Informational Text Reading Flashcards

A student reads an informational article about the history of the Grand Canyon. The article includes headings like 'Formation,' 'Wildlife,' and 'Tourism.' What is the PURPOSE of these headings?

Answer: To help readers quickly locate specific sections of information

Headings in informational texts help readers navigate the text and quickly find specific information without reading the entire article.

Read this sentence from an article about recycling: 'Recycling one aluminum can saves enough energy to power a TV for three hours.' This sentence is an example of:

Answer: A specific fact used to support the importance of recycling

This is a specific, verifiable statistic used as evidence to support the argument that recycling conserves significant energy.

An article about climate change uses the text structure of cause and effect. What should a reader EXPECT to find in the article?

Answer: Explanations of how specific actions lead to climate change outcomes

Cause-and-effect text structure explains relationships: how certain actions or events (causes) lead to specific outcomes (effects). Climate change articles using this structure would explain how human activities cause warming, rising seas, etc.

A student is reading about the Apollo 11 moon landing. The article states: 'Neil Armstrong became the first human to walk on the Moon on July 20, 1969.' Is this a primary or secondary source claim?

Answer: Secondary source — it is information reported by another author after the event

A secondary source is written by someone who did not directly experience or witness the event. An article reporting on the Apollo 11 landing is a secondary source.

Which of the following BEST describes the difference between explicit and implicit information in a text?

Answer: Explicit information is directly stated; implicit information must be inferred

Explicit information is clearly and directly stated in the text. Implicit information is suggested or implied — readers must use inference to understand it.

A student reads two articles about wolves. Article 1 says wolves are dangerous predators that threaten livestock. Article 2 says wolves are essential for maintaining healthy ecosystems. What should the student do FIRST when evaluating these sources?

Answer: Examine the author's credentials, purpose, and sources for each article

When encountering conflicting sources, readers should evaluate each source's credibility by examining author qualifications, purpose, and supporting evidence.