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3RD 9 WEEKS BENCHMARK STUDY GUIDE PART 1 HodgeVERB MOODS (Language 8.1.c)Indicative: ?the indicative verb mood is used to state an apparent fact. ?It is one of the most common verb moods used in English.You need to check for tree branches on the ground.Imperative: ?The imperative verb mood states a command or a request. ?Often, the subject is not included in the sentence, but is implied.Do not make any noise.Clear the room when you are finished.Interrogative: ?The interrogative verb mood indicates a state of questioning. ?Note that for this verb mood, the subject-verb order is REVERSED.Will you help me adjust my bicycle seat?(Interrogative of “You will help me adjust my bicycle seat.”)Conditional: ?This verb mood indicates a conditional state?that will cause something else to happen. ?Key words that are commonly used: ?“might,” “would,” and “could.”If the basketball team makes the playoffs, the players might have to travel a lot.If the basketball team makes the playoffs (conditional state), the players might have to travel a lot (“traveling” will happen).Subjunctive: Subjunctive mood expresses doubt, desire, suggestions, imaginary/hypothetical situations, or conditions contrary to fact. ?Key verbs that are commonly used: ?prefer, insist, require, ask, demand, suggest, recommend, wish, request, order.It is important that the show begin immediately.“show begins” becomes “show begin”A SHIFT is when TWO of these moods are combined into one sentence – CANNOT HAPPEN!!! FIX IT!!!Quentin yelled, “Leave me alone, and you should not write me up!” (IMPERATIVE) (CONDITIONAL)How can we fix this? (besides the obvious referral that Quentin will get)Quentin yelled, “Leave me alone, and ____________ write me up!” (IMPERATIVE) (IMPERATIVE)Be sure that you can IDENTIFY the verb mood AND that you can CORRECT a shift in verb moodGerunds, Participles, Infinitives (Language 8.1.A)Gerunds, participles, and infinitives (A.K.A “Verbals”) are words that are formed from VERBS, but function in a sentence as ANOTHER PART OF SPEECH (nouns, adjectives, and adverbs). ?Make sure you can identify the TYPE and FUNCTION.GERUNDS: ?A gerund is a verbal ending in -ING and that functions as a NOUN. Finishing the assignment became more difficult for Oz after his sister spilled juice on his library books.I couldn’t go more than three days without swimming. PARTICIPLES: ?A participle is a verbal that is used as an ADJECTIVE and usually ends in -ING or -ED.The screaming baby finally fell asleep. The defeated team sulked off the field. INFINITIVES: ?An infinitive is a verbal that is used as a NOUN, ADJECTIVE, OR ADVERB. ?Infinitives are easier for you to identify, since they usually take the form of to + the verb (to run). ?However, determining the function (noun, adjective, or adverb) can be a little tricky.As a NOUN:-137796298450Example #1: He likes to run. ~ the infinitive (to run) is the direct object of “likes.”TEST IT! ?If you replaced “to run” with “running,” so that the sentence reads: He likes running, you can see that the infinitive “to run” is being used as a noun.Example #2: ?To run is his passion. ~ the infinitive (to run) is the subject of “is.”TEST IT! If you replaced “to run” with running,” so that the sentence read: Running is his passion, you can see that the infinitive “to run” is being used as a noun.45085727075As an ADJECTIVE:Example #1: I am looking for a marathon to run. ?~ the infinitive (to run ) is modifying the word “marathon.”TEST IT!: ?If you replaced “to run” with the adjective clause, such as “that I can run ”you would have a sentence that read: I am looking for a marathon that ?I can run, which does not change the meaning of the original sentence. Example #2: ?It’s an important diagnostic test to run. ?~ the infinitive (to run) is modifying the word “test.”TEST IT!: ?If you replaced “to run” with the adjective clause, such as “that we can run,” you would then have a sentence that read: It’s an important diagnostic test that we can run, which does not change the meaning of the original sentence. -15985523876As an ADVERB:Example #1: ?I paid to run in the marathon. ?~ The infinitive (to run) is modifying the verb “paid.”TEST IT! ?If you replaced “to run” with an adverbial clause such as “so that?I could run,” you would then have a sentence that read: ?I paid so that?I could run in the marathon, which does not change the meaning of the original sentence.Example #2: ?She programmed the air conditioner to run during the day. ~ The infinitive (to run) is modifying the verb “programmed.” TEST IT! ?If you replaced “to run” with an adverbial clause such as “so that it would run,” you would then have a sentence that read: ?She programmed the air conditioner so that it would run during the day, which does not change the meaning of the original sentence.5347335990600Let’s play HIDE N GO SEEK with VERBALS…Where are the GERUNDS??6286502117090Taking the train has long