6th Grade Reading Flashcards: Analyze How Ideas Are Developed

What this deck covers

This deck focuses on Analyze How Ideas Are Developed, giving you a quick way to review the definitions, rules, and examples that matter most for 6th Grade Reading.

How to use these flashcards

Work through these flashcards in short sessions. Try to answer each prompt before flipping the card, then revisit any cards you miss until the explanation feels automatic.

Flashcard 1: Identify what to track to analyze elaboration across paragraphs about one key idea.

Answer: New details added: definitions, evidence, explanations, and implications. These elements progressively develop understanding.

Flashcard 2: Which option best shows an anecdote: "A researcher once spilled a sample" or "The sample was 20 mL"?

Answer: "A researcher once spilled a sample.". Personal stories are anecdotes; data is factual.

Flashcard 3: Which kind of information most often elaborates an idea after it is introduced?

Answer: Additional explanation such as reasons, steps, comparisons, or consequences. Authors develop ideas by expanding beyond initial statements.

Flashcard 4: Which type of detail best elaborates an idea by showing why it matters or what results from it?

Answer: Cause-and-effect details. These details show significance through consequences and connections.

Flashcard 5: Which option best shows an idea is being introduced: a new term is defined or a statistic is repeated?

Answer: A new term is defined. Definitions introduce new concepts to readers.

Flashcard 6: What should you track to analyze how a key individual is developed across a text?

Answer: Roles, actions, motivations, and how the author adds details over time. Character development includes both actions and author's added details.

Flashcard 7: Which type of detail best illustrates an idea by showing what it looks like in real life?

Answer: A concrete example or specific case. Concrete instances make abstract concepts tangible and relatable.

Flashcard 8: What is a key individual in an informational text, in CCSS.RI.6.3 terms?

Answer: An important person the text focuses on and develops with details. Key individuals are central figures analyzed throughout the text.

Flashcard 9: Identify the role of this sentence: "As a result, the policy was expanded to include all students."

Answer: Elaboration (adds consequences and extends the idea). "As a result" shows effects, expanding the original idea.

Flashcard 10: Which transition word most clearly signals that the author is giving an example?

Answer: For example. This phrase explicitly introduces supporting instances.

Flashcard 11: What does it mean to analyze how an idea is illustrated in an informational text?

Answer: Identify examples, facts, details, or anecdotes that make the idea clearer. Authors use concrete support to help readers understand abstract concepts.

Flashcard 12: What is the meaning of "introduced" when analyzing a key idea in an informational text?

Answer: How the text first presents the idea, event, or individual. The initial mention or presentation sets up the topic for readers.

Flashcard 13: What is the meaning of "elaborated" when analyzing how a text develops an idea?

Answer: Expanded with added details, explanations, or evidence. Authors develop ideas by providing more information and context.

Flashcard 14: Which signal phrase most strongly suggests the author is about to tell an anecdote?

Answer: For instance, one day, or I remember (a short story setup). These phrases signal narrative elements typical of anecdotes.

Flashcard 15: Identify the role of this sentence: "For instance, one village cut water use by collecting rainwater."

Answer: Illustration of an idea using an example. "For instance" signals a specific example follows.

Flashcard 16: What does it mean to analyze how an idea is elaborated in an informational text?

Answer: Identify added explanations, causes, effects, or deeper details that develop the idea. Authors expand on ideas by providing additional layers of information.

Flashcard 17: Which 3-part sequence best matches CCSS.RI.6.3 for tracking development in a text?

Answer: Introduction → illustration → elaboration. Matches the standard's three key verbs for analyzing development.

Flashcard 18: What does it mean to analyze how an idea is introduced in an informational text?

Answer: Identify the first presentation of the idea and the context around it. Look for where and how the author first brings up the concept.

Flashcard 19: Which signal phrase most strongly indicates elaboration through explanation rather than an example?

Answer: This means. This phrase signals clarification rather than exemplification.

Flashcard 20: Which text feature most directly signals how an idea is introduced at the start of a section?

Answer: A topic sentence (or section opening statement). Topic sentences introduce main ideas at section starts.

Flashcard 21: Which option best describes a key event in an informational text?

Answer: An important occurrence the text explains, often with causes and effects. Key events are significant happenings analyzed in depth.

Flashcard 22: Which transition word most strongly signals that the author is giving an example?

Answer: For example. This phrase directly introduces specific instances.

Flashcard 23: What should you track to analyze development of a key topic across paragraphs?

Answer: New details, examples, and explanations added each time it appears. Track how each mention adds new information.

Flashcard 24: Which sentence best functions as an illustration of a claim about perseverance?

Answer: "After failing twice, he practiced daily and succeeded on the third try.". Shows perseverance through specific actions and outcomes.

Flashcard 25: What is the difference between an example and an anecdote in informational text?

