This question tests 3rd grade informative/explanatory writing skill of using linking words and phrases to connect ideas within categories of information (CCSS.W.3.2.c). Linking words in informative writing connect related facts within the same category or group. Key words for adding information: ALSO (adds related fact), ANOTHER (adds next item in category), AND (connects facts), MORE (adds additional detail), IN ADDITION (adds formally), TOO (adds at end). For contrasting: BUT (shows difference). These differ from opinion linking words (because, therefore, for example) which connect opinions to reasons; informative linking words connect facts to facts. They help informative writing flow smoothly and show relationships between facts in same category. In this scenario, Sofia is writing informative text about camel adaptations and connecting facts within the adaptations category. Choice B is correct because it uses ALSO to add a related fact within the same category. For example, it connects long eyelashes to closing nostrils, both being adaptations for desert sand protection. Choice C uses opinion linking word (because) instead of informative. This is common when students confuse opinion linking words (because, therefore) with informative linking words (also, another). This happens because students may not distinguish between different types of writing and their appropriate linking words, or may not understand that facts within a category need to flow together with connections. To help students use informative linking words: Create anchor chart: INFORMATIVE Linking Words (also, another, and, more, but, too, in addition) vs OPINION Linking Words (because, therefore, since, for example) — use correct type for writing type. Teach adding vs contrasting: ALSO/ANOTHER/AND add related facts, BUT shows contrast. Model connecting: 'Penguins have flippers' + 'They have waterproof feathers' → 'Penguins have flippers. ALSO, they have waterproof feathers.' Use highlighting: highlight all facts in a category, then add linking words to connect them.

This question tests 3rd grade informative/explanatory writing skill of using linking words and phrases to connect ideas within categories of information (CCSS.W.3.2.c). Linking words in informative writing connect related facts within the same category or group. Key words for adding information: ALSO (adds related fact), ANOTHER (adds next item in category), AND (connects facts), MORE (adds additional detail), IN ADDITION (adds formally), TOO (adds at end). For contrasting: BUT (shows difference). These differ from opinion linking words (because, therefore, for example) which connect opinions to reasons; informative linking words connect facts to facts. They help informative writing flow smoothly and show relationships between facts in same category. In this scenario, Amir is writing informative text about shark body parts and connecting facts within the body parts category. Choice B is correct because it uses AND to connect facts within the same category. For example, it combines fins and gills as related body parts in one smooth sentence. Choice C uses opinion linking word (because) instead of informative. This is common when students confuse opinion linking words (because, therefore) with informative linking words (also, another). This happens because students may not distinguish between different types of writing and their appropriate linking words, or may not understand that facts within a category need to flow together with connections. To help students use informative linking words: Create anchor chart: INFORMATIVE Linking Words (also, another, and, more, but, too, in addition) vs OPINION Linking Words (because, therefore, since, for example) — use correct type for writing type. Teach adding vs contrasting: ALSO/ANOTHER/AND add related facts, BUT shows contrast. Model connecting: 'Penguins have flippers' + 'They have waterproof feathers' → 'Penguins have flippers. ALSO, they have waterproof feathers.' Compare choppy vs connected reading aloud.

This question tests 3rd grade informative/explanatory writing skill of using linking words and phrases to connect ideas within categories of information (CCSS.W.3.2.c). Linking words in informative writing connect related facts within the same category or group. Key words for adding information: ALSO (adds related fact), ANOTHER (adds next item in category), AND (connects facts), MORE (adds additional detail), IN ADDITION (adds formally), TOO (adds at end). For contrasting: BUT (shows difference). These differ from opinion linking words (because, therefore, for example) which connect opinions to reasons; informative linking words connect facts to facts. They help informative writing flow smoothly and show relationships between facts in same category. In this scenario, Maya is writing informative text about tornado facts and connecting facts within the tornado facts category. Choice A is correct because it uses MORE to add additional detail within the same category. For example, it connects winds over 100 mph to the possibility of more than 200 mph, building on the wind speed fact. Choice C uses opinion linking word (therefore) instead of informative. This is common when students confuse opinion linking words (because, therefore) with informative linking words (also, another). This happens because students may not distinguish between different types of writing and their appropriate linking words, or may not understand that facts within a category need to flow together with connections. To help students use informative linking words: Create anchor chart: INFORMATIVE Linking Words (also, another, and, more, but, too, in addition) vs OPINION Linking Words (because, therefore, since, for example) — use correct type for writing type. Teach adding vs contrasting: ALSO/ANOTHER/AND add related facts, BUT shows contrast. Practice with informative topics: give facts from same category, have students connect with linking words. Provide sentence frames: '___ has ___. ALSO, ___.' 'One ___ is ___. ANOTHER ___ is .' ' is ___, BUT ___ is ___.'