been popular in?Europe - it's almost considered a rite of passage for young backpackers. Trains are under-appreciated in the U.S., but have recently gained popularity. Amtrak ferried 31.6 million passengers around the country last fiscal year, an all-time record for the railroad. Some people still think the only way to travel is by car. If you are one of those people, traveling on the train might change your mind. Plus, riding a scenic train ride can even be a vacation in itself. Where is the PARTICIPLE??The play, Into the Woods, performed by Scholars Academy was so much fun to watch. The characters, the scenery, and the costumes were all spectacular. The only thing scarier than the Big Bad Wolf was the damage done to Cinderella’s dress during the last scene change. The blue dress, fraying at its seams, snagged on the brambles in the dark woods. Thankfully, this did not have any effect on scoring at competition, as the cast brought home the One-Act 1st place trophy at State Finals for their production.542925044450Where is the INFINITIVE?? Addie ran on the track as fast as he could. The run was terribly cold because it was an early Saturday morning in March. Addie had no choice but to run faster than ever before because it was the state track meet. Fortunately, Addie found herself leading the pack. 551497566675ACTIVE and PASSIVE VOICE (Language 8.1.B)Active Voice: A verb in the active voice expresses an action done BY its subject.Robert Frost wrote many poignant poems.The subject (Robert Frost) performs the action.Passive Voice: ?A verb in the passive voice expresses an action done TO its subject.Many poignant poems were written by Robert Frost.The subject (poems) receives the action.Passive voice is NOT as strong and/or as clear as 1600201532765Active Voice! The audience was moved to tears by the beautiful voices of the choir. FIX IT! ____________________________________________________________A way to fight the common cold was discovered by the scientists. FIX IT! ____________________________________________________________WORD CONNOTATION/DENOTATION (Language 8.5.B&c)Connotation: An emotional or social association with a word, giving meaning beyond the literal definition; can be positive, negative, or neutral4572000349250Denotation: The specific, literal image, idea, concept, or object that a phrase or words refers to (dictionary definition)WordDenotationConnotationA starball of light/gas in the skya wishA familygroup of related individualslove, trust, closenessA dogfour legged mammalfriend, protector, petA homethe place where one livesfamily, security, supportInstructions:In each of the following sentences, the italicized word has a fairly neutral connotation. For each word in italics, give the denotation (define the word), then list?two?synonyms?(words with similar denotations): one with a negative connotation and the other with a positive connotation.Example:Sometimes my?thin? friend annoys me.denotation: with little thickness or depth. negative connotation:?scrawnypositive connotation:?slimI recognized the familiar?smell?of my roommate's cooking.Denotation: _____________________________________________________Negative connotation:_____________________________________________Positive connotation:______________________________________________Scrapple is an?inexpensive?meal.Denotation: _____________________________________________________Negative connotation:_____________________________________________Positive connotation:______________________________________________Kevin's interest in model cars has turned into a?hobby.Denotation: _____________________________________________________Negative connotation:_____________________________________________Positive connotation:______________________________________________Uncle Henry lives in a?hut?deep in the woods.Denotation: _____________________________________________________Negative connotation:_____________________________________________Positive connotation:______________________________________________Phileas Fogg was an?adventurous?traveler.Denotation: _____________________________________________________Negative connotation:_____________________________________________Positive connotation:______________________________________________We stopped for lunch at a?diner?in West Virginia.Denotation: _____________________________________________________Negative connotation:_____________________________________________Positive connotation:______________________________________________My parents are committed?conservationists.Denotation: _____________________________________________________Negative connotation:_____________________________________________Positive connotation:______________________________________________My?old?laptop has finally died.Denotation: _____________________________________________________Negative connotation:_____________________________________________Positive connotation:______________________________________________In