Writing About Me Using Hyperbole and Simile

Writing About Me Using Hyperbole and Simile

Writing About Me Using Hyperbole and Simile

This is a fun lesson in which you give students permission to write some fake news (based on truth) about themselves using similes and hyperbole. They are going to write about something they are good at and make it sound as if they are great at it — like the world’s best at it.

This type of writing is the explanatory, expository, and informative writing called for in the Common Core State Standards and is just about everywhere actually. So, it’s silly, but silly writing is the basis for all those TV shows we love, right?

So, if you want the free printable or Google Slides distance learning version that guides them through this lesson and helps them get their writing down on paper, you can get it here.

Here is an example of what a final product looks like (with similes underlined):

          I am so good at rollerblading. When I rollerblade, crowds of people gather around just to see my impressive skills. You can hear people getting on their cell phones to say, “Dude, you gotta get over here and see the most amazing rollerblader I have ever seen!” People beg me for my autograph like I am a movie star or something. I am so fast, it is as if there are engines in each one of my rollerbladesI am like a jet. I even had a race with a sports car one time and I won – easily. Not only am I fast, but I can do awesome tricks. I can jump over just about any obstacle: cars, mailboxes, people, you name it. I once jumped over a tree! And flips are no problem. I make flips look so easy, it is like I am coin being tossed in the air during a coin toss. I jump up so high and do about 15 flips on the way down. And don’t even get me started on how many laps I can do at the roller rink. I can do about 1,000 laps around the roller rink in one minute. I truly am the best rollerblader on the entire planet!d

One thing I did that was fun was I held a “bragging and boasting contest.” I asked who wanted to be in the contest and did not force anyone. I read each entry out loud and kept a list going of which ones I had read. I kept their names private and didn’t say who wrote them. Then, I had students do a blind vote to decide which one was the best. Since this is silly, comedy-level writing (even though it’s Common Core), this kind of voting thing is a fun addition. But I would not suggest it for regular writing or as a regular occurrence.

 

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The 6th Grade Practice Tests Test Prep Workbook “is a high quality, beautifully-aligned resource. It is no-frills, to the point, yet high-interest for students. It is helping us prepare for standardized testing in a hybrid, synchronous, difficult year.”

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Writing about me using hyperbole and simile free lesson

Get Inside the Mind of a Character Reading Literature Activity

Get Inside the Mind of a Character Reading Literature Activity

Get Inside the Mind of a Character Reading Literature Activity

Better than a book report! Students delve into the minds of characters they’re reading about. In this post, there are samples of the “minds” of Anne Frank from The Diary of Anne Frank, Pi Piscine from The Life of Pi, Margaret Clark from The Homeroom Diaries, which were done by middle schoolers and a high schooler. There is a link to a FREE lesson packet full of graphic organizers for analyzing literature, and it includes the template for the blank head.

get inside the mind of a character free lesson ELA blog header

 Here is a sample of characterization of Anne Frank using the head:

what's in Anne Frank's head sample

Follow These Easy Steps:

1) Student selects a literary character or teacher selects characters for students.

2) Students take about five minutes to brainstorm any ideas they have about what is likely going on inside their characters’ minds such as: recurring thoughts, fears, joyful thoughts, strong memories, recent feelings, recurring images, dreams, convictions they live by, things they say a lot, how their minds work, etc. Students can make lists or quickly jot down ideas on a scratch piece of paper.

3) Using the template provided in the free lesson, students turn their ideas into images, quotations, and miscellaneous “thoughts” going on in their characters’ minds. The final product should be visually appealing and neat. In my example below, I focused on about 13 total “thoughts” going on in the mind of Anne Frank.

By the way, the free template also comes in the free lesson “What I learned this school year” (which is for students to reflect on what they learned) if you want to grab that.

