Analyze How Ideas Are Developed - 6th Grade Reading

Identify what to track to analyze elaboration across paragraphs about one key idea.

New details added: definitions, evidence, explanations, and implications. These elements progressively develop understanding.
Which option best shows an anecdote: "A researcher once spilled a sample" or "The sample was 20 mL"?

"A researcher once spilled a sample.". Personal stories are anecdotes; data is factual.
Which kind of information most often elaborates an idea after it is introduced?

Additional explanation such as reasons, steps, comparisons, or consequences. Authors develop ideas by expanding beyond initial statements.
Which type of detail best elaborates an idea by showing why it matters or what results from it?

Cause-and-effect details. These details show significance through consequences and connections.
Which option best shows an idea is being introduced: a new term is defined or a statistic is repeated?

A new term is defined. Definitions introduce new concepts to readers.
What should you track to analyze how a key individual is developed across a text?

Roles, actions, motivations, and how the author adds details over time. Character development includes both actions and author's added details.
Which type of detail best illustrates an idea by showing what it looks like in real life?

A concrete example or specific case. Concrete instances make abstract concepts tangible and relatable.
What is a key individual in an informational text, in CCSS.RI.6.3 terms?

An important person the text focuses on and develops with details. Key individuals are central figures analyzed throughout the text.
Identify the role of this sentence: "As a result, the policy was expanded to include all students."

Elaboration (adds consequences and extends the idea). "As a result" shows effects, expanding the original idea.
Which transition word most clearly signals that the author is giving an example?

For example. This phrase explicitly introduces supporting instances.
What does it mean to analyze how an idea is illustrated in an informational text?

Identify examples, facts, details, or anecdotes that make the idea clearer. Authors use concrete support to help readers understand abstract concepts.
What is the meaning of "introduced" when analyzing a key idea in an informational text?

How the text first presents the idea, event, or individual. The initial mention or presentation sets up the topic for readers.
What is the meaning of "elaborated" when analyzing how a text develops an idea?

Expanded with added details, explanations, or evidence. Authors develop ideas by providing more information and context.
Which signal phrase most strongly suggests the author is about to tell an anecdote?

For instance, one day, or I remember (a short story setup). These phrases signal narrative elements typical of anecdotes.
Identify the role of this sentence: "For instance, one village cut water use by collecting rainwater."

Illustration of an idea using an example. "For instance" signals a specific example follows.
What does it mean to analyze how an idea is elaborated in an informational text?

Identify added explanations, causes, effects, or deeper details that develop the idea. Authors expand on ideas by providing additional layers of information.
Which 3-part sequence best matches CCSS.RI.6.3 for tracking development in a text?

Introduction → illustration → elaboration. Matches the standard's three key verbs for analyzing development.
What does it mean to analyze how an idea is introduced in an informational text?

Identify the first presentation of the idea and the context around it. Look for where and how the author first brings up the concept.
Which signal phrase most strongly indicates elaboration through explanation rather than an example?

This means. This phrase signals clarification rather than exemplification.
Which text feature most directly signals how an idea is introduced at the start of a section?

A topic sentence (or section opening statement). Topic sentences introduce main ideas at section starts.
Which option best describes a key event in an informational text?

An important occurrence the text explains, often with causes and effects. Key events are significant happenings analyzed in depth.
Which transition word most strongly signals that the author is giving an example?

For example. This phrase directly introduces specific instances.
What should you track to analyze development of a key topic across paragraphs?

New details, examples, and explanations added each time it appears. Track how each mention adds new information.
Which sentence best functions as an illustration of a claim about perseverance?

"After failing twice, he practiced daily and succeeded on the third try.". Shows perseverance through specific actions and outcomes.
What is the difference between an example and an anecdote in informational text?

Example: specific instance; Anecdote: short story used to explain a point. Examples are general instances; anecdotes are narrative illustrations.
Which sentence best functions as an introduction of a key individual in a biography-style article?

