Identifying Relationships Between Ideas

Phobias are fears that are exaggerated and completely out of proportion to any real danger

that is inherent in a situation. Some people will stubbornly refuse to enter an elevator. Of

course, the elevator could shut down, leaving you stranded until repairs are made, or a worn

cable could break, allowing the elevator to fall precipitately past several floors. However,

such problems are rare, and it makes no sense to walk up several flights of stairs two or three

times each day in order to avoid such a possibility.

Q: How is sentence 2, “Some people will…” related to sentence 1, “Phobias are fears…”?

• It contradicts sentence 1.

• It gives an example of what is stated in sentence 1.

• It clarifies the information in sentence 1.

• It tells an effect of something mentioned in sentence 1.

Tags

CCSS.RI. 9-10.2

CCSS.RI.8.2

CCSS.RL.6.2

CCSS.RL.7.2

CCSS.RL.9-10.2

While it is true that employment actually rose during the decade of the 1920’s, the largest

gains occurred in the low-paying service sector, not in those industries where wages were

high. Furthermore, the condition of American foreign trade at the time was not as healthy as

it appeared.

Q: What is the relationship between sentences 1 and 2?

• Sentence 2 draws a conclusion from sentence 1.

• Sentence 2 alters the meaning of sentence 1.

• Sentence 2 discusses similarities between ideas in it and in sentence 1.

• Sentence 2 adds a fact to one mentioned in sentence 1.

Tags

CCSS.RI. 9-10.2

CCSS.RI.11-12.2

CCSS.RI.5.2

CCSS.RI.7.2

CCSS.RI.8.2

One of the first places of interest that visitors to Pittsburgh notice as they leave the airport is Golden Triangle Park. It is a scenic spot found at the point where three rivers – the Ohio, Allegheny, and Monongahela Rivers – meet.

Q: What does sentence 2 do in relation to sentence 1?

• Sentence 2 adds a fact to sentence 1.

• Sentence 2 clarifies what is said in sentence 1.

• Sentence 2 tells what happens after the event named in sentence 1.

• Sentence 2 tells the location of something mentioned in sentence 1.

Tags

CCSS.RI. 9-10.2

CCSS.RI.4.2

CCSS.RI.6.2

CCSS.RL.5.2

CCSS.RL.9-10.2

Cheetahs are lithe jungle cats weighing about 100-125 pounds, with dark spots all over their light tan fur. Leopards also weigh just over 100 pounds and have similar markings on their tan bodies.

Q: What does sentence 2 do in relation to sentence 1?

• It defines something named in sentence 1.

• It tells similarities between one thing and something named in sentence 1.

• It clarifies something mentioned in sentence 1.

• It gives a specific example of something named within sentence 1.

Tags

CCSS.RI.11-12.2

CCSS.RI.5.2

CCSS.RI.7.2

CCSS.RL.11-12.2

CCSS.RL.9-10.2

One problem of illiteracy is the inability to properly express one’s views. It narrows one’s possibilities and stifles efforts at self-improvement. Illiteracy keeps many people out of the business world or any potentially lucrative enterprise. In short, illiteracy is definitely a hindrance in all aspects of life.

Q: How is sentence 4, “In short, illiteracy…” related to the first 3 sentences?

• It gives an effect of something discussed in the other sentences.

• It summarizes what is said in the other sentences.

• It contradicts the other sentences.

• It adds an equally important idea to what is said in the other sentences.

Tags

CCSS.RI.11-12.2

CCSS.RI.6.2

CCSS.RL.11-12.2

CCSS.RL.6.2

CCSS.RL.9-10.2