Additionally, it comes in another free lesson packet called “Analyzing Characters 6 Ways With 6 Characters from 6 Stories Using 6 Graphic Organizers,” which I think you’ll love (especially since it’s free!). And, I wrote a blog post to go with it “Analyzing Characterization for 6 Characters in 6 Stories” to show each of the graphic organizers in action, using actual samples from actual stories (and links to those free stories you can use too). So check all these free items out for even more to do in English language arts class!

 

Examples Made by ALL Ages are Below:

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8th Grade Student Example: Get Inside the Mind of Margaret Clark from Homeroom Diaries

example what's in my head character lesson

7th Grade Student Example: Get Inside the Mind of Pi Patel from The Life of Pi

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Sadako and the Thousand Paper Cranes Reading Literature Lesson

Sadako and the Thousand Paper Cranes Reading Literature Lesson

Sadako and the Thousand Paper Cranes Reading Literature Lesson

I like to get students excited about reading literature by having them do a fun activity to go with the story. This is especially true when the book has sad or “heavy” subject matter related to war. So, to get them excited about reading the short novella Sadako and the Thousand Paper Cranes, I let them make origami paper cranes of their own. First, I have them read background information about World War II events that relate to the story and an interview of a survivor. That’s the “heavy” part. Then, I have them read the story, which is sad but also enjoyable and inspiring. After all that is when I have them make the paper cranes, which they really enjoy.

blog header Sadako and the Thousand Paper Cranes free literature activity

Good news! I found a free copy online. It is still under copyright, though, so I am not going to print it or post it. You, as teachers, however are entitled to fair use to use it for education purposes (but not post or sell). Access it here: PDF of Sadako and the Thousand Paper Cranes

Scholastic Book cover Sadako and the Thousand Paper Cranes

Here is how I would teach the book (but there are many options found on the web):

 

1) Learn about and then give students some basic background information on the bombing of Hiroshima by the United States that was an attempt to end World War II. Here are a couple good places for you as the teacher to read about it so you can summarize it for your students:

2) Read the book to students or have the students read the book. Have them answer questions about each chapter. You can find reading comprehension questions free online on several websites, such as this one: https://www.pghschools.org/cms/lib07/PA01000449/Centricity/domain/262/2014%20ela%20curriculum/6th%20ELA/Grade%206%20Sadako%20Teachers%20Guide.pdf

 

3) Have them make paper cranes. The instructions are in the back of the book usually, or you can find some good ones online for free, such as: https://monkey.org/~aidan/origami/crane/index.html

 

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Labor Day in ELA

Labor Day in ELA

Labor Day in ELA

You're curious about Labor Day and, deep down inside, students are too. Here are a few interesting facts about Labor Day to satisfy your curiosity, and, if you are a teacher, to share with students so they can reflect on it through writing, discussion, or further reading. Plus a free lesson that includes a passage, poem, and writing!

Labor Day in ELA blog header

1) The second half of the 1800s was a dismal time for American workers. Workdays were often 12 hours a day, 7 days a week. Wages were generally low, working conditions were often unsafe, and child labor was common. This led to the labor movement in the late 19th century/early 20th century, during which time Labor Day came about.

2) The labor movement began in the late 1800s when labor unions were growing more prominent and vocal. There were many unions such as those for jewelers, carpenters, cabinet makers, printers, bricklayers, etc. Large organizations such as the American Federation of Labor joined many of the smaller unions into one large powerful group. Labor Day came about during the labor movement.

symbol for laborer

3) Ten years prior to Labor Day becoming a national holiday, the first Labor Day parade took place in New York City on September 5, 1882. Approximately 10,000 workers took it upon themselves to take the day off without pay and join in a parade that showcased all of the different unions and then ended with a massive picnic, fireworks, and dancing. Annual celebrations in September have taken place ever since. Around this same time in the late 1800s, many cities and some states recognized Labor Day as a holiday. It usually took the form of a parade and festivities. It was a day when workers could take the day off to relax with their families. But the federal government needed some convincing.