a quiet and?stealthy?way, Bartleby moved into the lawyer's chambers.Denotation: _____________________________________________________Negative connotation:_____________________________________________Positive connotation:______________________________________________The teacher was mildly intimidated by Merdine's?assertive?behavior.Denotation: _____________________________________________________Negative connotation:_____________________________________________Positive connotation:______________________________________________GREEK AND LATIN ROOTS/AFFIXES (Language 8.4.B)Root = A word root is a part of a word. It contains the core meaning of the word, but it cannot stand alone. Prefix = A prefix is also a word part that cannot stand alone. It is placed at the beginning of a word to change its meaning. Suffix = A suffix is a word part that is placed at the end of a word to change its meaning. Often you can guess the meaning of an unfamiliar word if you know the meaning of its parts; that is, the root and any prefixes or suffixes that are attached to it.DefinitionLatinGreekAgainstcontra-, contro-,anti –Aroundcircu-, circum-peri-Inside, on; notin-, im-en-, em-(in); un-, a-, an- (not)Manymulti-poly-Oversuper-, sur-hyper-Peacepac-eiren-Under, belowsub-hypo-Based in the information in the chart above, circle the word in the parentheses that best completes the sentence.A subordinate probably works…(below beside above without against before) another person. A pacifist would be someone who is… (around all of the time in love in favor of peace in favor of war). If someone is inconvenienced, they are probably…(happy not having a good day are against an idea very peaceful).3RD 9 WEEKS BENCHMARK STUDY GUIDE PART 2 HodgeSETTING, PLOT, AND CONFLICT (Reading Literary 8.2)Setting is the time, place, and circumstances in which a story takes place. It tells the reader where and when the story occurs.The main components of setting include the following: place (geographical location) time weather social conditions mood (atmosphere)The setting is essential to the development of the characters and the plot of a story. Sometimes, the setting provides details about the mood of the story.Examples:A story set in a haunted house would probably be filled with suspense and horror.Other times, the setting may actually be part of the conflict in the story. This is common in adventure stories in which characters become trapped or lost in forests, avalanches, etc. The setting may also provide the way in which the conflict is resolved. In such instances, a character uses a feature of the setting to his or her advantage.The setting of the story can also determine who the antagonists (characters that oppose the main character) of the story will be.If the story is set during a war, the antagonists would probably be the enemy soldiers.Setting and PlotIt is important to know the ways in which the setting and the plot of a story are related.SettingThe setting is the background for the story's plot. It includes elements such as place, time, and weather. The setting is more important in some stories than in others.PlotThe plot is the series of events that occur in a story. The way that these events relate to each other and affect the characters in the story are what make each plot different. Usually a plot will have five parts: the exposition, the rising action, the climax, the falling action, and the resolution or denouement.????Sometimes, the setting provides details about the mood and tone of the story. For example, a story set in a haunted house would probably be filled with suspense and horror. A story could also be set in a historical time period. How might a story set in the 1800s have a different plot than one set in the 2000s?????Other times, the setting may actually be part of the conflict in the story. This is common in adventure stories in which characters become trapped or lost in forests, avalanches, and so forth. The setting may also provide the way in which the conflict is resolved. In such instances, a character uses a feature of the setting to his/her advantage.????The setting of the story can also determine who the antagonists (characters that oppose the main character) of the story will be. For example, if the story is set during a war, the antagonists would probably be the enemy soldiers.Plot and ConflictThe plot is the sequence of events that happen in a story. It shows how characters meet and resolve a conflict—a problem or struggle. Every plot is made up of a series of causes and effects.A plot is like a long line of dominoes. When a finger tips the first domino, the first domino causes the second domino to fall, the second domino causes the third domino to fall, and so forth. The finger has caused a sequence of events. Similarly, an event that happens in a story can cause another event to happen.A woman's voice came over the loudspeaker. "Flight 546 to Dallas, TX, has arrived. We will begin boarding in 15 minutes."