Reading Flashcards
What is the main purpose of a thesis statement in an academic text?
It states the main argument or conclusion of the text, providing a clear direction for the reader.
How can context clues be used to determine the meaning of an unknown word?
By examining the words and sentences surrounding the unknown word to infer its meaning.
What is a ‘theme’ in literature?
The central topic or underlying message that runs through the narrative.
What is the difference between ‘main idea’ and ‘supporting details’?
The main idea is the primary point or concept that an author wants to communicate, while supporting details are the facts and examples that explain or enhance the main idea.
How does a ‘conclusion’ function in a written passage?
It sums up the points discussed and restates the main idea or thesis in a compelling way, often providing a final perspective or call to action.
What does ‘author’s tone’ refer to?
The attitude or feeling that the author expresses through their writing style and word choice.
How do you identify a text’s structure?
By recognizing patterns such as cause and effect, compare and contrast, chronological order, or problem and solution.
What is an inference, and how do you make one while reading?
An inference is a logical deduction about something not directly stated, based on the given information and previous knowledge.
What role do transition words play in understanding a text?
They help link ideas and establish a smooth flow between sentences and paragraphs, clarifying relationships among thoughts.
How can you determine an author’s purpose in a text?
By considering the text’s genre, style, content, and the way the author presents information, whether to persuade, inform, entertain, or explain.
What is a narrative point of view, and how can it affect a story?
The perspective from which the story is told, which can influence how information is presented and perceived by the reader.
How do you distinguish between fact and opinion in a text?
Facts can be verified with evidence, whereas opinions express personal beliefs or interpretations.
What is meant by ‘critical reading’?
Analyzing a text not just for content but also for the underlying intention, structure, and effectiveness of its arguments.
Why is understanding the target audience important when reading an essay or article?
It helps in comprehending the level of complexity, the kind of language used, and the reasons certain topics or arguments are presented.
What are some strategies to improve reading comprehension?
Active reading, summarizing content, asking questions, making predictions, and connecting the text to personal experiences or other knowledge.
How can diagrams, charts, and graphics in a text enhance understanding?
They provide visual representation of information, helping to clarify, illustrate, or simplify complex data.
What is a rhetorical question, and how might an author use one?
A question asked for effect, not requiring an answer, often used to engage readers or emphasize a point.
How does identifying the genre of a book or article help in understanding it better?
Each genre has specific features and purposes, which guide the reader’s expectations and interpretation of the text.
What should you look for when analyzing character development in a narrative?
Changes in the character’s behavior, relationships, and beliefs as the story progresses.
How can you effectively summarize a lengthy article?
By focusing on the main points, avoiding minor details, and restating the content in a concise form.
What techniques can be used to identify the tone of a passage?
Analyzing word choice, sentence structure, and any emotional cues present in the text.
How does a compare and contrast text structure help in understanding a topic?
It highlights similarities and differences, providing a clearer understanding of the subjects compared.
What is a synonym, and how can understanding synonyms help in reading comprehension?
A synonym is a word that has the same or nearly the same meaning as another word. Understanding synonyms can help improve vocabulary and better interpret the text’s meaning.
What should you consider when evaluating an argument in a text?
The credibility of the source, the validity of the evidence provided, and the logic of the argumentation.