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4) President Grover Cleveland made Labor Day a federal holiday in 1894, a couple of weeks after a major strike and boycott had crippled railroad travel nationwide. Some say it was an apparent bid to appease American workers.

5) Presently, according to the United States Department of Labor, "Labor Day, the first Monday in September, is a creation of the labor movement and is dedicated to the social and economic achievements of American workers. It constitutes a yearly national tribute to the contributions workers have made to the strength, prosperity, and well-being of our country."

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But wait, there's more! Have your students read this highly informative, highly interesting 2-page informational text passage all about Labor Day with a classic literary poem celebrating American workers AND writing extensions - ALL FOR FREE! NOW IN DISTANCE LEARNING FORMAT ALSO! 

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Grab the free lesson which includes a two-page informational text passage, a classic literary poem by Walt Whitman, AND writing extensions - ALL FOR FREE!

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WebQuest Practice Tests! THIS ONE "THE HISTORY OF SCHOOLS" IS FREE!! It gets students reading multiple authentic sources and answering ELA questions in a self-grading online test!

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And there are over 10 WebQuest Practice Tests to choose from (or buy the bundle) in which students get deeply engaged in reading multiple cross-curricular authentic sources that all revolve around different themes! Try them out! They're self-grading for goodness sake!

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Since teaching ELA for 10 years, I’ve been a contracted learning resource and assessment writer while running my store “Loving Language Arts.” I know how to align to standards like the back of my hand, yet I always aim to make resources high-interest to motivate reluctant readers and writers.

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You Know What Else Kids Love?

These workbooks! I made the articles super interesting to kids by writing about things that interest them! AND IT WORKED! I keep hearing from teachers how kids get so into these texts that they actually WANT to answer the questions!

Click below for FREE ELA PRACTICE TESTS – each targeting specific reading, writing, language, and speaking/listening/viewing standards.

Check out these GRADE-SPECIFIC test prep books with practice tests that target EVERY GRADE-SPECIFIC READING INFORMATIONAL TEXT STANDARD, one by one. An added bonus is that students LOVE the texts! In Easy-Print or Self-Grading Online Versions.
Grade 4 Reading Passages and Practice Tests Workbook - Informational Text Edition
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The 6th Grade Practice Tests Test Prep Workbook “is a high quality, beautifully-aligned resource. It is no-frills, to the point, yet high-interest for students. It is helping us prepare for standardized testing in a hybrid, synchronous, difficult year.”

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Labor Day Reading and Writing in ELA Pin

100 Questions on Standardized ELA Assessment Tests

100 Questions on Standardized ELA Assessment Tests

100 Questions on Standardized ELA Assessment Tests

After having been an ELA teacher for 10 years, and then an assessment writer contracted with multiple Ed-Tech companies (while running my store Loving Language Arts) for about 10 years, I know all about what questions appear on English Language Arts standardized tests (not just in the spring, but all year long). You may be in one of the 41 states that adopted Common Core (College and Career Ready Standards) or not. Either way, these questions will surely appear on ELA assessment tests. I recommend having students practice answering them all year long. The questions are arranged by the target (demonstrable skill). They are based on K-12 anchor standards in reading, literacy in content areas, writing, language, and speaking & listening.
blog header 100 questions on standardized ela english language arts assessment tests

Table Of Contents

Citing Textual Evidence In Reading:

  1. Which [detail/sentence/line] from the text [indicates/best supports] [provide inference or conclusion based on the text]?
  2. Which [detail/sentence/line] from the text best supports this [inference/conclusion] OR best shows [provide inference or conclusion]?
  3. The reader can [infer/conclude] [provide inference or conclusion based on the text]. Which [detail/sentence/line] from the text best supports this [inference/conclusion] OR best shows [provide inference/conclusion]?
  4. The author/narrator [infers/concludes] that [provide inference/conclusion based on the text]. Which [detail/sentence/line] from the text best supports this [inference/conclusion] OR best shows [inference/conclusion]?
  5. Read this [inference/conclusion].
    [provide inference or conclusion based on the text].
    Which [detail/sentence/line] from the text best supports this [inference/conclusion]?
  6. Which [details/sentences/lines] from the text [indicate/best support] [provide inference or conclusion based on the text]? Select [two /three] answers.

