Reading for details: Read the following paragraph and then answer the questions below. Jack and I decided that we needed a break from watching shows. We decided to head outside and build a fort. In the forest nearby, we found long branches, an old tarp, and some heavy rocks, all perfect for building the fort. We found a piece of level ground, and using some rope from the garage, we tied the biggest branches to a tree to make a lean-to. All the rest of the branches we leaned against the biggest one, and then Jack and I secured the tarp to the top, to protect us from wind and rain. It was perfect timing, because just then we felt a bit of rain spitting down; we ran to the house to grab some snacks — berries, yogurt, and cookies — then headed under the fort to tell stories. 1. Why do Jack and the narrator go outside? ____________________________________________________________________ 1. What do the kids find in the forest to make their fort? ____________________________________________________________________ 1. How do they construct the fort? ____________________________________________________________________ 1. What happens as they are finishing the fort? ____________________________________________________________________ 1. What do they bring into the fort once it is finished? ____________________________________________________________________ Main idea: Read the following paragraph and then answer the questions below. The basketball tournament is scheduled for next week, but there have been some problems putting it together. For starters, the gymnasium at school is undergoing repairs and the workers aren’t sure they can be done on time. Also, there is a major storm brewing off the coast which might cause delays for other teams travelling here. Finally, we have ordered a new score clock, and it will need to be mounted as soon as it arrives. There is lots of planning to be done, and not very much time left. I hope it all works out! In your own words, write down the main idea of the paragraph: _________________________________________________________________________ _________________________________________________________________________ How many problems are the tournament organizers dealing with, and what are they? _________________________________________________________________________ _________________________________________________________________________ _________________________________________________________________________ Understanding abstractions: Read the following paragraph and pay attention to anything that is abstract — an idea or concept rather than a thing, then answer the questions below. This year, instead of going to swim club I decided to try summer camp. It was a blast! I shared a cabin with my two best friends, and we enrolled in 4 kinds of activities: horseback riding, canoeing, archery, and survival skills. Even though we’d gone to school together for the last 6 years, my friends and I grew a lot closer. We stayed up late talking (even though the counselor wasn’t impressed), and Jennie stood up for me when that bully, Donald, tried to claim I stole his phone. After 4 days of riding horses and canoeing, I felt my muscles becoming less sore and maybe even a bit stronger; it felt good. On the last day of camp each cabin was told to make a big banner describing what they learned or experienced during the week. Jennie and Alex and I drew ourselves in a circle, and the cabin decided draw all of us under the roof of the cabin, with hearts and stars, and happy messages to each other all over. It was a good week. List the main concepts (abstract ideas) that are revealed in the narration: _________________________________________________________________________ _________________________________________________________________________ _________________________________________________________________________ _________________________________________________________________________ For each main idea that is developed in the narration, describe the concrete things that are used to illustrate the concept: _________________________________________________________________________ _________________________________________________________________________ _________________________________________________________________________ _________________________________________________________________________