Multiple Genres: Analyzing Informational Text Features: Footnotes, Endnotes, Citations (TEKS.ELA.8.8.D.ii)
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Texas 8th Grade ELA › Multiple Genres: Analyzing Informational Text Features: Footnotes, Endnotes, Citations (TEKS.ELA.8.8.D.ii)
Preface (excerpt): When we began assembling this guide to Texas rivers, we chose to combine maps, case studies from the Rio Grande to the Trinity, and first-person interviews with water managers. Our goal is to orient readers to the choices that shape river health and public access. This preface explains the organization of the chapters and clarifies the scope—we focus on public stretches and recent policy changes. [Context: This preface appears before Chapter 1 and tells readers how to approach the book and what is included or excluded in the main text.]
What is the specific purpose of this preface, and how does it support readers' use of the main text?
It lists the rivers and parks covered in the book, giving readers a quick inventory.
It orients readers to the book's scope and organization so they know what to expect and how to navigate the chapters.
It credits the agencies and interviewees who helped, showing gratitude and transparency.
It provides source citations so readers can verify data referenced in the chapters.
Explanation
A preface sets context and explains scope and organization, helping readers understand how to approach and use the book.
Acknowledgments (excerpt): This report on urban heat islands in Dallas–Fort Worth was made possible by collaborations with city planning offices, the regional council of governments, and dozens of student volunteers who placed sensors across neighborhoods. We also thank a local foundation for funding. [Context: Appears after the executive summary; it identifies contributors and support that enabled the research.]
What is the specific purpose of the acknowledgments here, and how does it support readers' understanding of the report?
To define technical terms like albedo and canopy cover so readers can follow the science.
To summarize the study's major findings before readers see the data tables.
To provide raw sensor readings so readers can check calculations.
To recognize contributors and funding, making the report's partnerships and support transparent to readers.
Explanation
Acknowledgments recognize contributors and support, giving readers transparency about who helped produce the report.
References (excerpt): Alvarez, M. (2022). Coastal flyways...; Nguyen, T., & Patel, R. (2021)...; State wildlife agency report (2020)... [Context: This list appears at the end of a scholarly article on Gulf Coast bird migration and compiles full citations for works cited in the article.]
What is the primary purpose of this references section, and how does it support the article?
It allows readers to locate the sources behind the article's claims and shows the research base the author used.
It previews the topics of each section so readers can decide where to start.
It introduces the author's background and explains why the study was written.
It lists birds and habitats that appear in the article.
Explanation
References provide full source information so readers can find and verify the works that support the article's claims.
Glossary (excerpt): aquifer—underground rock that stores water; xeriscaping—landscaping that reduces water use; drought contingency plan—a city's steps for water shortages. [Context: This glossary appears at the back of a student guide on water conservation in Texas and defines key terms used throughout the chapters.]
What is the specific purpose of this glossary, and how does it support readers' use of the guide?
To show which pages discuss each term in the guide.
To describe the topics included in each chapter.
To provide quick definitions of key terms so readers can understand the guide as they read.
To present the full survey dataset used in the guide's examples.
Explanation
A glossary supplies concise definitions of important terms, supporting readers' comprehension while they read the main text.
Preface: "This field guide grew from years of weekend hikes across Texas state parks. It explains how to identify common trail plants and animals, focusing on habitats found from the Panhandle to the Gulf Coast. I wrote it for new hikers and science clubs, with step-by-step tips and safety reminders. Use the icons at the start of each chapter to plan your trip." Context: From a field guide to Texas state parks used in middle school outdoor education.
What is the specific purpose of this preface, and how does it support readers' use of the guide?
To list the chapters and page numbers so readers can quickly find topics.
To describe Texas wildlife and plants in detail, giving facts the reader should memorize.
To explain the guide's goals, audience, scope, and how to approach chapters, helping readers know what to expect and use features like icons.
To cite the sources used for species descriptions so readers can verify facts.
Explanation
A preface orients readers by stating the purpose, scope, audience, and how to use the book's features, which helps them approach the main text effectively. The other options describe a table of contents (A), main content (B), or references (D).
Acknowledgments: "This report on the Edwards Aquifer was made possible by access to well data provided by local drilling companies and by a grant from a regional water foundation. We thank the volunteer students from San Antonio who conducted stream measurements and the ranchers who allowed monitoring on their land." Context: From a university research report about Texas groundwater.
What is the specific purpose of this acknowledgments section, and how does it support readers' understanding of the report?
To credit people and organizations who contributed resources or assistance, helping readers understand collaborations and the study's support.
To present the study's methods in detail so readers can replicate the procedures.
To define technical terms like aquifer and karst to help readers decode vocabulary.
To provide a list of all maps and figures used so readers can locate visuals quickly.
Explanation
Acknowledgments recognize contributors and funding, offering transparency about support and collaboration. The other options describe a methods section (B), a glossary (C), or a list of figures (D).
References: "Anderson, L. (2019). Evacuation modeling for coastal communities. Coastal Safety Journal. State Emergency Management Agency. (2021). Hurricane Readiness Guide. Weather Research Center. (2020). Storm surge projections." Context: From a family hurricane preparedness handbook.
What is the specific purpose of the references section, and how does it support readers' use of the handbook?
To thank the volunteers who contributed to the handbook.
To preview the main topics of each chapter so readers know what's coming.
To define specialized terms like storm surge and evacuation zone.
To list the sources the handbook relied on so readers can track down and validate information.
Explanation
References document sources so readers can locate original materials and verify claims, strengthening credibility. The other options describe acknowledgments (A), a preface or table of contents (B), or a glossary (C).
Glossary: "sensor: a device that detects changes; torque: the twisting force that causes rotation; algorithm: a step-by-step set of rules for solving a problem." Context: From a middle school robotics manual used in a technology class.
What is the specific purpose of this glossary, and how does it support readers as they work through the manual?
To summarize each chapter so readers can review the big ideas before a test.
To provide quick definitions of important terms used in the manual so readers can understand the language as they read.
To show where the authors got their facts and data for the manual.
To give credit to the engineers and sponsors who supported the manual.
Explanation
A glossary gives concise definitions of key terms, helping readers decode specialized vocabulary while reading the main text. The other options describe summaries (A), references (C), or acknowledgments (D).