Reading Unit 1 “Everything’s Changing” Study Guide Name ______
RL.6.1 - Cite textual evidence to support analysis of what the text says explicitly as well as inferences drawn from the text.
- I can cite evidence from a passage (“word for word”).
- cite – quote word for word
- textual evidence – words, phrases, or sentences from a passage
- I can make inferences based on evidence in a passage (“based on what I’ve read, it’s most likely true that…”).
- inference – a logical guessed based on what is stated in the text and prior knowledge
- I can distinguish between inferences and stated ideas.
- distinguish – tell the difference between
- I can analyze an author’s words and determine textual evidence needed to support both explicit and inferential questions.
- analyze – to examine carefully in detail
- explicit questions – the answer is directly stated in the text
- inferential questions – the reader must infer (make a logical guess) because the answer is not stated directly in the text
SAMPLE QUESTIONS –Based on Holes.
1.Identify an internal conflict faced by Stanley in chapter 7. / 3. Explain why the author included the description of Camp Green Lake in Chapter 1.2. Which of the following statements is a valid inference?
A. Zero is stupid because he cannot read.
B. The Warden wants the boys to build character by digging holes.
C. Stanley gains confidence at camp.
D. Mr. Sir is a generous person. / 4. Which of the following connections is NOT correct?
- Zero is Madame Zeroni’s descendant.
- No rain has fallen in Green Lake since Sam was killed.
- Trout Walker is Barf Bag’s great grandfather.
- The Warden is still looking for Kate Barlow’s treasure.
RL.6.2 - Determine a theme or central idea of a text and how it is conveyed through particular details; provide a summary of the text distinct from personal opinions or judgments.
- I can identify the theme in a text.
- theme – the overall message or lesson the author wants to get across to the reader.
- I can identify the central idea of a text.
- central idea – also called the main idea; the author’s most important point
- I can identify details in the text that support the theme or central idea.
- details – statements, events, descriptions that help identify a theme or central idea
- I can analyze the plot (the events that happen) to determine a theme (author’s overall message).
- plot – the events in a story
- I can distinguish between textual facts and opinions.
- facts – statements that can be proven
- opinions – statements that express the beliefs of an individual or group that are not shared by everyone
- I can summarize a literary text based on facts, free from personal opinions and judgments.
- summarize – to state the contents of a passage in a brief yet through way
- literary text – short stories, poems, plays, novels
- judgments – a personal expression or conclusion
SAMPLE QUESTIONS– Based on Holes
5. The statement which BEST reflects a theme of this story is…- Never trust a stranger.
- You can change your destiny.
- Follow the group.
- Money is more important than friends.
- Camp Green Lake has a wreck room.
- There are dangerous yellow spotted lizards in the desert at camp.
- Barf Bag had the cot before Stanley.
- Mr. Sir used to smoke.
7. Summarize Stanley’s escape from the camp. / 8. Describe what Stanley found at the end of chapter 34. Where did it come from? What do you think was making the noise?
RL.6.4 - Determine the meaning of words and phrases as they are used in a text, including figurative and connotative meanings; analyze the impact of a specific word choice on meaning and tone.
- I can determine the meaning of words or phrases as used in a text.
- I can determine the tone of a text.
- tone – attitude of the narrator or writer
- I can interpret the meaning of words and phrases including:
- Figurative Meanings
- figurative language – imaginative language that is not meant to be interpreted literally.
- Types of figurative language:
Simile– the comparison of two unlike things using like or as; ex – Her hair was like a rat’s nest.
Metaphor– a direct comparison of two unlike things; ex – LeBron is a beast on the court.
Personification – giving human or living qualities to an inanimate object or non-human; ex – The wind whistled a happy tune.
Alliteration – words that begin with the same consonant sound located closely together in a text; ex – His feet were bloody and blistered as he walked across the desert.
Onomatopoeia – words that imitate the sounds they describe; ex – crackle, boom, pop
hyperbole – an extreme exaggeration often used for humor; ex – It took a thousand hours to get to work this morning because of the traffic.
Imagery – language that appeals to the senses; ex – The smell of freshly cut grass and hot, buttery popcorn distracted me from what was happening on the field.
- Connotative Meanings
- connotation – the suggested or implied meaning or emotion associated with a word
as they are used in a text. Ex – “Lady” sounds more elegant than “woman” or “chic”
- I can analyze the impact of a specific word choice on meaning.
- impact – effect or influence
- I can analyze the impact of a specific word choice on tone.
SAMPLE QUESTIONS – – Based on Holes
9. What does the word “concoctions” mean as used in the following sentence? (RL6.4)“The folks in Green Lake were afraid to take chances. They would get regular medicine from Doc Hawthorne and onion concoctions from Sam.”
