Main Idea Notes Main Idea - the idea that most of the passage covers; the basic point that the author wants to convey to the reader.

Main Idea Notes Supporting Details - The sentences that explain, describe, or support the main idea.

Main Idea Notes When looking for the main idea of a passage, ask yourself these questions: · Why did the author write this passage? What is the point he/she is trying to make? · What is the passage mostly about? What idea is conveyed in the passage?

Main Idea Notes 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.

Author’s Purpose Notes To Determine Author’s Purpose & Attitude: -look for hidden meanings -think about the words used -think about the author's life and events

Author’s Purpose Notes Questions to ask yourself about the author's attitude: 1. What is the author's purpose in writing? (to entertain, inform, express, or persuade) 2. Has the author presented all sides of an argument?

Author’s Purpose Notes Questions to ask yourself about the author's attitude: 3. If so, is the article balanced toward all points of view or biased toward one point of view? 4. Are there enough facts to support each side?

Author’s Purpose Notes Questions to ask yourself about the author's attitude: 5. Can you trust what the author says? Does the author use words that have a lot of emotion?

Author’s Purpose Notes Hints to help you determine the purpose of a passage: 1. Entertain - Does the writing make you laugh? Tell you stories? Keep you interested? 2. Inform - Does the writing give you information? Does it answer questions that you have?

Author’s Purpose Notes Hints to help you determine the purpose of a passage: 3. Express - Does the writing share a belief or opinion with you? Does it use feeling words? Does it use the word "I"?

Author’s Purpose Notes Hints to help you determine the purpose of a passage: 4. Persuade - Does the writing try to make you think a certain way about a topic? Does it ask you to change your mind, support an idea, buy something, or act in a certain way?

Summarization Notes -A summary is a shorter way to tell the events or details of a passage. -Only the most important details are conveyed in a summary.

Summarization Notes -A summary allows the reader to see what the passage is about.

Explaining Persuasive Text

What is Persuasion? When you persuade someone, you convince them to agree with your side of an issue. As you prepare a persuasive argument (when you write), keep these things in mind: When you persuade someone, you convince them to agree with your side of an issue. As you prepare a persuasive argument (when you write), keep these things in mind:

1. Know your audience Identify exactly who your audience will be, what they already know about the topic, and what you want their response to your argument to be.

2. Know how to reach them Can your audience best be reached through a written or audiovisual presentation? Will you have better results through supplying facts and figures or through an emotional appeal? Should your tone be formal or personal?

3. Know your stuff Do your homework. Have all the information you need, organize it in the most convincing fashion you can, provide plenty of support, and polish it before you present it.

4. Know your opposition There really are two sides, or more, to every story, so acknowledge counter- arguments. This helps build trust between you and your audience and allows you to weaken your opponents' positions by anticipating them.

5. Be respectful It's important to be respectful even when disagreeing with an opponent. You should never use words like "stupid," "crazy," "dumb," or "ridiculous." Using disrespectful words weakens your credibility and adds nothing to your argument. You end up looking like the "stupid" one.

6. Don't state the obvious Never conclude an argument with something like "This is my opinion on ___________." Of course that's your opinion; otherwise you wouldn't write it! As with all types of essays (not just persuasive), every sentence should add something important to your paper. Such empty sentences are unnecessary and weak. What do such sentences contribute?

Persuasive Techniques

Propaganda is the systematic spread of information that reflects or supports a certain viewpoint or bias. Governments will often use propaganda during a war to rally citizens to oppose the enemy.

Name Calling - The name-calling technique is used when a person, or an idea, is called something negative. The object of using this technique is to get the audience to reject the person or idea based on this negative symbol.

Name Calling – It keeps the audience from looking at available evidence. Calling someone a "terrorist" is an example of name calling

Glittering Generality - Glittering generalities is the opposite of name calling. It involves using positive words like good, proper, right, democracy, and patriotism to get the audience to approve a person or idea. It also keeps the audience from examining evidence.

Transfer - The transfer technique is used when the authority or prestige of something generally respected is transferred to something the propagandist wants the audience to accept.

Transfer – For example, many people respect doctors. If the propagandist succeeds in getting a doctor to approve a product, he or she is transferring the doctor's authority to that product. Therefore, the audience would accept a product that may otherwise be rejected.

Loaded Words - Loaded words and phrases are those which have strong emotional overtones or connotations. They are used to trigger an emotion in the reader.

Loaded Words – Words like “weeds” and “oppression” are loaded with negative associations. The following sentence is used to make the reader feel dislike toward the lawbreakers: “These lawbreakers are weeds that need to be pulled out of our society!”

Peer Pressure - Peer pressure happens when a friend or social peer tries to convince you to do something based on your relationship with them. The friend may threaten to end the friendship if you do not agree.

Stereotyping - Stereotyping is taking a quality of one individual and applying it to every individual in the group. Let's say you have a tall friend who is great at basketball. If you decide that all tall people are good basketball players based on your one friend, you are stereotyping.

Stereotyping – Be on the watch for stereotypes authors might use on purpose or without even knowing it.

Testimonial - The testimonial technique involves using a third party endorser to speak on behalf of an idea or a cause.

