Definitions & Descriptions

When the author defines a word or describes a concept

ask:

Why did the author want the reader to know that word or

concept?

Valuable Visuals

When the author uses graphic features like charts,

diagrams, graphs and pictures to convey information ask:

How does the graphic help the reader understand or connect the

information?

Comparisons & Contrasts

When the author uses comparisons like analogies, similes and metaphors to

simplify concepts ask:

How does this comparison help the reader understand?

Words From the Wise

When the author uses quotes from experts to support the claims or evidence ask:

How does the expert’s quote enhance the author’s

information?

Evidence & Examples

When the author uses facts and examples to support

the main idea ask:

Which facts are most important to support the main idea?

Main Idea

When the author presents the “big idea” of a

passage- what it’s all about ask:

How does the author support the main idea?