A. mixtures B. prescriptions
C. chips D. casseroles / 10. What did Miss Katherine mean when she said her “brain and heart had been spinning ever since Sam kissed her? (RL6.4)
A. She couldn’t think of anything else.
B. She regretted her actions.
C. She was not feeling well.
D. She was too busy to think about it.
11. The phrase “It was so hot that it was like the air itself was sweating,” is an example of (RL6.4)
- hyperbole
- metaphor
- alliteration
- onomatopoeia
- he had learned to be kinder to others
- his physical strength affected his heart muscles
- he was unwilling to go out of his way to help others
- he had improved his eating habits
RL.6.5 - Analyze how a particular sentence, chapter, scene, or stanza fits into the overall structure of a text and contributes to the development of the theme, setting, or plot.
- I can analyze how a specific sentence, chapter, scene, or stanza fits into the overall structure of the text.
- scene –a part of a play
- stanza – a group of lines that form a unit in a poem
- structure– the way a piece is organized; narratives follow the structure of a plot diagram
- I can analyze how a specific sentence, chapter, scene, or stanza contributes to the development of the theme.
- I can analyze how a specific sentence, chapter, scene, or stanza contributes to the development of the setting.
- setting – the time and place in which a story occurs
- I can analyze how a specific sentence, chapter, scene, or stanza contributes to the development of the plot.
- plot diagram – a map that shows the major events in a narrative
- exposition – the beginning of the story; events that give the reader the background needed to understand a story
- rising action – events that build tension and lead to the climax; the main character usually faces a series of complications
- climax – the most exciting moment in a narrative; the moment where things turn around for the main character
- falling action – events that lead to the resolution
- resolution – the outcome of the conflict is revealed; loose ends are tied up
SAMPLE QUESTIONS –– Based on Holes
13. Which sentence gives the BEST description of the setting after Sam was killed? (RL6.5)- “The peach trees had all died, but there were a couple of small oak trees still growing by an old abandoned cabin.”
- “It was full of clear cool water, and it sparkled like a giant emerald in the sun. It was especially beautiful when the peach trees, which lined the shore, bloomed with pink and rose-colored blossoms.”
- “She could hear Sam’s voice echoing across the emptiness.”
- “He said that onions were good for the digestion, the liver, the stomach, the lungs, the heart, and the brain.”
- This is the exposition of the story. We learn where the action will take place and the background of the main character.
- This is the climax of the story. It is the most exciting moment and things turn around after this part of the story.
- This is the falling action of the story. The action is winding down.
- This is the resolution of the story. We learn what happened to the characters and how the event ended.
15. How does the writer use Stanley’s thoughts and feelings to develop the plot of the story? (RL6.5)
- Stanley’s fear for Zero’s safety causes him to leave camp and go search for Zero in the desert.
- Stanley’s attitude demonstrates that it is important to do what others tell you.
- Stanley’s description of the camp demonstrates how much fun he is having.
- Stanley’s reflection on the events shows that he regrets stealing the shoes in the first place.
- He wanted to build suspense and surprise the reader.
- He did not think readers would be interested.
- It wasn’t really important until that point.
- He thought it was obvious.
17. Stanley repeated the phrase “But what if it’s not too late?” several times. How is this phrase important to the plot? / 18. Describe the setting of the story in Chapter 34. Use 3 specific details from the story in your description.
RI.6.1 - Cite textual evidence to support analysis of what the text says explicitly as well as inferences drawn from the text.
- I can cite evidence from a passage (“word for word”).
- I can make inferences based on evidence in a passage (“based on what I’ve read, it’s most likely true that…”).
- I can distinguish between inferences and stated ideas.
I can analyze an author’s words and determine textual evidence needed to support both explicit and inferential questions.
SAMPLE QUESTIONS – Based on “Beat the Heat”
19. Which sentence below is a valid inference about hot weather?- Everyone loves hot weather.
- This has been the hottest summer ever recorded.
- Everyone in the world has to deal with hot temperatures at some point in the year.
- Planning ahead can prevent many problems associated with hot weather.
RI.6.4 - Determine the meaning of words and phrases as they are used in a text, including figurative, connotative, and technical meanings.
- technical meanings – word meanings that are usually relevant to one field of study or career
I can determine the meaning of words or phrases (figurative/literal; connotative/denotative).