Elaborating on Ideas in Writing Using Evidence and Details:

  1. Writing Explanatory Brief Text: A student is writing a [insert type of text] about [insert purpose or topic of text]. Read the draft of the text and complete the task that follows. [Insert stimulus @ 200-250 words].The student does not have a [good/effective] or is missing a(n) [good/effective/clear] [introduction/conclusion]. Write an introduction that provides a clear [controlling idea/thesis]…OR Write a conclusion that [follows logically from the information OR is appropriate for the audience and purpose.
  2. Writing Explanatory Brief Text: A student is writing a[n] [insert type of text] about [insert purpose or topic of text]. Read the draft of the text and complete the task that follows [Insert stimulus @ 200-250 words, underlining sentences where elaboration is needed. Add student notes @ 70-80 words]. The student wants to develop more support for the [controlling idea/thesis/topic, etc.]…Use information/evidence/facts/examples, etc. from the student notes to [complete/develop/continue] the paragraph that begins with the underlined sentence.
  3. Writing Explanatory Brief Text: Choose [information/evidence/facts/examples, etc. depending on content of student notes] from the student notes and write a paragraph to develop the underlined [idea/topic, etc.]. [for stimuli structured as simple cause/effect, pro/con, compare/contrast, problem/solution] Using [relevant/appropriate] information from the student notes, write a paragraph to be added after the underlined sentence that develops [information on the effect of ; the cons of ; the solution to ; OR a comparison between (or contrast to) , etc.].
  4. Writing Explanatory Full Text: Create an explanatory writing assignment that flows naturally from the research scenario given in the Student Directions. An explanatory assignment must provide the following information:
    A purpose for writing
    Development of the topic with relevant facts, definitions, concrete details, quotations, or other information and examples
    A clear direction driven by a thesis/controlling idea supported by evidence from the sources about the topic, body paragraphs that develop the topic, and a concluding statement or section that follows from the information
  5. Writing Narrative Brief Text: A student is writing a [narrative/story] for the [insert where it will be read] about [insert purpose or topic of text].Read the draft of the [narrative/story] and complete the task that follows. [Insert stimulus @ 200-250 words, underlining sentence(s) where elaboration is needed]. The student wants to make the story more [exciting/interesting/descriptive, etc.]. Add dialogue [and/or description] to [replace/to come after] the underlined part of the story to show [what happens during that part of the story, what happens between two characters or events, etc. OR to develop the part about , etc.]. Add details [and/or dialogue] after the underlined part of the story [showing or describing , OR to develop the part about , etc.].
  6. Writing Narrative Brief Text: A student is writing a [narrative/story] for [insert where it will be read] about [insert purpose or topic of text]. Read the draft of the [narrative/story] and complete the task that follows. [Insert stimulus @ 200-250 words] STEMS: The student’s [narrative/story] does not have a [good/effective] [or is missing a] [beginning/ending]. Write a beginning* for the [narrative/story] that [sets up the action to come, and/or shows what is going on at the beginning of the narrative, and/or explains/introduces who the characters is/are, or what the setting or mood is]. Write an ending* for the story that solves [or finishes the story by solving] the problem in the story. Write an ending* to the narrative that [follows logically from and/or reflects on, OR provides closure for and/or reflection on] the [events/experiences] in the narrative.
  7. Writing Narrative Full Text: Create a narrative writing assignment that flows naturally from the research scenario given in the Student Directions. A narrative assignment must provide the following information:
    A purpose for writing
    A conflict or “jumping-off” point
    In-depth description, narrative techniques (such as dialogue), and a resolution
  8. Writing Argumentative Brief Text: A student is writing a[n] [argumentative topic] for the [newspaper/mayor/school board/town/city council/principal, etc.] about…Read the draft of the and complete the task that follows. [Insert stimulus @ 200-250 words – no student notes for organization] …The text does not have [or is missing] an [appropriate/effective] [introduction/conclusion]…Write an introduction to the [argumentative topic] that [establishes, introduces, and/or sets up the context for] a clear claim about…Write a conclusion that [follows logically from the argument/is appropriate for the audience of] the [argumentative topic]…
  9. Writing Argumentative Brief Text: A student is writing a[n] [argumentative topic] about…for the [newspaper/mayor/school board, town/city council/principal, etc.]. Read the draft of the and complete the task that follows. [Insert stimulus @ 200-250 words, underlining sentences where elaboration is needed. Add student notes @ 70-80 words] The student wants to develop more [support for the claim/evidence to address the counterclaim] in the [argumentative] . Use [information/evidence/facts/details, etc. depending on content] from the student notes to develop a supporting paragraph that begins with the underlined sentence. Choose relevant evidence [and examples/facts, etc. depending on the content of the student notes] from the student notes and write one or two paragraphs to [further develop the underlined (claim/reason, etc.) OR address the underlined counterclaim]. Using information in the student notes, [write a paragraph to be added after the underlined sentence OR continue the paragraph that starts with the underlined sentence] that states [and argues against/addresses] the [counterclaim, or opposing point of view].
  10. Writing Argumentative Full Text: Create an argumentative writing assignment that flows naturally from the research scenario given in the Student Directions. An argumentative assignment must provide the following information:
    A purpose for writing
    A description of the audience
    A topic with multiple sides, one of which the student can argue supported by evidence from the sources about the topic.