This question tests 3rd grade informative/explanatory writing skill of using linking words and phrases to connect ideas within categories of information (CCSS.W.3.2.c). Linking words in informative writing connect related facts within the same category or group. Key words for adding information: ALSO (adds related fact), ANOTHER (adds next item in category), AND (connects facts), MORE (adds additional detail), IN ADDITION (adds formally), TOO (adds at end). For contrasting: BUT (shows difference). These differ from opinion linking words (because, therefore, for example) which connect opinions to reasons; informative linking words connect facts to facts. They help informative writing flow smoothly and show relationships between facts in same category. In this scenario, Marcus is writing informative text about polar bear adaptations and connecting facts within the adaptations category. Choice A is correct because it uses IN ADDITION to add a related fact within the same category. For example, it connects thick fur to blubber as both adaptations for cold survival. Choice B uses opinion linking word (therefore) instead of informative. This is common when students confuse opinion linking words (because, therefore) with informative linking words (also, another). This happens because students may not distinguish between different types of writing and their appropriate linking words, or may not understand that facts within a category need to flow together with connections. To help students use informative linking words: Create anchor chart: INFORMATIVE Linking Words (also, another, and, more, but, too, in addition) vs OPINION Linking Words (because, therefore, since, for example) — use correct type for writing type. Teach adding vs contrasting: ALSO/ANOTHER/AND add related facts, BUT shows contrast. Model connecting: 'Penguins have flippers' + 'They have waterproof feathers' → 'Penguins have flippers. ALSO, they have waterproof feathers.' Teach 'within category': all facts about habitat connected with also/another/and, all facts about diet connected, etc.

This question tests 3rd grade informative/explanatory writing skill of using linking words and phrases to connect ideas within categories of information (CCSS.W.3.2.c). Linking words in informative writing connect related facts within the same category or group. Key words for adding information: ALSO (adds related fact), ANOTHER (adds next item in category), AND (connects facts), MORE (adds additional detail), IN ADDITION (adds formally), TOO (adds at end). For contrasting: BUT (shows difference). These differ from opinion linking words (because, therefore, for example) which connect opinions to reasons; informative linking words connect facts to facts. They help informative writing flow smoothly and show relationships between facts in same category. In this scenario, Jamal is writing informative text about layers of a rainforest and connecting facts within the layers category. Choice A is correct because it uses ANOTHER to add the next item in the category. For example, it connects the canopy as one layer to the understory as another layer in the same rainforest structure category. Choice B uses opinion linking word (therefore) instead of informative. This is common when students confuse opinion linking words (because, therefore) with informative linking words (also, another). This happens because students may not distinguish between different types of writing and their appropriate linking words, or may not understand that facts within a category need to flow together with connections. To help students use informative linking words: Create anchor chart: INFORMATIVE Linking Words (also, another, and, more, but, too, in addition) vs OPINION Linking Words (because, therefore, since, for example) — use correct type for writing type. Teach adding vs contrasting: ALSO/ANOTHER/AND add related facts, BUT shows contrast. Practice with informative topics: give facts from same category, have students connect with linking words. Use sentence frames: '___ has ___. ALSO, ___.' 'One ___ is ___. ANOTHER ___ is .' ' is ___, BUT ___ is ___.'

This question tests 3rd grade informative/explanatory writing skill of using linking words and phrases to connect ideas within categories of information (CCSS.W.3.2.c). Linking words in informative writing connect related facts within the same category or group. Key words for adding information: ALSO (adds related fact), ANOTHER (adds next item in category), AND (connects facts), MORE (adds additional detail), IN ADDITION (adds formally), TOO (adds at end). For contrasting: BUT (shows difference). These differ from opinion linking words (because, therefore, for example) which connect opinions to reasons; informative linking words connect facts to facts. In this scenario, Yuki is writing informative text about the moon and listing facts within the surface features category. The facts being connected are within the moon's surface features category. Choice A is correct because it uses TOO to add another surface fact at the end of the sentence. For example, TOO adds mountains to the list of surface features after craters, showing both are features on the moon's surface. This helps readers follow the information and see how the facts relate to each other. Choice B uses opinion linking word (because) suggesting cause, Choice C uses contrast word (but) when adding not contrasting, and Choice D uses sequence word (next) for non-sequential features. This is common when students don't know TOO can add information at sentence end or confuse different linking word purposes. This happens because students may not realize TOO works like ALSO but goes at the end of sentences. To help students use informative linking words: Teach TOO as end-of-sentence addition word: 'It has mountains, too.' Compare TOO placement with ALSO placement. Practice: 'The moon has craters. It has mountains, too.' Show TOO adds just like ALSO but sounds more natural at sentence end. Watch for: Forcing wrong linking words when TOO fits perfectly at sentence end.