????"It's about time," I muttered. My dad and I had been waiting for over three hours for our plane. Apparently, some storm in Florida had delayed our flight.????To pass the time, I had been playing video games and listening to music. I don't know what I would do without portable electronics.????As I entered the final stage in Link's Corner, my father said, "Hey, Jeremy, I'm going to run to the restroom. Will you stop playing that game for a minute and watch our things?"????"Okay, Dad," I said. "Hold on. Let me just finish this level." I glanced up and saw that he was already gone. Shrugging my shoulders, I reasoned that our stuff would be fine. I could still see our things from the corner of my eye. I couldn't stop playing. I was too close to defeating Graken. I just had to capture the blue stone.????"Jeremy! Where's my camera?! I told you to stop playing that game!" My dad's voice broke my concentration.????Oh no, I thought. I paused my game and looked up. My father stood frantically searching through our things. I remembered seeing his camera on the seat beside me, but sure enough, it was no longer there.????"I'm sorry, Dad! I was watching our things from the corner of my eye!"????"Well, obviously, you weren't! My camera is gone!"????My father began questioning some people nearby, but no one had noticed anyone suspicious. Someone had been awfully sneaky. I couldn't believe that someone had stolen the camera right under my nose. I felt like an idiot.????"We will start the boarding process with group A. Group A, you may now board," the woman announced.????My father shook his head as we gathered our things and moved to the end of the line. He wouldn't even look at me. I felt awful. That digital camera had cost my dad $500. It also had all of our vacation pictures on it.????"I'm REALLY sorry, Dad," I said. "I promise I'll make it up to you."????My dad snorted, "You bet you are."????That summer, I worked like I'd never worked before. I mowed lawns, pulled weeds, cleaned garages, and painted fences. By the end of August, my dad had a brand-new camera, and I had hands full of blisters.Questions Directions:answer the question, highlight in the story where you find the answer(s), write down the EXACT quote where you found the answer (textual evidence) What is the plot of the story?What is the narrator's main conflict?How does the narrator solve his main conflict? What causes Jeremy and his dad to gather their things and stand in line?What happens when Jeremy's dad goes to the restroom?3RD 9 WEEKS BENCHMARK STUDY GUIDE PART 3 HodgeCHARACTER ANALYSIS (Reading Literary 8.2 )You can understand stories better when you understand characters. This is called character analysis. When you analyze characters, think about the following.Trait: a special quality or something special about someone's personality.examples:hair color, eye color, height, weight, age, beliefs, likes, dislikes, opinions, behavior"Andy was a nice boy of medium height with brown hair and eyes. He liked rock music, baseball, and pizza. He was a loyal friend and a great athlete. He always told the truth and gave the right answer in class."Motivation: what causes someone to act in a certain way. It can be an emotion, desire, need, etc. A motivation is the reason we do something.examples:"Sara was motivated to win the game today after her disappointing loss last week.""Tim went to the grocery store because his kitchen was empty and he was very hungry.""Kim acted rude to Carrie because Carrie did not invite her to a birthday party."Conflict: when characters have different interests or goals.examples:"My mom and I had a fight because I put a dent in the car and didn't tell her. She was mad that I didn't tell her the truth.""Jim and Steve are fighting because they like the same girl.""There is a conflict between people who think school should be year-round and those who don't."Point of View: the side from which a story is told. It can affect how facts are shown and how we look at the characters.examples:"Because Tina told the teacher her version of the story first, I got punished even though it wasn't my fault.""Because a story is told from the side of a little brother, the big sister character may look bad even though she is a nice girl."Relationships: the connection of people in friendship, family, work, school, or other activities.examples: mother, sister, friend, teacher, neighbor, father, boss, etc."Tickets for the Super Bowl sold out two weeks ago, but I was able to attend the game since my father is head coach for one of the teams."Think about how all these character traits affect the story. A character's traits or relationships might affect his or her point of view. Motivation affects action and changes. When we understand all of these things, a character becomes easy to understand. When writing your own characters, think about all these things. You'll be on your way to making an interesting and deep character.THEME (Reading Literary 8.2)The theme is the most important message in a story. The theme will say something about life or human nature. Sometimes the theme is a moral or short lesson about life. Because the theme is a message, it must be expressed in a complete sentence. Sometimes the author does not tell you the theme. Instead, you have to figure it out from the text.Some Common Themes Found in Literature:*Man is his own worst enemy *Good is stronger than evil. *A person grows by facing obstacles. *Treat others the way you want to be treated.Notice that the themes aren't describing particular events or characters. They are broad ideas that can apply to all people. 