Testimonial – The testimonial device often involves phrases beginning with "my doctor said," "Tiger Woods said," "the Chicago Tribune said," etc. Testimonials are often used in ways that are unfair and misleading.

Testimonial – The most common misuse of the testimonial involves citing individuals who are not qualified to make judgments about a particular issue. For example, a Hollywood star may not be qualified to speak on the merits of a political candidate.

Euphemisms – A euphemism is a mild, indirect, or vague term that is substituted for one considered harsh, blunt, or offensive. It is used to pacify or calm an audience.

Euphemisms – "Defense Department" is a euphemism for “War Department.” “Visually challenged" is a euphemism for "blind.“

Bandwagon - The bandwagon technique basically says, "Everyone else is doing it, so you should too." Since few of us want to be left behind, this technique can be quite successful.

Fact and Opinion

To be a good reader, you should be able to tell the difference between a fact and an opinion. To be a good reader, you should be able to tell the difference between a fact and an opinion.

Fact and Opinion Figuring out facts from opinions is something you do already. Figuring out facts from opinions is something you do already. You may do it without even knowing it. You may do it without even knowing it.

Fact A fact is a statement that you can check or prove with evidence (proof). A fact is a statement that you can check or prove with evidence (proof). This evidence may be in what someone says, something you see, or something written in a book or text. This evidence may be in what someone says, something you see, or something written in a book or text.

Fact In other words, a fact is something that can be proven. In other words, a fact is something that can be proven. Facts are usually found in newspapers, textbooks, and news shows on television. Facts are usually found in newspapers, textbooks, and news shows on television.

Examples of Facts: Ronald Reagan was the 40th president of the United States. Ronald Reagan was the 40th president of the United States. The sun is 93 million miles away from Earth. The sun is 93 million miles away from Earth. The restaurant's hours are nine to five. The restaurant's hours are nine to five.

Examples of Facts: **Heather thinks that the best team in the NBA is the Dallas Mavericks. **Heather thinks that the best team in the NBA is the Dallas Mavericks.

Opinion An opinion is a statement that cannot be proven true or false. An opinion is a statement that cannot be proven true or false. Opinions are what people believe, feel, or decide about something. Opinions are what people believe, feel, or decide about something.

Opinion An opinion cannot be proven right or wrong. An opinion cannot be proven right or wrong. Opinions are usually found in editorials, letters to the editor, and in debates. Opinions are usually found in editorials, letters to the editor, and in debates.

Examples of Opinions Ronald Reagan was one of the best presidents the United States has ever had. Ronald Reagan was one of the best presidents the United States has ever had. That movie was cool! That movie was cool! Computers are confusing. Computers are confusing. Blue is the prettiest color. Blue is the prettiest color.

Examples of Opinions The book was great. The book was great. People should not use cell phones when driving. People should not use cell phones when driving. **Dallas has the best team in the NBA. **Dallas has the best team in the NBA.

**Some people get confused about these types of statements. You could ask Heather if she likes the Mavericks, and she could tell you it's a fact that she likes them. You could prove that she likes the Mavericks just by asking her.

In other words, it is a fact that Heather has an opinion about the Mavericks. If she said, "Dallas has the best team in the NBA," it would be an opinion.

Directions and Procedures Directions and Procedures Informational Text

Directions: A list of the sequence of steps needed in order to complete a task. A list of the sequence of steps needed in order to complete a task. What are some examples of tasks that require a set of directions? What are some examples of tasks that require a set of directions?

Following Instructions: This requires attention to detail!! This requires attention to detail!! For Example: For Example: How much of something? = Measurements: 2 cups, 2 tsp How much of something? = Measurements: 2 cups, 2 tsp How long? = Time: days, hours, minutes, seconds How long? = Time: days, hours, minutes, seconds

What Order? Doing things in a certain order can be very important. Knowing when to do something will help you use the directions successfully. Doing things in a certain order can be very important. Knowing when to do something will help you use the directions successfully.

What not to do? Directions often times tell us what not to do. Following these are also really important. Directions often times tell us what not to do. Following these are also really important. Read all information carefully and slowly. Read all information carefully and slowly.

Tips for Following Directions Consult directions for materials needed before beginning the task. Consult directions for materials needed before beginning the task. First familiarize yourself with the sequence of steps in the directions. First familiarize yourself with the sequence of steps in the directions. Look over any diagrams and labels before getting started. Look over any diagrams and labels before getting started.

Tips for Following Directions Look over any diagrams and labels before getting started. Look over any diagrams and labels before getting started. Follow each step in order without skipping any of the steps. Follow each step in order without skipping any of the steps.

Tips for Following Directions Save all directions in a designated place for later reference. Save all directions in a designated place for later reference. Ask for help if you have questions or are confused by any part of the directions. Ask for help if you have questions or are confused by any part of the directions.

Functional Text Forms and Applications

When filling out forms and applications: 1) You should always read the entire form very carefully. 2) Check to make sure you have written the proper information in the proper location. 3) Make sure your writing is legible.