"Dr. Lina Perez was the first engineer to lead the project.". Names the person and their role, establishing their importance.
Which sentence best functions as elaboration by clarifying a technical term?

"Photosynthesis is the process plants use to make food from sunlight.". Defines the term to expand reader understanding.
Identify the best description of how an author elaborates using cause-and-effect structure.

The author explains why something happens and what results from it. Cause-effect relationships deepen understanding through connections.
Identify the best category for this sentence: "When I visited the lab, the researcher showed me the prototype."

Anecdote (a brief personal story used to illustrate an idea). First-person narrative and personal experience signal anecdote.
Identify the role of a definition when an author introduces a new key term or concept.

It clarifies meaning so the reader can understand later details. Definitions establish shared understanding for complex discussions.
What should you track to analyze how a key event is developed across a text?

What happened, causes, effects, timeline details, and added context. Event analysis requires examining multiple aspects and connections.
Identify the role of this sentence in a paragraph: "This matters because it threatens drinking water."

Elaboration (explains significance or effect). This shows impact, moving beyond mere facts to implications.
Identify the role of this sentence: "Later, engineers improved the design by adding stronger materials."

Elaboration by adding later development details. "Later" shows progression and additional information.
Which option is the clearest sign that a paragraph is mainly illustrating an idea?

It contains multiple specific examples or pieces of evidence supporting the point. Multiple examples demonstrate and clarify the main point.
What is the difference between a key idea and a supporting detail?

Key idea is central; supporting detail provides evidence for it. Main ideas are broad claims; details back them up.
Identify the purpose of a definition when it appears right after a new term is introduced.

To introduce and clarify the meaning of the key term or idea. Definitions establish shared understanding before developing ideas.
Which text feature most often introduces a key idea before the body paragraphs begin?

The introduction (often the first paragraph). Introductions establish main concepts before detailed discussion.
Identify the best category for this sentence: "In 2018, scientists tested the new filter in three rivers."

Example (a specific instance used as evidence). Specific data and testing details exemplify the concept.
Which option best shows elaboration: adding a second reason or restating the same sentence?

Adding a second reason. Additional reasons expand and develop arguments.
Identify the role of this sentence: "For instance, one town cut waste by 30% in a year."

Illustration (example supporting an idea). The specific data demonstrates the general claim about waste reduction.
What does it mean to analyze how a key individual, event, or idea is elaborated in a text?

Track how the author adds details, explanations, or implications over time. Elaboration builds depth through progressive development.
Which text feature most directly introduces a key idea before the body paragraphs begin?

The introduction (opening paragraph). Opening sections establish the main topic before developing it.
What is the difference between an example and an anecdote as supporting details?

Example explains; anecdote is a brief story that supports the point. Examples demonstrate; anecdotes tell stories.
What is the most accurate meaning of the word "elaboration" in reading analysis?

Adding details that expand, clarify, or deepen an idea. Elaboration means building upon with more information.
What is a "key idea" in an informational text for CCSS.RI.6.3 analysis?

A central concept the author develops across the text. Main ideas drive the text's purpose, unlike minor points.
Which type of detail most often elaborates a key individual by showing change over time?

Chronological details about actions and outcomes. Time-based details reveal development and transformation.
Which question best checks how an author develops an idea over the whole text?

How does the author add details from beginning to end to deepen the idea. This tracks progressive development throughout.
Identify the role of this sentence: "At first, scientists believed the disease was harmless."

Introduction (initial presentation of an idea or situation). "At first" signals the initial state before development.
Identify what you should cite to show elaboration, not just illustration, in your analysis.

Sentences that add explanation, reasoning, or deeper context beyond examples. Elaboration goes beyond examples to provide analysis and connections.
Which term names a short story used to support or explain a point in nonfiction?

Anecdote. Brief personal stories make abstract points concrete.
Identify the role of this sentence in a paragraph: "In 2010, the river flooded three times."

Illustration (a specific factual example). Specific data serves as concrete evidence supporting broader claims.
What does it mean to analyze how a key individual, event, or idea is elaborated in a text?

