1. Caroline LaMagna 4 th Grade English - SOL 4.5

2. Informational Text OrganizationSignal WordsDefinitionExample Cause and Effectso, because, since The writer explains the reasons for an event. Because so many Bald Eagles were killed by pesticides and illegal hunting, they were in danger of becoming extinct. Comparison/ Contrast different from, same as, alike, similar to, unlike, but, compared to, in contrast, however The writer discusses the similarities and differences of two things Golden Eagles are likely to hunt for prey; however, Bald Eagles are more likely to take an easy meal. Cause Effect

3. Informational Text FeatureFormat Purpose–How does it help me read and understand the information? Table of contentsChapters This provides me with a list of information included in the text. Title Headings and Subheadings I can read a brief phrase that tells me what information I will find in the paragraph below it. Bold or italicized words These words are important terms that I must be able to define so I can understand the information. Graphics/illustrations A picture, graph, or chart that provides me more information OR arranges the information in a visual format so I might understand it better.

4. Example Paragraph Alligators and crocodiles may look similar, but they have many differences. Scientists separate alligators and crocodiles by differences in their skulls, scales, and teeth. The crocodile's skull and jaws are longer and narrower than the alligator's. When an alligator closes its mouth, its teeth are hidden, but when a crocodile closes its mouth, some of its teeth stick out. Alligators and crocodiles both have thick, bumpy skin, but alligators tend to be darker in color. Adult alligators are grayish black, but adult crocodiles are light tan to brown in color. Does this paragraph show cause and effect, or comparison and contrast?

5. Example Paragraph There are several reasons why so many people attend the Olympic games or watch them on television. One reason is tradition. The name Olympics and the torch and flame remind people of the ancient games. National pride is another reason. Because so many people take pride in their nation, an athlete's or a team's hard earned victory becomes a nation's victory. There are national medal counts and people keep track of how many medals their country's athletes have won. Does this paragraph show cause and effect, or comparison and contrast?

6. What is the best title for this paragraph? There are several reasons why so many people attend the Olympic games or watch them on television. One reason is tradition. The name Olympics and the torch and flame remind people of the ancient games. National pride is another reason. Because so many people take pride in their nation, an athlete's or a team's hard earned victory becomes a nation's victory. There are national medal counts and people keep track of how many medals their country's athletes have won. A.Competing in the Olympic Games B.Medals of the Olympic Games C.Our Fascination with the Olympic Games D.Winter Olympics or Summer Olympics – Which is Better?

7. What is the best title for this paragraph? There are several reasons why so many people attend the Olympic games or watch them on television. One reason is tradition. The name Olympics and the torch and flame remind people of the ancient games. National pride is another reason. Because so many people take pride in their nation, an athlete's or a team's hard earned victory becomes a nation's victory. There are national medal counts and people keep track of how many medals their country's athletes have won. A.Competing in the Olympic Games B.Medals of the Olympic Games C.Our Fascination with the Olympic Games D.Winter Olympics or Summer Olympics – Which is Better?

8. Authors Purpose Letters, novels, recipes, instructions, newspapers, magazines, web pages, and advertisements all contain text. One of the things you may be asked to identify about a piece of text is the author's purpose in writing it. For example: An advertisement might be trying to persuade you to buy something. A letter from school might be to inform you about something. A novel might describe somewhere or someone to you. A car manual might instruct you how to do something to your car.

9. Persuade The following are examples of text meant to persuade you to do something, buy something, or believe something: SPECIAL OFFER! Buy today! Would you want to miss this SPECIAL offer? Phone NOW... "I really think that you need this holiday. You have been working very hard lately and are so worn out. Just think of how nice it will be to lie on the beach in the sunshine."

10. Inform The following are examples of text that was written to inform you about something: Make a plan to help you try and give up smoking. Plan the date you'll give up, how you'll try to deal with temptations and a list of the reasons why you are giving up to keep motivated. First Nine Weeks: Your child will be covering simple fractions during weeks 1-4.

