Identifying Writing Styles/Summarizing Non-Fiction

The "chew" in chewing gum originates in the tropical rain forest. Workmen make an incision in the bark of certain trees and use cups to collect the milky latex that oozes out. Latex from the rubber tree is used to make bubble gum. The latex gives the gum the strength and elasticity needed to blow large bubbles that will not break.

Which of the following best summarizes the passage above?

• There are many kinds of trees in the tropical rain forests. One kind of tree is the rubber tree.

• Workmen usually cut into the bark of a tree to get the latex. Then, the latex is used in gum.

• Latex makes bubble gum chewy. The latex comes from rubber trees in the rain forest.

• Certain trees have this milky latex substance in them. It comes from underneath the bark.

Tags

CCSS.RI.5.9

CCSS.RI.6.2

CCSS.RI.7.2

CCSS.RL.5.2

CCSS.RL.6.2

Small newspaper seeks writers. Writers must work well under pressure and focus on details. Good writing skills are necessary. Related experience preferred. Must be flexible with hours. May need to work overtime, nights, and weekends. Call 555-1234 for information.

What is the best summary of this advertisement?

• You need experience to get a good job. For example, in order to get a writing job, it is helpful to have some writing experience.

• Most newspapers want flexible workers. They want people who are able to work nights, weekends, and even overtime.

• A small newspaper is looking to hire writers. They would like someone who can work under pressure and have flexible hours.

• Writers at newspapers work long hours. They often have to work at night or on weekends. They also have to deal with stress.

Tags

CCSS.RI.5.9

CCSS.RI.6.2

CCSS.RI.7.2

CCSS.RL.5.2

CCSS.RL.6.2

Read the following passage and then answer the question.
There are five teams of students in the fifth grade. The blue team has math first period, and the red team has science. The yellow team gets to go outside early in the morning, while the green team goes to music. Only students on the orange team get to play games first period. Each student wears a nametag with his or her color, so that the teachers and students all know where a student should be.

• Students are organized by teams with color names .
• The blue team has math first.
• Students wear nametags.
• The yellow team has the best schedule.

Tags

CCSS.RI.5.2

CCSS.RI.6.2

CCSS.RI.7.2

CCSS.RL.6.2

CCSS.RL.7.2

Read the following passage and then answer the question.
As soon as she arrived at grandmother's house, Jessica ran into her bedroom to look at the blue quilt. It covered her grandmother's bed and was Jessica's favorite. It had patches of dark blue, medium blue, and light blue, with pictures of birds and flowers on every other patch. Jessica liked to take naps with the quilt wrapped around her. She loved the way it felt so soft and warm against her skin. Whenever she was visiting grandma, just looking at the quilt made Jessica happy.

• Jessica's grandmother has a pretty blue quilt.
• Jessica loved her grandmother's quilt.
• Jessica took naps at her grandmother's house.
• The quilt was warm.

Tags

CCSS.RI.5.9

CCSS.RI.6.2

CCSS.RL.5.2

CCSS.RL.6.2

CCSS.RL.7.2

What is a summary?

• a short explanation of a text

• a persuasive argument about a text

• a movie based off of a book

• a theme or universal lesson

Tags

CCSS.RI.5.9

CCSS.RI.6.2

CCSS.RL.5.2

CCSS.RL.6.2

CCSS.RL.7.2

A summary should

• answer the 5 W’s: who, what, when, where and why.

• describe the details but not the main ideas.

• never mention the plot of the text.

• always mention the age of the author.

Tags

CCSS.RI.5.9

CCSS.RI.6.2

CCSS.RL.5.2

CCSS.RL.6.2

CCSS.RL.7.2

You should write your summary

• in your own words with complete sentences.

• in a secret language that you make up.

• in one draft without revising.

• in fragments without punctuation.

Tags

CCSS.RI.5.9

CCSS.RI.6.2

CCSS.RI.7.2

CCSS.RL.6.2

CCSS.RL.7.2

Can you identify the purpose of expository writing?

• To influence an action or thought.

• To explain, inform, provide information, or describe.

• To tell a story, real or imaginative.

• To describe through using important details.

Tags

CCSS.RI.6.6

CCSS.W.6.2D

Can you identify the purpose of narrative writing?

• To explain, inform, provide information, or describe.

• To describe through using important details.

• To influence an action or thought.

• To tell a story, real or imaginative.

Tags

CCSS.W.6.3A

Can you identify the purpose of descriptive writing?

• To influence an action or thought.

• To tell a story, real or imaginative.

• To explain, inform, provide information, or describe.

• To describe through using important details.

Tags

CCSS.W.6.3D