- denotation – dictionary definition of a word
SAMPLE QUESTIONS– Based on “Beat the Heat”
21. The writer says that in large cities ”a canopy on the side of the building can provide some relief from the heat.” A canopy is most likely …- a type of tree that gives shade
- a device for measuring temperature
- a faucet for running water
- a covering made of fabric that gives shade
- warm
- scorching
- balmy
- hot
RI.6.5 - Analyze how a particular sentence, paragraph, chapter, or section fits into the overall structure of a text and contributes to the development of the ideas.
Determine text structure: e.g.
- chronology - texts that lists steps or events in the order in which they occur
- comparison - texts that point to similarities and differences between people, places, events or objects
- cause/effect - texts that show the results or outcomes of an action or event
- problem/solution– texts that identify a problem situation and offer a suggested way to solve the problem
- description – texts that describe characteristics of a person, place or object
Analyze how particular sentences, paragraphs, chapters, or sections fit into the overall structure of a text.
Analyze how particular sentences, paragraphs, chapters, or sections contributes to the overall development of the ideas
- development – introducing, describing, and extending
- key idea – an important idea the writer wants to get across to the reader
SAMPLE QUESTIONS – Based on “Beat the Heat”
23. What is MOST LIKELY the reason the author includes the information about latitude?- To show that location affects temperature.
- The writer is curious about weather.
- This information demonstrates why some people like hot weather.
- To encourage the reader to live near the equator.
- It compares areas with extreme heat to other areas of the country.
- It gives examples of the effects of hot temperatures.
- It offers solutions to problem associated with hot weather.
- Surviving a hot day is explained in chronological order.
25. How does the description in the paragraph that begins “Heat stroke is the most serious heat related illness,” contribute to the development of the author’s key ideas? Use examples from the text in your analysis.
TIPS FOR ANSWERING MULTIPLE CHOICE QUESTIONS:
- Read the question carefully and circle key words.
- Eliminate any choices that do not make sense.
- Go back into the passage and find the part of the story referred to by the question. Re-read this part of the story.
- If you are still not sure, skip the question and return to it later. You may find a clue somewhere in the rest of the test that will help you make a choice.
- Choose the answer that best fits the question.
TIPS FOR ANSWERING SHORT ANSWER QUESTIONS:
- Circle key words and box numbers if appropriate
- Answer the question in 3-5 sentences.
- Use evidence from the text to support your ideas.
- Strive for a complete(answer all parts of the question), correct (based on the text), and clear (makes sense) answer
TIPS FOR ANSWERING EXTENDED RESPONSE QUESTIONS:
- Circle key words and box numbers if appropriate
- State your answer to the question clearly (Make an assertion)
- Choose evidence from the text to support your answer. (You can quote directly or paraphrase the part of the story you are referring to).
- Explain your ideas with commentary – Make a connection between the evidence from the story and your answer.
- Use multiple pieces of evidence and commentary to support your ideas!!
Sample answer rationales
1. One internal conflict Stanley faces in chapter 7 is wandering if he should give up digging his first hole. The text says, “He thought about quitting. He wandered what they would do to him. What could they do to him?” This is an internal conflict because Stanley has to make a choice. His struggle is within himself.
2. C is the best answer. We know that Stanley was bullied and did not have friends before he came to camp (Chapter 3). Now that Stanley has made friends with the boys of Tent D, he feels better about himself. (Chapter 11). A is not a valid inference because Zero learns quickly and can do math calculations. B. is not a valid inference because the Warden is having the boys dig holes to find something, not to build character. D is not a valid inference because Mr. Sir does not share with others, nor does he do anything kind for the boys.
3. The author described Camp Green Lake in chapter one to establish the setting. Knowing that the camp is on a “dry, flat wasteland,” is very important to understand that Stanley is going to be miserable at camp. He also states “the daytime temperature hovers around ninety-five degrees in the shade – if you can find any shade.” This tells me there is nowhere to escape the terrible heat. Listing the dangerous animals (yellow spotted lizards, rattlesnakes, and scorpions) also paints the picture of an unsafe environment.
4. C is the best answer. There is no evidence in the story that would allow us to infer that Trout Walker and Barf Bag were related. A cannot be correct because Zero is Madame Zeroni’s descendant. This is a main connections within the story. B is not the best answer because the book directly states that no rain had fallen in Green Lake since Sam died. D is not the correct answer because the Warden is a descendant of Trout Walker and she is making the boys did the holes to find the treasure.
5. B is the best answer. The overall message the writer is trying to get across is that Stanley was able to change his destiny by making good choices. He went from feeling “cursed” to being “lucky” as a result of following through on his friendship to Zero. A is not the best answer because none of the characters really had this type of experience in the story. C is not a valid theme because Stanley’s success came after he decided NOT to follow the group. D is not correct because Stanley shared his treasure with Zero. Their friendship was about more than finding treasure.