1143000427990Theme is NOT A DETAIL from the story!!! “Good is Stronger than Evil”It’s more like an UMBRELLA… 26765252679701647825-177803590924946154714875142240Tips for Identifying Theme: Look closely at the title. Sometimes you will find a clue about the theme. Look for ideas that are repeated more than once. Look for lessons that the character learns.Think about what happens in the story and how it can apply to life. For example, if the main character must survive an approaching tornado, the theme may be, "Nature is at war with mankind."Let’s practice!!!Bobby was always afraid of visiting the doctor.?One day in the middle of school, he felt like he was coming down with something. He was afraid to tell the teacher because he knew that she would send him to the nurse, and the nurse would tell his mom.?His mom always made him go to the doctor.?Bobby was really scared, but he also knew that he didn't feel good at all.?He knew he had a fever, and his stomach hurt badly.?Finally, Bobby had enough.?He took a deep breath and headed for the teacher's desk.Question: Which choice BEST summarizes the theme of the passage?Sometimes we have to do things we don't want to do.Being sick is no fun.Students who leave school for being sick need a note.Only cowards are scared.Explanation: In the above story, the Bobby isn’t feeling well and does not want to seek help because of the consequences (going to the doctor). Although Bobby is scared to go to the doctor, he knows that he has to seek help because he feels so badly. Let’s practice AGAIN!!!The Fox and the Grapesby AesopOne afternoon, a fox was walking through the forest. The fox saw a bunch of grapes hanging from over a branch.Just the thing I need when I'm thirsty, the fox thought. Taking a few steps back, the fox jumped and just missed the hanging grapes. Again, the fox took few steps back and tried to reach the grapes but still failed. Finally, giving up, the fox said, "They're probably sour, anyway." Then, the fox walked away.Question: Which of the following BEST describes a theme of the passage?It is easy to dislike what you cannot have.It is easy to find food for tall animals.Many animals like to eat fruits.A fox always knows when grapes are sour.Explanation: In the above story, the fox is trying to eat the grapes, but he or she cannot reach them. When the fox fails after trying, he or she says the grapes must be sour. SIMILE AND METAPHOR (Language 8.5.a)Similes and metaphors are used in figurative language to compare and contrast different objects or ideas. They are formed when words are put together so skillfully they bring up pictures in your mind.SimileA simile is when two things are directly compared because they share a common feature. The word AS or LIKE is used to compare the two words.example:The dog shot out of the chute LIKE a rocket as it chased the rabbit.The dog isn't a rocket, but the speed with which it runs is compared to that of a rocket.The candle wax melted and soaked the church floor AS thick AS tears that dampen a handkerchief.Tears aren't melted candle wax, but the way they drip and collect is similar.MetaphorA metaphor also compares two things, but it does so more directly WITHOUT using "as" or "like."example:The family was an old tree with deep roots and rings to show how much it had weathered.The family isn't a tree, but like a tree, it has roots that represent how a family has different members and similar ancestors.PUNS (Reading Literary 8.5.a)Words can do many amazing things! They can make you feel a certain way, and they can even make you laugh. You can use words to be fun and playful. Puns are a way that writers use and play with words.Some words have multiple meanings. Some words sound the same but have different meanings. A pun is when you play with those different meanings to be funny or clever.When a clock is hungry, it goes back four seconds.Many jokes use puns to amuse the audience.Question: What happened when the lion ate the comedian?Answer: He felt funny!If people feel sick, they may say that they "feel funny." In this sense, "funny" means "different." A comedian tells jokes that are "funny" because they make people laugh. This joke makes a pun using the different meanings of the word "funny." Explain the PUNS in each of these sentences:I used to be a carpenter, but then I got bored.5314950140335___________________________________________________________Old doctors never die, they just lose their patience.