Key Events, Individuals, and Ideas

Learning Target RI 3 Analyze in detail how a key individual, event, or idea is introduced, illustrated, and elaborated in a text (e.g., through examples or anecdotes).

Who is a key individual? A main character We call him/her a protagonist, hero, or viewpoint character. Someone who appears throughout the story. Someone we care about in the story.

What is a key event? A main event in the story. It can be the climax (the most important part of the story!) It can be one of the sequence of events in the story. We call that sequence of events a plot.

What is a key idea? We’ve talked about the central idea (or main idea) It’s stated as a sentence and not as just a few words. It’s something that is supported throughout the text, and not just a single paragraph.

What does it mean to introduce? the method the writer uses to first suggest an idea Usually it is at the beginning of the text or at the beginning of a paragraph It can be through facts, descriptions, anecdotes (very brief stories to make a point) or quotes.

Example - My grandfather was an important part of my life. Throughout my childhood he would always make time for me. For example, we would take long walks together on the farm, and we played a record number of checkers tournaments. The most important part of the time we spent together was when he would tell stories of his youth. There was always a lesson to be learned and a laugh to share along the way. These memories will forever define my grandfather’s integrity and patience in my mind.

What is illustrate? giving examples or evidence to support an idea These are used to support the key individual, event or idea in the text.

Example - My grandfather was an important part of my life. Throughout my childhood he would always make time for me. For example, we would take long walks together on the farm, and we played a record number of checkers tournaments. The most important part of the time we spent together was when he would tell stories of his youth. There was always a lesson to be learned and a laugh to share along the way. These memories will forever define my grandfather’s integrity and patience in my mind.

What is elaborate? to go beyond a basic explanation by expanding ideas with additional information Supporting details that help increase the readers knowledge about the key individual, event or idea.

Example - My grandfather was an important part of my life. Throughout my childhood he would always make time for me. For example, we would take long walks together on the farm, and we played a record number of checkers tournaments. The most important part of the time we spent together was when he would tell stories of his youth. There was always a lesson to be learned and a laugh to share along the way. These memories will forever define my grandfather’s integrity and patience in my mind.