Determining Central Ideas and Supporting Details in Reading:

 

  1. Which [sentence/statement] best [identifies/expresses/shows] the [theme/central idea] of the text?
  2. Which [sentence/statement] best [identifies/expresses/shows] the [theme/central idea] of the [story/poem] told by the [narrator/speaker]?
  3. Which [sentence/statement] best [identifies/expresses/shows] [the author’s/character’s name’s] message about [provide theme/central idea]?
  4. Read the [sentences/lines/paragraph(s)]. [excerpt from text]
  5. What is the [theme/central idea] of the [sentences/lines/paragraph(s)]?
  6. Which [sentences/lines/paragraph(s)] from the text best [identify(ies)/express(es)/show(s)] the [theme/central idea]?
  7. Which sentence best summarizes the [first paragraph/introductory paragraph]?
  8. Read the [sentences/lines/paragraph(s)]. [excerpt from text] Which sentence best summarizes the [sentences/lines/paragraph(s)]?
  9. Which sentence best summarizes the text?
  10. Which sentence best summarizes what happens after [provide plot]?
  11. Read this summary.
    [summary of a section of the text; one key detail/event is missing] Which [key detail/event] is missing from the summary?
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Analyzing How Ideas are Developed and Elaborated in Reading:

 

  1. How does the author’s inclusion of paragraphs [insert paragraph numbers] contribute to the text? NOTE: Item must focus on the
    interaction between elements
  2. How do [events/people/ideas/topics] develop over the course of the text?
  3. What does the use of [development/description of events/people/topics] show about [description of idea/content of text]?
  4. Which statement best describes how the use of [events/people/ideas/topics] affects both texts?
  5. How does the author’s inclusion of [provide individuals/events/ideas/etc.] add to the development of the text?
  6. How do(es) the [provide individuals/events/ideas/etc.] change the text?
  7. Read the [sentence(s)/paragraph(s)/section(s)].
    [Provide excerpt from text] How does the [sentence(s)/paragraph(s)/section(s)] add to the development of the text?
  8. How does the author’s inclusion of [provide individuals/ideas/events/etc.] add to the development of the text? Select [two/three] options.

