Comprehension Flashcards

A student reads: 'The sky darkened and thunder rumbled. Maria grabbed her umbrella.' What can the reader infer?

Answer: It is about to rain

Dark skies and thunder are classic clues that rain is coming, making the umbrella a logical response.

A passage compares dogs and cats as pets. Which text structure is the author most likely using?

Answer: Compare and contrast

When a text examines similarities and differences between two subjects, it uses a compare-and-contrast structure.

Which aReading comprehension task requires a student to go beyond the literal text to form an interpretation?

Answer: Determining a character's motivation not directly stated

Inferring motivation requires interpreting clues in the text rather than finding information that is explicitly stated.

A student is asked: 'What is the author's purpose in this passage?' The passage gives step-by-step instructions for making a sandwich. The best answer is:

Answer: To inform readers how to make a sandwich

Step-by-step instructions are written to inform or explain how to do something.

What does it mean when an aReading question asks a student to 'summarize' a passage?

Answer: Restate the most important ideas briefly in their own words

Summarizing means condensing the main ideas of a text into a brief, student-generated restatement.

In a story, the problem is introduced, events build tension, and then the conflict is resolved. This story structure is called:

Answer: Narrative arc (plot structure)

Stories typically follow a narrative arc: introduction, rising action, climax, falling action, and resolution.

A passage states: 'Unlike cold-blooded reptiles, mammals regulate their own body temperature.' A comprehension question asks how reptiles and mammals differ. This assesses:

Answer: Compare-and-contrast comprehension

The question asks students to identify a difference between two subjects, which is a compare-and-contrast comprehension skill.