20 Terms

Every Test TakerShould Know

Cause• The reason something

happened is cause.

Effect• What happened as a result

is the effect.

The boy knew the answer, so he raised his hand.

The soccer players wanted a drink of water because the sun was hot.

Cause and Effect

Compare• To find ways things are

alike is to compare.

Contrast• To find ways things are

different is to contrast.

Chase miceMeowRoam freelyMostly the same sizePlay with string

Chase cats

BarkTake of a

Walk Vary

in size Play

catch

TailFurMammalsPets4 legsCollarToysPaws

Cats Dogs

Compare and Contrast

Fact• A truth that can be proven.

Examples:

George Washington became the 1st President of the United States in 1789.

The Statue of Liberty was a gift from France.

The Tiger Pistol Shrimp is the loudest animal in the world.

Opinion• A belief or idea that a

person has.

Examples:

George Washington was the best President that the United States has ever had.

The Statue of Liberty is the most important landmark in our country.

Shrimp is the tastiest type of seafood.

Fact and Opinion

Problem• A question, dilemma, or

issue that needs solving.

Solution• The answer to the problem,

dilemma, or issue.

In the story, Bad Dog Marley, the problem is that Marley keeps damaging things in the house. He is trying to be good, but he is just a puppy. His family is frustrated and is thinking of giving him away. The solution to the problem that Marley saves Baby Louie and his family realizes he is helpful and that they truly love Marley. They decide to keep him, flaws and all.

Problem and Solution

Mood• The feeling the story evokes

in the reader.

• The choice of setting, objects, details, images, and words all contribute towards creating a specific mood.

Tone• The author’s attitude,

stated or implied, toward what he or she writes.

• Possible attitudes: pessimism, optimism, seriousness, bitterness, humorous, joyful

Mood and Tone

• A decision made about information you are given.Example:

Roberto was stretched out on the floor, putting the finishing touches on his homework. He stacked up his papers, got up, and went to the kitchen for a snack. His mom said, “You’d better not leave those papers on the floor.> You know how much Yipper likes to chew on paper.” His puppy was sweet, but had not yet learned what was food and what wasn’t.Roberto replied, “It will only take me a minute to get some cookies.” Then he heard a rustling noise followed by RRRIIIPPP!”In a very small voice he asked his mom, “Do we have any tape.”

Conclusion: Based on the clues in the story, we can conclude that Yipper ate Roberto’s homework.

Conclusion

• Information and details that make up the passage.

Content

Blue whales live in the Antarctic. Many blue whales have been killed by humans for their oil. In a few years, there may be none left. This can happen to many other animals if humans are not careful.

• To tell or write about using specific details, adjectives, and figurative language.

Examples:Her new puppy was a small, white

powder puff.

He studied so hard for the exam that all the information was swirling in his head.

Describe

• To decide the value or amount of something; to judge.

How would you prove…? Disprove…? Can you assess the value or importance of…?

What choice would you have made…? Based on what you know, how would you

explain..? What information would you use to support the

view…?

Evaluate

• To make clear or understandable.

What is…? When did ______ happen?How did ____ happen?

How would you explain…? How would you describe…?

How would you show…?

Explain

• To give examples or make clear; to paint a picture with words; to show, not tell.

Think of the five senses :how it feels

how it soundshow it smellshow it lookshow it tastes

Illustrate

• To draw a conclusion after reading all information.

Infer

The book tells me…

I already know in my schema…

So I infer…

• The most important thing about the passage; what the story or text is mostly about.

Example: Chocolate is a popular food. Today we think of it mainly as a

candy. Years ago, it started out as a drink. All chocolate is made from the beans of the cocoa tree. There are many steps to follow in turning cacao beans into the kind of chocolate we eat.

Main Idea: Making chocolate is a long process.

Main Idea

• An organizer that lists the main points you plan to include in a written answer and the order in which you are going to write them down.

Outline

Competitive Swimming, an Ideal Sport for Kids1.Introduction 2.Competitive swimming provides same benefits as other sports

1. It is good exercise and builds muscular strength 2. It promotes cooperation among team members, especially in relays

3.Competitive swimming provides some additional benefits 1. Swimming is an important skill that can be used forever 2. There is a reduced risk of injury 3. Each swimmer can easily chart his or her own progress

4.My personal experience as a competitive swimmer 1. I enjoy working with my coach 2. I've made a lot of friends on the swim team

5.Conclusion

http://www.teachervision.fen.com/writing/essays/1779.html?detoured=1

• To try to get another person to think or feel the same way you do.

• Your goal may be to change your readers' minds or move them to action. Your goal may be to sell a program, defend an idea, or refute an opponent.

Persuade

• The reason something is done; why the author is writing a passage.

• ENTERTAIN people and make them laugh.

• PERSUADE or CONVINCE readers to believe in something

• INFORM or TEACH you about something.

Purpose

• The following of one thing after another; the order in which things occur.

First, second, third, fourth

First, next, then, after that, finally

Yesterday, last week , in the future, tomorrow

Sequence

• To give the main points of the passage.

Include all the important informationUse the author’s key words

Sequence events in the order in which they happened

Make it short and sweetTell it in your own words

Summarize

• To give examples that help prove an answer.

Which statements support…?Can you explain what is happening…?

What is meant…?What examples can you find to…?

What facts would you select to show…?How would you classify…?

Support

• The way that a passage is organized.

Compare/ContrastCause/Effect

Problem/SolutionChronological/Sequence

Description

Structure