Determine Word and Phrase Meanings (Including Domain-Specific, Figurative Language, and Nuances in Language):

  1. Read the sentence(s).
    [Provide directly excerpted sentence(s) from text, with targeted word/phrase underlined] What is the meaning of the [word/phrase] [targeted word/“targeted phrase”]?
  2. Read the sentence(s). [Provide directly excerpted sentence(s) from text, with targeted word/phrase underlined]. What does the [word/phrase] [targeted word/“targeted phrase”] most likely [suggest/mean]?
  3. Read the sentence(s). [Provide directly excerpted sentence(s)from text, with targeted word/phrase underlined]. Which [word(s)/phrase] best state(s) the meaning of [targeted word/“targeted phrase”]?
  4. Read the sentence(s). [Provide directly excerpted sentence(s) from text, with targeted word/phrase underlined] What does the use of the [word/phrase] suggest?
  5. Read the sentence(s). [Provide directly excerpted sentence(s) from text, with targeted word/phrase underlined]. The [word/phrase] [targeted word/phrase] has multiple meanings. What does the [word/phrase] [targeted word/“targeted phrase”] most likely suggest about [idea/event/topic/etc.] in the text?
  6. Read the sentence(s). [Provide directly excerpted sentence(s) from text, with targeted word underlined] A(n) [antonym/synonym] is a word that means the [opposite/same or nearly the same] of another word. What is the [antonym/synonym] of [targeted word]?
  7. Read the sentence(s). [Provide directly excerpted sentence(s) from text, with targeted word underlined] An analogy is a comparison between two things. What is the analogy of the [provide targeted word]?
  8. Read the sentence(s). [Provide directly excerpted sentence(s) from text, with targeted word/phrase underlined]. Select the [word/phrase] that best defines [targeted word/“targeted phrase”] as it is used in the sentence(s).
  9. Read the sentence(s) [Provide directly excerpted sentence(s) from text, with targeted word/phrase underlined]. What does the author communicate to the reader with the use of [targeted word/“targeted phrase”]?
  10. Read the dictionary entry.
    (part of speech) 1. [definition]
    Which [word/phrase] in the text best matches the dictionary entry?
  11. Read the sentence(s). [Provide directly excerpted sentence(s) from text, with targeted word underlined]. What does the [root/affix] in the word [targeted word] mean?
  12. [Provide directly quoted sentence(s)/paragraph(s) from text, with targeted word or phrase underlined] What effect does the author create by using the [word/phrase] [targeted word/“targeted phrase”]?
  13. Read the [sentence(s)/paragraph(s)]. [Provide directly quoted sentence(s)/paragraph(s) from text, with targeted word or phrase underlined]. Which statement best describes what the [provide figurative language] in the [sentence(s)/paragraph(s)] adds to meaning of the text?
  14. Read the [sentence(s)/paragraph(s)]. [Provide directly quoted sentence(s)/paragraph(s) from text, with targeted word or phrase underlined] How does the [word/phrase] [targeted word/“targeted phrase”] affect the reader’s interpretation of the meaning of the text?
  15. How does the author’s use of the word/phrase [targeted word/“targeted phrase”] help the reader understand [the author’s/quoted person’s] [feelings/opinion/belief(s)] about [provide idea]?

Analyzing Text Structure:

