committing a crime. The “criminal” could then challenge you to a fight to prove his guilt or innocence. If you lost the fight, you were charged as a liar and the criminal was believed to be innocent. If you won, the criminal was believed to be guilty.

What is the central idea of the passage?

In training to be a knight, a person was expected to study hard and learn good manners. They were taught to play musical instruments, sing, and recite poetry. They also studied reading, writing, geometry, and strategy games. Another knight would then teach the person to shoot a bow and arrow, fight with a sword, and ride a horse. To say the least, knights had a well-rounded education.

What is the central idea of the passage?

In 1981, a new television channel was introduced to showcase musicians performing their songs in music videos. This channel was called MTV, or Music Television. Since the channel first went on the air, viewership has increased, and the channel has expanded to countries all over the world. Today, MTV not only shows music videos, but a variety of other television programming as well.

What is the central idea of the passage?

William Shakespeare was a very prolific writer. By the time of his death at 52 years of age, he had written 37 plays, 154 poems, and two long, narrative poems. No other writer of his time produced as many high-quality works as Shakespeare. Among his most popular works are Romeo and Juliet and A Midsummer Night's Dream. His words have inspired many writers to this day!

What is the central idea of the passage?

Origami is the Japanese art of paper folding. Many beautiful three-dimensional creations are made with this art. Starting with only one square of paper, you can fold and fold and fold, until you’ve created amazing models. With practice, you can learn to make abstract designs or recognizable animals such as cranes (a type of bird) or even dinosaurs.

What is the central idea of the paragraph?

We often let others know what we are thinking without using words. The name that we give for this kind of communication is body language. Body language includes gestures, facial expressions, and posture. Body language does not always mean the same thing to everyone.

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

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

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.}

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

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!

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

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

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?

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.

What is the text structure of the following passage?

Every year, thousands of car accidents occur because of drivers distracted by their phones. Safe drive Corporation developed a product that will disable cell phones inside a car, and many people feel this product will help save lives.

What is the central idea of the following passage?

Origami is the Japanese art of paper folding. Many beautiful three-dimensional creations are made with this art. Starting with only one square of paper, you can fold and fold and fold, until you’ve created amazing models. With practice, you can learn to make abstract designs or recognizable animals such as cranes (a type of bird) or even dinosaurs.

What is the text structure of the Origami passage?

Origami is the Japanese art of paper folding. Many beautiful three-dimensional creations are made with this art. Starting with only one square of paper, you can fold and fold and fold, until you’ve created amazing models. With practice, you can learn to make abstract designs or recognizable animals such as cranes (a type of bird) or even dinosaurs.

Static characters are

Dynamic characters are

Ricky plays soccer every day and practices so he can improve. He watches soccer, reads about soccer, eats, sleeps and breathes soccer. A new kid joins the team and takes over. He becomes the star and steals the spotlight from Ricky every time. Ricky is jealous and starts to slip up in every game. He stops practicing. He loses confidence in himself and quits the team.

Miranda moves to the United States as a refugee. Her family has seen many tragedies before their move. She doesn't know the language or the customs in the United States. She doesn't talk for 3 months. One day, she drops the pencil sharpener in English class, and a kind classmate helps her clean up. "Thank you," Miranda says. The classmate, Thomas, asks her to join his friends and him at lunch. Miranda begins to speak English and starts to love her new home.

Betsy is a talented singer. She enters a talent show at school and decides to sing an Ariana Grande song. When the high note comes, her voice cracks and she is humiliated. She runs off the stage and begins to cry. The next day, Betsy tells her voice coach what happened. Her voice coach tells her that it happens to everyone. They practice the song again so Betsy can nail the high note in her next performance.

Andrew and Brian are twins. They dress the same, they play the same video games, read the same books and have the same friends. When they begin freshman year of high school, Brian decides to dye his hair green. He starts to wear all black clothes. He makes new friends and they play Dungeons and Dragons together. Andrew tries to invite Brian to play video games with him and their old friends, but Brian wants to hang out with his new friends instead.

A reader can tell that a character is dynamic if

In the story "Two Kinds," Jing-Mei's mother wants her to be a prodigy. Jing-Mei attempts every challenge her mother gives her. One day, she decides that she is not a prodigy and begins to defy her mother.

Jake is Cassie's older brother. One day they are walking home from school when a cold front rolls in and the temperature drops 20 degrees. Jake is dressed more appropriately for the weather than Cassie. He takes off his hooded sweatshirt and offers it to her. She gratefully accepts. Jake is now colder, but he is happier.

Which trait best describes Jake based on the text?

Craig is a football player training over the summer for next season. The coach demands that all players come in at 6:00 AM and lift weights until 8:00 AM, when practice begins. Craig gets there at 5:00 AM to begin his training.

Which trait best describes Craig based on the text?

Anna volunteered to help Kylie clean her house. When Anna washed the mirrors, Kylie asked her if she used paper towels instead of newspapers. When Anna admitted that she had, Kylie asked her to redo them. Then, while Anna was sweeping, Kylie corrected her on her technique. "Don't just push the dirt around, Anna. SWEEP it," Kylie told Anna.

Which trait best describes Kylie based on the text?

Corey came back from the bathroom and noticed that her rainbow pencil was missing. She looked around the room and saw that Beth was using a rainbow pencil. Corey started crying uncontrollably and ran out of the room.

Which trait best describes Corey based on the text?

Kelvin found a wallet on the ground. He opened up the wallet and saw an old woman's ID card. Kelvin removed the ID from the wallet, walked to the woman's house, and returned the wallet to her.

Which trait best describes Kelvin based on the text?

Jonathan invited a bunch of friends over to his house. He then talked to them for hours about all the trophies that he had won, his rare comic book collection, and how much money his dad makes. His friends did not enjoy their time at Jonathan's.

Which trait best describes Jonathan based on the text?

Rocky's cousin brought him to a party. Rocky didn't know anyone at the party. Shortly after getting there, Rocky's cousin disappeared. Rocky made a lot of new friends at this party and had a great time.

Which trait best describes Rocky based on the text?

The teacher asked Khadija what the answer was to the problem on the board. Khadija looked away for a moment and then put her head down on her desk. After the teacher moved on to someone else, Khadija whispered to her friend that the answer was 26. Khadija was right.

Which trait best describes Khadija based on the text?

After Mark's mechanical pencil ran out of lead, he asked Pete, who sat next to him, if he could borrow a pencil. Pete yelled, "No, Mark. If you didn't come prepared, why is that my fault? Bring TWO pencils to class! You can't have one of mine or you'll never learn your lesson."

Which trait best describes Pete based on the text?

Scott doesn't talk much, but five girls in our homeroom class are currently competing for his attention. This is nothing new. Girls have liked Scott for as long as I can remember.

Which trait best describes Scott based on the text?