This question tests 3rd grade informative/explanatory writing skill of using linking words and phrases to connect ideas within categories of information (CCSS.W.3.2.c). Linking words in informative writing connect related facts within the same category or group. Key words for adding information: ALSO (adds related fact), ANOTHER (adds next item in category), AND (connects facts), MORE (adds additional detail), IN ADDITION (adds formally), TOO (adds at end). For contrasting: BUT (shows difference). These differ from opinion linking words (because, therefore, for example) which connect opinions to reasons; informative linking words connect facts to facts. They help informative writing flow smoothly and show relationships between facts in same category. In this scenario, Jamal is writing informative text about rainforest layers and connecting facts within the layers of the rainforest category. Choice A is correct because it uses ANOTHER to add a related fact within the same category. For example, it connects the fact about the canopy to the understory, showing both are layers in the rainforest. Choice B uses an opinion linking word (because) instead of informative, making it sound like explaining a reason instead of adding information. This is common when students confuse opinion linking words (because, therefore) with informative linking words (also, another); this happens because students may not distinguish between different types of writing and their appropriate linking words. To help students use informative linking words: Model connecting: 'Penguins have flippers' + 'They have waterproof feathers' → 'Penguins have flippers. ALSO, they have waterproof feathers.' Use highlighting: highlight all facts in a category, then add linking words to connect them. Teach 'within category': all facts about habitat connected with also/another/and, all facts about diet connected, etc.

This question tests 3rd grade informative/explanatory writing skill of using linking words and phrases to connect ideas within categories of information (CCSS.W.3.2.c). Linking words in informative writing connect related facts within the same category or group. Key words for adding information: ALSO (adds related fact), ANOTHER (adds next item in category), AND (connects facts), MORE (adds additional detail), IN ADDITION (adds formally), TOO (adds at end). For contrasting: BUT (shows difference). These differ from opinion linking words (because, therefore, for example) which connect opinions to reasons; informative linking words connect facts to facts. They help informative writing flow smoothly and show relationships between facts in same category. In this scenario, Marcus is writing informative text about dolphins and connecting facts within the how dolphins breathe category. Choice A is correct because it uses TOO to add a related fact within the same category. For example, it connects breathing air at the surface to using a blowhole, adding detail at the end of the sentence. Choice C uses an opinion linking word (since) instead of informative, implying a reason. This is common when students confuse opinion linking words (because, therefore) with informative linking words (also, another); this happens because students may not distinguish between different types of writing and their appropriate linking words. To help students use informative linking words: Practice with informative topics: give facts from same category, have students connect with linking words. Provide sentence frames: '___ has ___. ALSO, ___.' 'One ___ is ___. ANOTHER ___ is .' ' is ___, BUT ___ is ___.' Praise: 'You used ALSO to connect related facts in the habitat category!'

This question tests 3rd grade informative/explanatory writing skill of using linking words and phrases to connect ideas within categories of information (CCSS.W.3.2.c). Linking words in informative writing connect related facts within the same category or group. Key words for adding information: ALSO (adds related fact), ANOTHER (adds next item in category), AND (connects facts), MORE (adds additional detail), IN ADDITION (adds formally), TOO (adds at end). For contrasting: BUT (shows difference). These differ from opinion linking words (because, therefore, for example) which connect opinions to reasons; informative linking words connect facts to facts. They help informative writing flow smoothly and show relationships between facts in same category. In this scenario, Keisha is writing informative text about the moon and connecting facts within the what the moon is like category. Choice A is correct because it uses ALSO to add a related fact within the same category. For example, it connects having craters to having plains called maria, showing both as surface features. Choice C uses an opinion linking word (because) instead of informative, implying one feature causes the other. This is common when students confuse opinion linking words (because, therefore) with informative linking words (also, another); this happens because students may not distinguish between different types of writing and their appropriate linking words. To help students use informative linking words: Use highlighting: highlight all facts in a category, then add linking words to connect them. Provide sentence frames: '___ has ___. ALSO, ___.' 'One ___ is ___. ANOTHER ___ is .' ' is ___, BUT ___ is ___.' Praise: 'You used ALSO to connect related facts in the habitat category!'

This question tests 3rd grade informative/explanatory writing skill of using linking words and phrases to connect ideas within categories of information (CCSS.W.3.2.c). Linking words in informative writing connect related facts within the same category or group. Key words for adding information: ALSO (adds related fact), ANOTHER (adds next item in category), AND (connects facts), MORE (adds additional detail), IN ADDITION (adds formally), TOO (adds at end). For contrasting: BUT (shows difference). These differ from opinion linking words (because, therefore, for example) which connect opinions to reasons; informative linking words connect facts to facts. They help informative writing flow smoothly and show relationships between facts in same category. In this scenario, Amir is writing informative text about frogs and connecting facts within the frog life cycle stages category. Choice A is correct because it uses ANOTHER to add a related fact within the same category. For example, it connects the tadpole stage to the adult frog stage, listing them as parts of the life cycle. Choice B uses an opinion linking word (because) instead of informative, making it seem like one stage causes the other. This is common when students confuse opinion linking words (because, therefore) with informative linking words (also, another); this happens because students may not distinguish between different types of writing and their appropriate linking words. To help students use informative linking words: Teach adding vs contrasting: ALSO/ANOTHER/AND add related facts, BUT shows contrast. Model connecting: 'Penguins have flippers' + 'They have waterproof feathers' → 'Penguins have flippers. ALSO, they have waterproof feathers.' Provide sentence frames: '___ has ___. ALSO, ___.' 'One ___ is ___. ANOTHER ___ is .' ' is ___, BUT ___ is ___.'