Author's Purpose, Central Idea and Context Clues

The rain barrel was about 40” tall and could hold more than fifty gallons of water. It was reddish-brown in color, similar to the color of adobe. The top was sloped into a narrow opening and a spigot protruded near the bottom where a hose could be attached.

• inform
• describe
• entertain
• explain

Tags

CCSS.RI.4.5

CCSS.RI.5.5

CCSS.RI.6.5

CCSS.RI.7.5

CCSS.RI.8.5

Nothing to do tonight? Why not see a play? The theater is alive and well, and tickets are available. Call the ticket hotline now and reserve your seats.

• persuade
• inform
• describe
• explain

Tags

TEKS.ELA.6.9A

TEKS.ELA.7.9A

TEKS.ELA.7.9B

TEKS.ELA.8.9A

TEKS.ELA.8.9B

Many people dream of an acting career, but few have the followthrough to take the steps that will make that dream a reality. The first step to becoming an actor is to train. Actors are not born with acting skills; they study and practice. Next, have professional photos taken of yourself. Whenever you audition for a part, leave behind a photo.

• describe
• persuade
• explain
• inform

Tags

TEKS.ELA.6.9A

TEKS.ELA.6.9B

TEKS.ELA.7.9B

TEKS.ELA.8.9A

TEKS.ELA.8.9B

In a recent survey of parents of children in grades 1-8, more than half of the parents agreed that students are overburdened with homework. These parents favored mandating less homework in local schools.

• persuade
• describe
• explain
• inform

Tags

TEKS.ELA.6.9A

TEKS.ELA.6.9B

TEKS.ELA.7.9A

TEKS.ELA.7.9B

TEKS.ELA.8.9A

Built in 1919, the Parker Theater was once the height of luxury but has fallen into disrepair. Shreds of what was a plush velvet curtain hang from a bowed crossbar at the front of the state. Gold, red, and purple paint flakes fall from the walls and ceiling. The rows of seats, once upholstered in red velvet, are dull brown and have gold trim.

• inform

• persuade

• entertain

• describe

Tags

CCSS.RI.6.6

CCSS.RI.6.9

CCSS.RL.4.6

CCSS.RL.5.6

CCSS.RL.6.6

For many years, people had two choices when it came time to buy a computer: PC or Mac. It’s time for a third choice. The next time you’re in the market for a new computer, consider a Guppy Computer. The Guppy combines the features you love from both PCs and Macs into one, easy-touse, affordable machine. Get a Guppy today!

• inform
• explain
• persuade
• describe

Tags

CCSS.RI.6.6

CCSS.RI.6.9

CCSS.RL.4.6

CCSS.RL.5.6

CCSS.RL.6.6

Lewis stared at the blank screen. Dead. His computer was dead. “I have to finish my paper tonight,” he thought, as panic slowly sunk in. “How am I going to do that?” Lewis’s mind raced. He tried to think of how he could get his work done. His little sister wandered by. “How long will it be?” she asked. Lewis looked at her blankly. “Until the power comes back?” she said. Lewis sighed with relief.

• Persuade
• Inform
• entertain
• describe

Tags

TEKS.ELA.6.9A

TEKS.ELA.7.9A

TEKS.ELA.7.9B

TEKS.ELA.8.9A

TEKS.ELA.8.9B

“The rain forest is home to many creatures. Monkeys, toucans and macaws live in the rain forest. Butterflies and anteaters also live in the rain forest.”
What is the central idea?

• Sloths and tapirs are other creatures that live in the rain forest.
• The rain forest is home to many creatures.
• Monkeys, toucans and macaws live in the rain forest.
• Anteaters live in the rain forest

Tags

CCSS.RI.4.2

CCSS.RI.5.2

CCSS.RI.6.2

CCSS.RL.4.2

CCSS.RL.5.2

Microchips provide the power for wristwatches. They are also the brains in our computers, and they control robots. These chips are used in video games and space shuttles. They make our cameras, radios, and televisions small and light.
What is the story mainly about?

• How computers work
• Why televisions are small
• How microchips are used
• Microchips provide power for wristwatches

Tags

CCSS.RI.4.2

CCSS.RI.6.2

CCSS.RL.4.2

CCSS.RL.5.2

CCSS.RL.6.2

 Yellowstone National Park is mainly located in Wyoming, although three percent is located in the state of Montana.  The Continental Divide of North America runs diagonally through the southwestern part of the park.  The park sits on the Yellowstone Plateau, which is an average elevation of 8,000 feet above sea level.  This plateau is bounded on nearly all sides by mountain ranges.  There are 290 waterfalls that are at least fifteen feet in the park, the highest being the Lower Falls of the Yellowstone River, which falls 308 feet. 
What's an appropriate title?

• Planning your family vacation to Yellowstone Park
• Founder of Yellowstone Park
• Yellowstone Park Beauty
• Physical Features of Yellowstone Park

Tags

CCSS.RI.4.5

CCSS.RI.5.5

CCSS.RI.6.5

CCSS.RI.7.5

CCSS.RI.8.5