Common Information on Applications Name Name Address Address Contact Information Contact Information Birth Date Birth Date Previous Experience Previous Experience References References

Different Types of Forms Warranty – A Guarantee to the purchaser by a company stating that the product is reliable and free from defects and that the seller will, without charge, repair or replace the product within a given time limit and under certain conditions. Warranty – A Guarantee to the purchaser by a company stating that the product is reliable and free from defects and that the seller will, without charge, repair or replace the product within a given time limit and under certain conditions.

Different Types of Forms Contract – An agreement between two or more parties, especially one that is written and enforceable by law. Contract – An agreement between two or more parties, especially one that is written and enforceable by law.

Author’s Technique Notes Informational Text

Author’s Technique Notes - A challenging but important task for the reader is to figure out the author's opinion, purpose, and attitude. -Since the author may not directly state his or her purpose, the reader must look for hidden meanings.

Author’s Technique Notes - The reader must look for underlying assumptions and recognize bias, emotional language, or propaganda that the author uses to make his or her point.

Author’s Technique Notes Questions to ask yourself about the author's techniques: 1. What is the author's purpose in writing? (to persuade, entertain, inform, direct)

Author’s Technique Notes 2. Has the author presented all sides of an argument? 3. If so, is the article balanced toward all positions or biased toward one?

Author’s Technique Notes 4. Is there enough evidence to support each side? 5. Is the evidence reliable and convincing?

Author’s Technique Notes 6. Does the author use words that convey emotion? 7. Does the article seem to present propaganda?

Organizational Features Notes Informational Text

Organizational Features Notes - Images are often accompanied by captions. -A caption is a short description of an illustration. -It gives additional information about a topic, describes the subject of the picture, and shows how it relates to the article.

Sources - The places where you find information -It is very important to name (or cite) the sources you use when you write a report -Plagiarism is when you copy someone else's work or use their ideas without giving them credit. - use quotation marks if you used someone else's exact words.

Citing Sources -Footnotes list sources or additional information in the order the writer used them in the report. -Credit pictures with a note right under the picture. Citing Sources -Footnotes list sources or additional information in the order the writer used them in the report. -Credit pictures with a note right under the picture.

Works Cited Page (also called a Bibliography) · at the end of your report. · in alphabetical order by the author's last name. · include the author, title, type of source, and date.

Headings -give the reader clues about what he or she will find in the text below it. -If the reader is trying to locate a specific fact, he or she can look at the headings to figure out where to find the information. -He or she does not have to read the entire article to find the information he or she needs!

Headings -If a writer is covering a lot of information, headings can be helpful in organizing that information. -Think of headings as "titles" and subheadings as "mini-titles."

Organizational Features Glossary- an alphabetical list of special words and their definitions; usually found at the back of a textbook or other nonfiction book. Index - a list of all the key words in the book and their page numbers; in alphabetical order and usually found at the back of the book. Organizational Features Glossary- an alphabetical list of special words and their definitions; usually found at the back of a textbook or other nonfiction book. Index - a list of all the key words in the book and their page numbers; in alphabetical order and usually found at the back of the book.

Organizational Features Preface -an introduction to a book -to see what the book is going to be about -to find out how it will be organized. -usually written by the author, but not always. Organizational Features Preface -an introduction to a book -to see what the book is going to be about -to find out how it will be organized. -usually written by the author, but not always.

Organizational Features Appendix - the extra information that appears at the end of a book to add to and explain the material in the chapters. Bold print - used for titles, headings, and subheadings. -used to point out, or call your attention to, a particular word or main idea. Organizational Features Appendix - the extra information that appears at the end of a book to add to and explain the material in the chapters. Bold print - used for titles, headings, and subheadings. -used to point out, or call your attention to, a particular word or main idea.

Organizational Features Keywords - words that you use to look up a topic in an index, library catalogue, or Internet search engine. -must be specific and clearly relate to the topic. -should not be too broad or general Organizational Features Keywords - words that you use to look up a topic in an index, library catalogue, or Internet search engine. -must be specific and clearly relate to the topic. -should not be too broad or general

Interpreting Graphic Features Notes Informational Text

Tips for reading maps and graphs: 1. Read the title of the map or graph first. -This will help you understand what the map or graph is displaying.

2. Read the text on or around the map or graph (if any). -This will help you understand the type of information that is on the map or graph. 3. Identify what type of map or graph you are looking at. -Get familiar with the different types of maps and graphs.

Types of Maps Physical maps - show the Earth's land forms and bodies of water. -Uses lines, shading, tints, spot elevations, and different colors to show elevation. -Shows the difference between mountains and lowlands.

Types of Maps Political maps - show boundaries that divide cities, states, and countries. -Some show the boundaries by printing the areas in different colors. -For example, world maps usually show each country in a different color.

Types of Maps Topographic maps - use lines to show the shape and elevation of the land. Road map - helps travelers go from one place to another. -Some show only interstate highways, while others show a detailed network of roads, including the back roads.

Types of Graphs Bar graphs – represent variables that are distinct and unconnected between data points Line graphs - represent variables that have continuous intervals that are unbroken sequences (e.g., growth of a plant)

Types of Graphs Pie Chart - an excellent way to show how the sizes of the parts compare to each other and the whole.