  1. What effect does [provide text structure/format/feature/etc.] have on the meaning of the text OR reader’s understanding of [provide element affected by structure, such as the structure of the central idea, presentation of information, or the structure of events in the text]?
  2. What is the most likely reason the author [used/included] [provide text structure/format/feature/etc.] in the text?
  3. The author [used/included] [provide text structure/format/feature]. What is the most likely reason the author structured the text this way?
  4. The author [used/included] [provide text structure/format/feature/etc.]. How does this structure affect [provide element affected by structure, such as central idea, presentation of information, or events]?
  5. How does the [first paragraph/first section/introduction] about [provide content in text] [add to/affect] [provide element affected by structure, such as central idea, presentation of information, or events]?
  6. How do(es) the [sentence(s)/paragraph(s)/section(s)] about [provide content in text] [add to/affect] [provide element affected by structure, such as central idea, presentation of information, or events]?
  7. [Provide direct excerpt] Which of these best describes why the author [began with/ended with/used] [this/these] [sentence(s)/paragraph(s)/heading(s)/question(s)/quotation(s)/etc.] in the text?
  8. [Provide direct excerpt] Why is the difference between [this/these] [sentence(s)/paragraph(s)/section(s)] and the one(s) that came [before it/after it] important to the text?
  9. [Provide direct excerpt] Select the statement that best explains why the author chose to include [this/these] [sentence(s)/paragraph(s)/section(s)].
  10. Why did the author choose to [begin/end] the text with [provide structure (paragraph/section/event/feature/etc.)?
  11. Why is using [provide text structure] important to understanding [the author’s point of view/author’s purpose/specific information/events/etc.] in the text?
  12. What does the author accomplish by [using/beginning with/ending with/including] [provide structure] in the text?

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Determining Author’s Point of View or Purpose:

  1. What does the information in the [first paragraph/first section/introduction] of the text reveal about the author’s [point of view/purpose]?
  2. How does the author’s inclusion of paragraphs [insert paragraph numbers] contribute to the text? NOTE: Item must focus on the
    author’s point of view or purpose
  3. Read the [sentence(s)/paragraph(s)/section(s)]. [Provide excerpt from text] What does the information presented in the text reveal about the author’s [point of view/purpose]?
  4. PART A: Which of these inferences (or conclusions) about the [provide author’s point of view/author’s purpose] is supported by the text? PART B: Which [sentence(s)/paragraph(s)/section(s)] from the text best support(s) your answer in PART A?
  5. PART A: What inference (or conclusion) can be made/drawn about the
    PART B: Which [sentence(s)/paragraph(s)/section(s)] from the text best [show(s)/tell(s)/describe(s)] the [inference made/conclusion drawn] in PART A?
  6. PART A: What inference (or conclusion) can be made/drawn about the author’s opinion of [provide key individual/event/idea in the text]?
  7. What is most likely the author’s intent by mentioning [provide focused detail] in the text?
  8. Read the [sentence(s)/paragraph(s)/section(s)]. [Provide excerpt from text] What does the information presented in the text tell the reader about the author’s [point of view/purpose]?

Evaluating Visuals and Media:

 

  1. What effect does [provide feature/etc.] have on the meaning of the text OR reader’s understanding of [provide element affected by feature]?
  2. How does [provide feature/etc.] affect [or add to] the reader’s understanding of the text?
  3. What information does the reader learn in the [media or visual] that was not expressed in the text?
  4. How does the author use [media or visual element] to develop ideas [or a concept] in the text?
  5. What is the most likely reason the author [used/included] [provide text feature/etc.] in the text?
  6. The author [used/included] [provide feature]. What is the most likely reason the author [used/included] [provide feature]?
  7. The author [used/included] [provide feature/etc.]. How does this [provide feature/etc.]. affect [provide element affected, such as central idea, presentation of information, or events]?
  8. Why is using [provide text feature] important to understanding [the author’s point of view/author’s purpose/specific information/events/etc.] in the text?
  9. What does the author accomplish by [using/beginning with/ending with/including] [provide feature] in the text?
  10. PART A: Which of these inferences (or conclusions) about [provide how media is used] is supported by the text? PART B: Which [sentence(s)/paragraph(s)/section(s)] from the text best support(s) your answer in PART A?
  11. PART A: What inference (or conclusion) can be made/drawn about [provide how media is used]? PART B: Which [sentence(s)/paragraph(s)/section(s)] from the text best [show(s)/tell(s)/describe(s)] the [inference made/conclusion drawn] in PART A?