___________________________________________________________I tried looking for gold, but it didn't pan out.__________________________________________________________________A bicycle cannot stand on its own because it is two-tired._____________________________________________________________IRONY (Reading Literary 8.6)933450570865Irony is used to express the exact opposite of its literal meaning. It is the difference between what appears to be and what actually is.Practice:My friend Margie is studying for an advanced college degree. One evening, she sat across from me at the county library. "What's that you have there?" I asked her.Margie peered at me from behind a very tall stack of books and replied, "Oh, just some light reading."Is it…….. Situational IronyVerbal Irony or Dramatic Irony?????Margie's remark is an example of verbal irony. She doesn't really think that her stack of books is light reading. More than likely, her tall stack of books contains very challenging information. Her intended meaning is the exact opposite of what she is saying.Let’s try some more….Look at each one of these images. Label them as either Situational, Verbal or Dramatic Irony. #1______________________________________ #2______________________________ #3___________________________________ #4____________________________________ #5____________________________________ #6_______________________ #7_______________________________ #8____________________________________ #9____________________________________ #10____________________________ #11___________________________________ #12__________________________ANALOGIES (Language 8.5.B&c)An analogy is a relationship between two things. Analogies can show similarities or differences between objects, ideas, or situations. The purpose of an analogy is to make something clearer to the reader. Determining the type of relationship is the key to understanding an mon Analogy Relationships561975786130Analogies in passages often use similes and metaphors to draw a comparison. You may recall that a simile is a comparison that uses "like" or "as." A metaphor is a comparison in which the writer is saying one thing is another thing.INDRODUCTION AND CONCLUSION (Writing 8.1.A,C,E, 8.2.A,C,F, 8.3.A,C,E)All good writing has a beginning, a middle, and an end. Most people spend the majority of their time on the body of their writing (the middle part), but it is just as important to spend as much time on the introduction (the beginning) and the conclusion (the end).The introduction sets the tone for the rest of your story, paper, or report. The audience is able to tell from the introduction if the rest of the paper will be formal or informal.A good introduction can also get the audience interested in what you have to say. That being the case, a bad introduction can make the audience uninterested in what you have to say.One way to ease your audience into the introduction is to use transitional words. Transitional words can be dependent clauses placed at the beginning of an independent clause or the introductory statement. It's like building a house. When you build a house, you put brick on top of brick, but you also use mortar to cement the bricks together and cushion them. Using the example, transitional phrases and words like first, in the beginning, at present time, right now, currently, and to start with are the mortar that cements and cushions the sentences to one another.Introductory statements can pose questions, state opinions (without evidence), present arguments, offer definitions, outline a problem, tell a story, or provide background information.examples:To begin with, the idea that teens need a curfew is ridiculous.At present time, there is no cure for cancer.Currently, the definition for abuse is the physical or emotional mistreatment of others.In the beginning, the crime rate for the city was too high to ignore.123825-19050Conversely, the conclusion brings everything in your writing to a natural end. A conclusion doesn't offer any new evidence or information. It ties everything from the introduction and body together, and it encourages the audience to think about what has been said.Concluding statements function similarly to introductory statements in that they can use transitional words and phrases to ease the reader into the sentence, but they use different transitional words and phrases such as in conclusion, finally, lastly, to sum up, to summarize, in short, therefore, and as I have demonstrated.Concluding statements can restate the thesis (the main point or argument of your paper), summarize your main points, recommend actions or solutions, predict the future, or use a quotation.Examples1209675838836In conclusion, I believe the only way to achieve peace is through dialogue.Finally, for us to continue to support the seatbelt law can only be beneficial.To sum up, cooperation is the key because as Ben Franklin said, "There is no I in team."In short, the test is ridiculous because it's not current and it doesn't offer any real benefits.Your Turn!