Answer: Example: specific instance; Anecdote: short story used to explain a point. Examples are general instances; anecdotes are narrative illustrations.

Flashcard 26: Which sentence best functions as an introduction of a key individual in a biography-style article?

Answer: "Dr. Lina Perez was the first engineer to lead the project.". Names the person and their role, establishing their importance.

Flashcard 27: Which sentence best functions as elaboration by clarifying a technical term?

Answer: "Photosynthesis is the process plants use to make food from sunlight.". Defines the term to expand reader understanding.

Flashcard 28: Identify the best description of how an author elaborates using cause-and-effect structure.

Answer: The author explains why something happens and what results from it. Cause-effect relationships deepen understanding through connections.

Flashcard 29: Identify the best category for this sentence: "When I visited the lab, the researcher showed me the prototype."

Answer: Anecdote (a brief personal story used to illustrate an idea). First-person narrative and personal experience signal anecdote.

Flashcard 30: Identify the role of a definition when an author introduces a new key term or concept.

Answer: It clarifies meaning so the reader can understand later details. Definitions establish shared understanding for complex discussions.

Flashcard 31: What should you track to analyze how a key event is developed across a text?

Answer: What happened, causes, effects, timeline details, and added context. Event analysis requires examining multiple aspects and connections.

Flashcard 32: Identify the role of this sentence in a paragraph: "This matters because it threatens drinking water."

Answer: Elaboration (explains significance or effect). This shows impact, moving beyond mere facts to implications.

Flashcard 33: Identify the role of this sentence: "Later, engineers improved the design by adding stronger materials."

Answer: Elaboration by adding later development details. "Later" shows progression and additional information.

Flashcard 34: Which option is the clearest sign that a paragraph is mainly illustrating an idea?

Answer: It contains multiple specific examples or pieces of evidence supporting the point. Multiple examples demonstrate and clarify the main point.

Flashcard 35: What is the difference between a key idea and a supporting detail?

Answer: Key idea is central; supporting detail provides evidence for it. Main ideas are broad claims; details back them up.

Flashcard 36: Identify the purpose of a definition when it appears right after a new term is introduced.

Answer: To introduce and clarify the meaning of the key term or idea. Definitions establish shared understanding before developing ideas.

Flashcard 37: Which text feature most often introduces a key idea before the body paragraphs begin?

Answer: The introduction (often the first paragraph). Introductions establish main concepts before detailed discussion.

Flashcard 38: Identify the best category for this sentence: "In 2018, scientists tested the new filter in three rivers."

Answer: Example (a specific instance used as evidence). Specific data and testing details exemplify the concept.

Flashcard 39: Which option best shows elaboration: adding a second reason or restating the same sentence?

Answer: Adding a second reason. Additional reasons expand and develop arguments.

Flashcard 40: Identify the role of this sentence: "For instance, one town cut waste by 30% in a year."

Answer: Illustration (example supporting an idea). The specific data demonstrates the general claim about waste reduction.

Flashcard 41: What does it mean to analyze how a key individual, event, or idea is elaborated in a text?

Answer: Track how the author adds details, explanations, or implications over time. Elaboration builds depth through progressive development.

Flashcard 42: Which text feature most directly introduces a key idea before the body paragraphs begin?

Answer: The introduction (opening paragraph). Opening sections establish the main topic before developing it.

Flashcard 43: What is the difference between an example and an anecdote as supporting details?

Answer: Example explains; anecdote is a brief story that supports the point. Examples demonstrate; anecdotes tell stories.

Flashcard 44: What is the most accurate meaning of the word "elaboration" in reading analysis?

Answer: Adding details that expand, clarify, or deepen an idea. Elaboration means building upon with more information.

Flashcard 45: What is a "key idea" in an informational text for CCSS.RI.6.3 analysis?

Answer: A central concept the author develops across the text. Main ideas drive the text's purpose, unlike minor points.

Flashcard 46: Which type of detail most often elaborates a key individual by showing change over time?

Answer: Chronological details about actions and outcomes. Time-based details reveal development and transformation.

Flashcard 47: Which question best checks how an author develops an idea over the whole text?

Answer: How does the author add details from beginning to end to deepen the idea. This tracks progressive development throughout.

Flashcard 48: Identify the role of this sentence: "At first, scientists believed the disease was harmless."

Answer: Introduction (initial presentation of an idea or situation). "At first" signals the initial state before development.

Flashcard 49: Identify what you should cite to show elaboration, not just illustration, in your analysis.

Answer: Sentences that add explanation, reasoning, or deeper context beyond examples. Elaboration goes beyond examples to provide analysis and connections.

Flashcard 50: Which term names a short story used to support or explain a point in nonfiction?

Answer: Anecdote. Brief personal stories make abstract points concrete.

