Reading Book 2 Flashcards

About the Halifax Explosion of 1917, the author writes: 'In an instant, an entire neighbourhood was reduced to splinters and silence.' What effect does juxtaposing 'splinters' and 'silence' create?

Answer: It emphasizes sudden, total devastation - physical destruction and eerie aftermath

'Splinters' conveys physical destruction; 'silence' conveys the absence of life. Together they emphasize total devastation.

A student writes: 'I agree with the author because they provided convincing evidence.' What critical thinking step is missing?

Answer: The student should specify WHICH evidence was convincing and WHY

The student needs to identify specific evidence and explain why it was persuasive.

A passage about endangered species includes a population decline graph. What is the purpose of this visual?

Answer: To provide visual representation reinforcing the text's claims

The graph visually represents data that reinforces the text's discussion of species decline.

A narrative setting: 'The February wind off Lake Ontario cut through their jackets as they waited on the platform at Union Station.' What information does this provide?

Answer: Time of year, geographic location, weather conditions, and a specific landmark

The setting provides time (February), geography (Lake Ontario/Toronto area), weather (cutting wind), and location (Union Station).

A passage about building a highway through wetlands presents both sides without stating which is correct. What is the author's purpose?

Answer: The author wants readers to evaluate evidence and form their own opinion

Presenting both sides without concluding invites readers to evaluate evidence independently.

A student's three-sentence summary includes a personal opinion. What error was made?

Answer: A summary should objectively restate key ideas without personal opinions

A summary should objectively capture the passage's main ideas without adding personal opinions.