_________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________ TOPIC SENTENCES (Writing 8.1B, 8.2B, 8.3.B)A topic sentence is a general statement that expresses the main idea of a paragraph. A paragraph is a group of sentences that develop one main idea. The main idea is the general statement that the other sentences support or explain. The general statement of the main idea is also called the topic sentence.A topic sentence has two main parts:SUBJECTFOCUSWhat the paragraph is aboutwhat the paragraph says about the subjectMost adults find learning a foreign language difficult.Telephones intrude into the privacy of our daily lives.Parents of teenagers often feel unappreciated.Read the following passage, and answer the sample question below.My Summer Vacation????During the summer, I did many different things with my family. In June, we spent a lot of time outside fixing our garden. In July, I read three books from The Chronicles of Narnia to my younger sister. My favorite part of my vacation was when my family and I traveled to New Jersey to visit my grandmother. We were there at the beginning of August, and we watched movies. After we came back home, I helped my dad clean out our garage.Sample QuestionWhat is the topic sentence of the paragraph?A. In June, we spent a lot of time outside fixing our garden.B. We were there at the beginning of August, and we watched movies.C. After we came back home, I helped my dad clean out our garage.D. During the summer, I did many different things with my family.MAIN IDEA (Writing 8.1.A, 8.2.A, 8.3.A)The?main idea?of a passage is the idea that most of the passage covers.?It is the basic point that the author wants to convey to the reader.?The sentences that explain, describe, or support the main idea are called?supporting detailsThink about the last book or article you read.?When you are looking for the main idea of a passage, ask yourself these questions:Why did the author write this passage??What is the point he or she is trying to make?What is the passage mostly about??What idea is conveyed in the passage?Once you think you have the main idea, check it against the passage.?Look at the supporting details.?If they all support, describe, or explain your possible main idea, then you are right.?If not, look again.?See what idea the details do support or explain.One important thing to remember is that a main idea and a topic are not the same thing.?The main idea is a specific point the author is making, while the topic is the general idea of the passage.?For example, a passage might be about violence in movies.?That is the topic.?It is very general and gives the reader only a basic idea of what the passage will include.?The main idea of the same passage might be that violence in movies has steadily increased in the last ten years.?That is a specific idea that lets the reader know the point the author will try to convey.?The sentences in the passage will provide supporting details that explain this point or support it.Example?????On Monday, Mike Lummus withdrew from this city's race for mayor. Lummus is a retired police officer.?He made this decision after he found out that opponent Gary Nelon shares his goals.?Lummus planned to heal the city's political wounds.?He also wanted to encourage citizens to be more active in government.?Nelon is chairman of First Texas Bancorp.?He gained another opponent on Monday when Christine Smart entered the race.?Smart is the Precinct 381 chairwoman for the Williamson County Republican Party.What is the main idea of this passage?____________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________SUPPORTING SENTENCES (Writing 8.1.B, 8.2.B, 8.3.B)Supporting sentences support the main idea of the paragraph. Supporting sentences should contain?relevant?details that develop and explain the main idea.example:Mexico:?The Old and NewMexico offers visitors a world of contrasts.?(2)?Its pyramids and ancient ruins are part of ancient history, while its modern cities provide us with the best of today's technology.?(3)?Its mountains offer cool weather and rocky peaks, while only a few miles away, its beaches tempt us with warm sun and white sand.?(4)?Its fancy restaurants serve the most sophisticated continental cuisine, while sidewalk vendors sell the simplest of native foods.Sentence 1 states the main idea of the paragraph. The main idea is that Mexico has many examples of contrasts (differences).Sentences 2 through 4 are supporting sentences. The?ancient?pyramids and the?modern?cities are an example of contrast. The?cool?mountains are in contrast to the?warm?beaches. The?fancy?restaurants stand in contrast to the?simple?food sold by vendors. ................
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