Flashcard 51: Identify the role of this sentence in a paragraph: "In 2010, the river flooded three times."

Answer: Illustration (a specific factual example). Specific data serves as concrete evidence supporting broader claims.

Flashcard 52: What does it mean to analyze how a key individual, event, or idea is elaborated in a text?

Answer: Show how the text develops it further with added information and details. Elaboration means expanding with more details and depth.

Flashcard 53: Identify the best one-sentence summary frame for RI.6.3 analysis of a key idea.

Answer: Introduced by __; illustrated with __; elaborated by __. This frame organizes the three-part analysis required by RI.6.3.

Flashcard 54: What does it mean to analyze how a key individual, event, or idea is introduced in an informational text?

Answer: Explain how it is first presented and what background is given. Introduction sets context and establishes relevance for readers.

Flashcard 55: Which signal word most strongly indicates the author is giving an example to illustrate an idea?

Answer: For example. This phrase directly signals a specific instance follows.

Flashcard 56: Which option best shows elaboration (not just repetition) of a key idea?

Answer: Adding new evidence or explanation that deepens the reader's understanding. Elaboration expands meaning, not just restates it.

Flashcard 57: What does it mean to analyze how a key individual, event, or idea is introduced in an informational text?

Answer: Identify the first presentation of the topic and its initial context. Introduction means the first mention and setup of the topic.

Flashcard 58: Which option best describes a key idea in an informational text?

Answer: A central concept the author develops and returns to across the text. Key ideas are main concepts that recur throughout.

Flashcard 59: Which type of detail most strongly illustrates a claim in informational text?

Answer: Concrete evidence such as facts, statistics, examples, or quotations. Specific, verifiable details provide the strongest support for claims.

Flashcard 60: What is the purpose of an anecdote in an informational text?

Answer: To illustrate an idea by making it concrete and relatable. Stories connect abstract concepts to real experiences.

Flashcard 61: Which text feature most often signals where an individual or idea is first introduced?

Answer: The first mention, often in the title, heading, or opening paragraph. Authors typically introduce key concepts early to establish focus.

Flashcard 62: Identify what kind of evidence is used: "My grandmother described rationing during the war."

Answer: Anecdote (personal story used as support). Personal stories make historical events relatable.

Flashcard 63: What is a key idea in an informational text, in CCSS.RI.6.3 terms?

Answer: A central concept the author develops through facts, examples, and explanation. Key ideas are main concepts that organize the text's information.

Flashcard 64: Identify the role of this sentence: "In 1903, the Wright brothers first flew a powered airplane."

Answer: Introduction of a key event (initial factual presentation). First mention establishes the event's basic facts.

Flashcard 65: Identify what kind of evidence is used: "In 2020, surveys showed 60% of teens read daily."

Answer: Statistic (numerical evidence illustrating a point). Numbers provide concrete support for claims.

Flashcard 66: What is a key event in an informational text, in CCSS.RI.6.3 terms?

Answer: An important occurrence the author explains and supports with details. Key events are significant happenings that drive the text's purpose.

Flashcard 67: Identify the best evidence type for illustrating an idea: definition, example, or anecdote.

Answer: Example. Examples show concrete instances of abstract concepts.

Flashcard 68: Which transition word most clearly signals that the author is adding elaboration?

Answer: Furthermore. This transition indicates additional development of the topic.

Flashcard 69: Which option best describes a key individual in an informational text?

Answer: A person whose actions, role, or impact the text explains in detail. Key individuals are people whose significance is explored.

Flashcard 70: What does it mean to analyze how a key individual, event, or idea is illustrated in a text?

Answer: Explain how the text clarifies it using details such as examples or anecdotes. Illustration means showing through concrete examples or stories.

Flashcard 71: What is the meaning of "illustrated" when analyzing how a text develops a key idea?

Answer: Shown with examples, details, facts, or anecdotes. Authors use concrete instances to make abstract concepts clearer.

Flashcard 72: Which signal word most strongly suggests the author is about to give an example to illustrate an idea?

Answer: For example. This phrase directly signals a supporting instance will follow.

Flashcard 73: Which question best checks how an author elaborates a key idea in later paragraphs?

Answer: "What new explanations or effects does the author add?". Focuses on additional development beyond initial presentation.

Flashcard 74: What does it mean to analyze how a key individual, event, or idea is illustrated in a text?

Answer: Identify the details that show it clearly (facts, examples, anecdotes). Illustration makes abstract concepts concrete through specific support.

Flashcard 75: Which option best describes an author move that introduces a key individual?

Answer: Naming the person and giving basic background information. Introduction establishes identity and relevant context.

Flashcard 76: Which transition word most strongly signals the author is adding more elaboration?

Answer: Furthermore. This transition adds additional supporting information.

Flashcard 77: Identify the best description of how an author elaborates using compare-and-contrast structure.

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