Identify Author's Supporting Reasons
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1st Grade Reading › Identify Author's Supporting Reasons
Read the text. I think helping at home is important. I pick up toys because it keeps the floor clear. I set the table, so dinner is ready faster. That is why I help my family. The author says helping at home is important. What is ONE reason why?
I set the table, so dinner is ready faster.
Families live in houses.
Helping at home is important.
Explanation
We're looking for why helping at home is important. The author gives reasons with 'because' and 'so.' One reason is 'I set the table, so dinner is ready faster.' That tells us why!
Read the text. We should wash our hands. Washing hands helps stop germs because soap washes them away. Clean hands keep us healthy, so we miss less school. That is why I wash my hands. Why does the author think we should wash our hands?
Hands have ten fingers.
Washing hands helps stop germs because soap washes them away.
We should wash our hands.
Explanation
We need to find why we should wash hands. The author tells us to wash hands. Then they say 'Washing hands helps stop germs because soap washes them away.' That's the reason with 'because'!
Read the text. We should share toys because it helps everyone have a turn. Sharing also makes friends feel good, so we can play together. That is why sharing is important. What is ONE reason the author gives for sharing?
It helps everyone have a turn.
Toys are made of gold.
Sharing is important.
Explanation
We find reasons to share. The author says sharing helps everyone have a turn. This is the exact reason in the text.
Read the text. Packing my backpack at night is a good idea. It is good because I do not feel rushed in the morning. I can also remember my homework and lunch. That is why I pack it early. What reason does the author give for packing a backpack at night?
Backpacks come in many colors.
I can remember my homework and lunch.
Packing my backpack at night is a good idea.
Explanation
We need to find the author's reason. The text gives two reasons for packing early. One reason is "I can remember my homework and lunch."
Read the text. Recess is the best part of school. I can run outside because my body needs movement. I can play games with friends. That is why I love recess. The author says recess is the best part of school. What is ONE reason why?
Recess is the best part of school.
I can run outside because my body needs movement.
Recess happens in the middle of the ocean.
Explanation
We look for why recess is best. The author says I can run outside because my body needs movement. This reason tells us why recess is the best.
Read the text. Going to the park is fun. You can play on the swings because they go high. You can run and play tag with friends. That is why I like the park. The text says the park is fun. What reason supports this?
The park is open only at night.
You can play on the swings because they go high.
The park is fun.
Explanation
We look for why the park is fun. The author says you can play on the swings because they go high. This reason tells us why the park is fun.
Read the text. We should read every day because books help us learn new words. Reading can be fun at bedtime. It also helps us learn about animals. That is why reading is important. The author says we should read every day. What is ONE reason why?
Reading is only for grown-ups.
Books help us learn new words.
Reading is important.
Pencils help us write letters.
Explanation
This question tests CCSS.RI.1.8: identifying the reasons an author gives to support points in a text. Students must find the specific reasons stated by the author to back up an opinion or main point. Authors give opinions or make points (what they think). Then authors give REASONS to support those opinions (why they think that). Reasons answer the question 'Why?' Reasons tell us why the opinion makes sense. In this text, the author's opinion is that we should read every day. The reasons are that books help us learn new words, reading can be fun at bedtime, and it helps us learn about animals. Choice B is correct because it is a reason the author gives in the text to support the opinion that we should read every day. The text states 'books help us learn new words' which tells us WHY reading is important by explaining a benefit. This is a supporting reason, not the opinion itself. Choice A is incorrect because it restates the opinion instead of giving a reason. A REASON tells WHY. This choice just repeats what the author thinks without explaining why. To help students: Identify the opinion/point first: What does the author THINK? Then find reasons: What does the author SAY about WHY? Look for connecting words like 'because,' 'so,' 'that is why.' Ask: Does this sentence tell WHY the opinion is true? Practice: Opinion = 'We should read every day.' Reason = 'Books help us learn new words' (tells why). Not reason = 'Reading is important' (just restates opinion). Watch for: Students who choose the opinion statement thinking it's a reason, or students who add their own reasons instead of finding author's stated reasons.
Read the text. The library is a great place because it has many books to read. It is also quiet, so I can focus. That is why I like the library. The author likes the library. What is ONE reason why?
The library is a great place.
The library has a swimming pool.
It has many books to read.
Explanation
We look for library reasons. The author says it has many books to read. This matches the first reason given.
Read the text. I think recess is the best part of school. It is the best because I can run and play tag. I can also swing high on the swings. Recess helps my body feel strong. Why does the author think recess is the best part?
Recess helps my body feel strong.
Recess is after lunch at school.
Recess is the best part of school.
Explanation
We need to find the author's reason. The author says recess is best because they can run and play. The text says "Recess helps my body feel strong."
Read the text. I think reading every day is important. Reading helps us learn new words because books teach us. Reading is fun because stories make us laugh. That is why I read each day. Why does the author think reading every day is important?
Reading helps us learn new words because books teach us.
Reading every day is important.
Reading makes your eyes better.
Explanation
We need to find the author's reason. The author says reading is important. Then they tell us why: 'Reading helps us learn new words because books teach us.' That's the reason!