Show how the text develops it further with added information and details. Elaboration means expanding with more details and depth.
Identify the best one-sentence summary frame for RI.6.3 analysis of a key idea.

Introduced by __; illustrated with __; elaborated by __. This frame organizes the three-part analysis required by RI.6.3.
What does it mean to analyze how a key individual, event, or idea is introduced in an informational text?

Explain how it is first presented and what background is given. Introduction sets context and establishes relevance for readers.
Which signal word most strongly indicates the author is giving an example to illustrate an idea?

For example. This phrase directly signals a specific instance follows.
Which option best shows elaboration (not just repetition) of a key idea?

Adding new evidence or explanation that deepens the reader's understanding. Elaboration expands meaning, not just restates it.
What does it mean to analyze how a key individual, event, or idea is introduced in an informational text?

Identify the first presentation of the topic and its initial context. Introduction means the first mention and setup of the topic.
Which option best describes a key idea in an informational text?

A central concept the author develops and returns to across the text. Key ideas are main concepts that recur throughout.
Which type of detail most strongly illustrates a claim in informational text?

Concrete evidence such as facts, statistics, examples, or quotations. Specific, verifiable details provide the strongest support for claims.
What is the purpose of an anecdote in an informational text?

To illustrate an idea by making it concrete and relatable. Stories connect abstract concepts to real experiences.
Which text feature most often signals where an individual or idea is first introduced?

The first mention, often in the title, heading, or opening paragraph. Authors typically introduce key concepts early to establish focus.
Identify what kind of evidence is used: "My grandmother described rationing during the war."

Anecdote (personal story used as support). Personal stories make historical events relatable.
What is a key idea in an informational text, in CCSS.RI.6.3 terms?

A central concept the author develops through facts, examples, and explanation. Key ideas are main concepts that organize the text's information.
Identify the role of this sentence: "In 1903, the Wright brothers first flew a powered airplane."

Introduction of a key event (initial factual presentation). First mention establishes the event's basic facts.
Identify what kind of evidence is used: "In 2020, surveys showed 60% of teens read daily."

Statistic (numerical evidence illustrating a point). Numbers provide concrete support for claims.
What is a key event in an informational text, in CCSS.RI.6.3 terms?

An important occurrence the author explains and supports with details. Key events are significant happenings that drive the text's purpose.
Identify the best evidence type for illustrating an idea: definition, example, or anecdote.

Example. Examples show concrete instances of abstract concepts.
Which transition word most clearly signals that the author is adding elaboration?

Furthermore. This transition indicates additional development of the topic.
Which option best describes a key individual in an informational text?

A person whose actions, role, or impact the text explains in detail. Key individuals are people whose significance is explored.
What does it mean to analyze how a key individual, event, or idea is illustrated in a text?

Explain how the text clarifies it using details such as examples or anecdotes. Illustration means showing through concrete examples or stories.
What is the meaning of "illustrated" when analyzing how a text develops a key idea?

Shown with examples, details, facts, or anecdotes. Authors use concrete instances to make abstract concepts clearer.
Which signal word most strongly suggests the author is about to give an example to illustrate an idea?

For example. This phrase directly signals a supporting instance will follow.
Which question best checks how an author elaborates a key idea in later paragraphs?

"What new explanations or effects does the author add?". Focuses on additional development beyond initial presentation.
What does it mean to analyze how a key individual, event, or idea is illustrated in a text?

Identify the details that show it clearly (facts, examples, anecdotes). Illustration makes abstract concepts concrete through specific support.
Which option best describes an author move that introduces a key individual?

Naming the person and giving basic background information. Introduction establishes identity and relevant context.
Which transition word most strongly signals the author is adding more elaboration?

Furthermore. This transition adds additional supporting information.
Identify the best description of how an author elaborates using compare-and-contrast structure.

The author develops an idea by showing similarities and differences. Comparison helps readers understand through relationships.

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