Evaluating Arguments, Claims, and Reasoning:

  1. What inference (or conclusion) can be made/drawn about the [provide relevance of evidence/elaboration to support claims, concepts, and ideas/etc.]? Explain using key evidence from the text to support your answer.
  2. What inference (or conclusion) can be made/drawn about the [provide relevance of evidence/elaboration to support claims, concepts, and ideas/etc.]? Explain using key evidence from the text to support your answer.
  3. Based on the text, [what conclusion can be drawn/what can a reader conclude] about [the author/the speaker/the narrator/or provide individual’s name]’s [thoughts/beliefs] about [provide individual’s name/provide information about individual/idea/event in the text]? Explain using key evidence from the text to support your answer.
  4. PART A: Which of these inferences (or conclusions) about how [provide relevance of evidence/elaboration to support claims, concepts, and ideas/etc.] is supported by the text?
  5. PART A: What inference (or conclusion) can be made/drawn about how [provide relevance of evidence/elaboration to support claims, concepts, and ideas/etc.]?
  6. PART B: Which [sentence(s)/paragraph(s)/section(s)] from the text best support(s) your answer in Part A? OR Which [sentence(s)/paragraph(s)/section(s)] from the text best [show(s)/tell(s)/describe(s)] the [inference made/conclusion drawn] in Part A?
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Comparing Two or More Texts & Perspectives:

  1. How does author #1’s viewpoint about…compare or contrast to author #2’s viewpoint on the same topic?
  2. Read the [sentence(s)/line(s)/set of lines/paragraph(s)] from [title text #2]. [excerpt from text] Based on this information, [what inference can be made/what can a reader infer OR what conclusion can be drawn/what can a reader conclude] about [the author/the speaker/the narrator/or provide individual’s name]’s [thoughts/beliefs] about [provide individual’s name/provide information about individual/idea/event] in [title text #1]? Explain using key evidence from [title text #1/both texts] to support your answer.
  3. PART A: Which of these inferences (or conclusions) about how the [provide key individual/event/or idea is introduced/illustrated/elaborated; OR author’s point of view/author’s purpose/relevance of evidence/elaboration to support claims, concepts, and ideas/etc OR conflicting viewpoints.] is supported by the text?
  4. PART A: What inference (or conclusion) can be made/drawn about the author’s opinion of [provide key individual/event/idea in the text]?
  5. PART A: What is most likely the author’s intent by mentioning [provide focused detail] in the text?
  6. PART A: Read the [sentence(s)/paragraph(s)/section(s)] from [title text #2]. [Provide excerpt from text]. Based on this information, [what inference can be made/what can a reader infer OR what conclusion can be drawn/what can a reader conclude] about how the [provide key individual/event/or idea is introduced/illustrated/ elaborated OR author’s point of view/author’s purpose/relevance of evidence/elaboration to support claims, concepts, and ideas/etc OR conflicting viewpoints.] in [title text #1]?
  7. PART B: Which [sentence(s)/paragraph(s)/section(s)] from the text best support(s) your answer in Part A?

Reading Literary Nonfiction and Complex Texts in Content Areas:

  1. The author uses a common literary theme to report on an event which is the theme of [theme such as “man versus nature”]. Select two details the author uses to develop this theme in the text.
  2. The author uses parallel structure in this excerpt. What is the author’s purpose for using this structure?
  3. The author uses loaded language to describe…What are some examples of loaded language the author uses?
  4. The author uses figurative language to describe…How does the author describe the same thing through facts elsewhere in the text?
  5. Which of the following details from the text are hyperbole (exaggerations) that are not meant to be taken literally?
  6. What effect does the author create with the use of [literary device]?

Since teaching ELA for 10 years, I’ve been a contracted learning resource and assessment writer while running my store “Loving Language Arts.” I know how to align to standards like the back of my hand, yet I always aim to make resources high-interest to motivate reluctant readers and writers.

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