11. Instruct The following are examples of text written to instruct you, or explain, how to do something: Put all ingredients into bowl together. Whisk until fully mixed. Go to the end of the road and turn left past the pub on the corner. Keep walking until you come to a park and then turn right into Hawker Street.

12. Describe The following is an example of text written to describe something to you by using comparisons and appealing to your senses: The morning air was crisp and sharp as Sean walked down the road. The pavement was slippery and cold beneath his feet like a slimy wet fish.

13. What was the authors main purpose in writing this paragraph? Alligators and crocodiles may look similar, but they have many differences. Scientists separate alligators and crocodiles by differences in their skulls, scales, and teeth. The crocodile's skull and jaws are longer and narrower than the alligator's. When an alligator closes its mouth, its teeth are hidden, but when a crocodile closes its mouth, some of its teeth stick out. Alligators and crocodiles both have thick, bumpy skin, but alligators tend to be darker in color. Adult alligators are grayish black, but adult crocodiles are light tan to brown in color. A.To show that alligators are more interesting than crocodiles B.To persuade you to go on a safari to see alligators and crocodiles C.To explain that scientists spend many hours studying alligators and crocodiles D.To show the differences and similarities between alligators and crocodiles

14. What was the authors main purpose in writing this paragraph? Alligators and crocodiles may look similar, but they have many differences. Scientists separate alligators and crocodiles by differences in their skulls, scales, and teeth. The crocodile's skull and jaws are longer and narrower than the alligator's. When an alligator closes its mouth, its teeth are hidden, but when a crocodile closes its mouth, some of its teeth stick out. Alligators and crocodiles both have thick, bumpy skin, but alligators tend to be darker in color. Adult alligators are grayish black, but adult crocodiles are light tan to brown in color. A.To show that alligators are more interesting than crocodiles B.To persuade you to go on a safari to see alligators and crocodiles C.To explain that scientists spend many hours studying alligators and crocodiles D.To show the differences and similarities between alligators and crocodiles

15. Infer – Read Between the Lines When traveling to Sydney, Australia in January, be sure to pack your bathing suit! Leave your heavy coat at home – you wont be needing it. Plan to relax on the beautiful beaches, take a glass-bottom boat ride at the Sydney Aquarium, and catch a performance at the Sydney Opera House. Escape winter in the United States! Low airfares are available. Book your trip now! What is the weather like in Sydney, Australia in January?

16. Summarize A summary is what an entire passage is about. It is based on what happened at the beginning, the middle, and the end of a passage. When you summarize a passage, you are restating the passage in a shorter form. A good summary answers the "5 Ws" - Who, What, Why (or How), When, and Where. Summaries should include only the most important information. You should not include specific details that are not needed to understand what is being told in the passage.

17. Which is the best summary? Many Spanish conquistadors came to the Americas in the 1400s and 1500s. They didn't come to settle the land. Instead, they came searching for treasures. They wanted to find gold and glory for Spain. They also wanted to take their Roman Catholic religion to the people they encountered in America. A.Spanish conquistadors came to the Americas in the 1400's and 1500's for gold, glory and God. B.The conquistadors didn't want to settle America. C.The Spanish conquistadors searched for gold and glory in America.

18. Summarize If you chose the first summary - A. Spanish conquistadors came to the Americas in the 1400's and 1500's for gold, glory and God - you are correct! The first summary answers the 5 Ws: Who? the Spanish conquistadors What? they came Where? to the Americas When? 1400's and 1500s Why? for gold, glory, and God (they wanted to spread their religion)

19. Fact or Opinion A fact is something that is true about a subject and can be tested or proven. For Example: The sun is the closest star to the Earth. Studies show that smoking is bad for your health.

20. Fact To see if something is a fact, ask yourself: Can this statement be proved?

21. Opinion To check for opinions, ask yourself, Does this tell a thought or feeling? Would the statement be true all of the time? Look for clue words such as: feel, believe, always, never, none, most, least, best, and worst

22. Fact or Opinion? L. Frank Baum wrote "The Wizard of Oz". FACT Her house is really beautiful. OPINION Nine plus one equals ten. FACT Summer is the best season of all. OPINION