All flashcards
Flashcard 1: What does it mean to determine a word’s meaning “as it is used in a text” (RI.7.4)?
Answer: Use context to choose the meaning that fits that specific passage. Words can have multiple meanings; context determines which one applies.
Flashcard 2: What is a technical meaning of a word in informational text?
Answer: A subject-specific definition used in a field (science, law, history). Technical terms have precise meanings within specific academic fields.
Flashcard 3: What is figurative language in informational text?
Answer: Nonliteral wording used for effect or comparison (not meant literally). Authors use figurative language to create vivid imagery or emphasis.
Flashcard 4: What is tone in informational writing?
Answer: The author’s attitude toward the topic, shown through word choice. Word choice reveals whether the author is positive, negative, or neutral.
Flashcard 5: Choose the more formal word for an academic tone: “kids” or “children.”
Answer: Children. Academic writing requires formal vocabulary over casual terms.
Flashcard 6: Identify the figurative meaning: “After the scandal, his reputation was in ruins.”
Answer: His reputation was badly damaged. "In ruins" figuratively means destroyed or severely damaged.
Flashcard 7: Identify the figurative meaning: “The new evidence shed light on the case.”
Answer: The evidence clarified the case. "Shed light" figuratively means to reveal or make clear.
Flashcard 8: Identify the technical meaning of “cell” in biology.
Answer: The basic unit of life in living organisms. In biology, "cell" specifically refers to microscopic living units.
Flashcard 9: Identify the technical meaning of “volume” in math or science.
Answer: The amount of 3D space an object occupies. In math/science, "volume" measures cubic units, not sound level.
Flashcard 10: Which word choice creates a more urgent tone: “concern” or “crisis”?
Answer: Crisis. "Crisis" implies emergency; "concern" suggests mild worry.
Flashcard 11: Which context clue type uses examples to define a word?
Answer: Example clue. Examples like "such as" or "for instance" help clarify unfamiliar terms.
Flashcard 12: Which revision sounds more skeptical: “The plan will work” or “The plan might work”?
Answer: “The plan might work”. "Might" expresses doubt; "will" shows certainty.
Flashcard 13: Which context clue type directly tells what a word means, often with commas or dashes?
Answer: Definition (appositive) clue. Commas or dashes often set off direct definitions within the text.
Flashcard 14: Choose the more positive connotation: “slim” or “skinny.”
Answer: Slim. "Slim" suggests attractiveness; "skinny" can imply unhealthy thinness.
Flashcard 15: Choose the stronger negative connotation: “childlike” or “childish.”
Answer: Childish. "Childish" implies immaturity; "childlike" suggests innocence.
Flashcard 16: Identify the tone word: “The report presents a neutral summary of the results.”
Answer: Objective. "Neutral" and "summary" signal an unbiased, factual tone.
Flashcard 17: What should you do first when a word has multiple dictionary meanings?
Answer: Check surrounding sentences to see which meaning fits the context. Context eliminates inappropriate definitions and reveals the intended one.
Flashcard 18: Which context clue type signals a meaning by showing an opposite idea (often with “however”)?
Answer: Contrast (antonym) clue. Words like "but," "however," or "unlike" signal opposite meanings.
Flashcard 19: Which context clue type helps by restating an idea in different words (often with “in other words”)?
Answer: Restatement (synonym) clue. Phrases like "that is" or "or" introduce equivalent meanings.
Flashcard 20: Which context clue type uses a synonym to signal a word’s meaning?
Answer: Synonym (restatement) clue. A similar word helps readers understand the unfamiliar term.
Flashcard 21: What is the difference between tone and mood in reading?
Answer: Tone is author attitude; mood is reader feeling. Tone comes from the writer; mood affects the reader.
Flashcard 22: Which context clue type uses cause-and-effect to help infer a word’s meaning?
Answer: Cause-and-effect clue. The relationship between events reveals the word's meaning.
Flashcard 23: What is tone in an informational text?
Answer: The author’s attitude toward the subject or audience. Tone reveals through word choice and style, not plot events.
Flashcard 24: What is the definition of technical meaning in an informational text?
Answer: A specialized meaning used in a specific field. Technical terms have precise meanings within their disciplines.
Flashcard 25: What is the definition of figurative language in informational text?
Answer: Nonliteral language used for effect or emphasis. Figurative language creates vivid imagery beyond literal meaning.
Flashcard 26: Identify the more negative connotation: “slim” or “skinny.”
Answer: Skinny. "Skinny" implies unattractiveness; "slim" is neutral/positive.
Flashcard 27: What is the definition of denotation when analyzing a word in an informational text?
Answer: A word’s literal, dictionary meaning. Denotation excludes emotional associations or implied meanings.
Flashcard 28: Which context clue type uses examples to clarify a word’s meaning?
Answer: Example clue. Examples illustrate the word's meaning through specific instances.
Flashcard 29: Which context clue type directly defines an unfamiliar word in the sentence?
Answer: Definition clue. The text explicitly states what the unfamiliar word means.
Flashcard 30: What is the definition of connotation when analyzing a word in an informational text?
Answer: The feelings or associations a word suggests. Connotations go beyond literal meaning to evoke emotions.