Lesson 5Common Core Performance Coach

Getting the IdeaNonfiction texts, also called informational

texts, tell about the real world. They give information, or facts, about real

people, places, events, or things.

Type of Nonfiction Purpose

Biography Tells the true story of a person’s life

Essay Shares the author’s outlook or point of view

Speech Presents a topic that is shared orally

Textbook Give factual information about a topic

Main Idea and DetailsThe most common type of nonfiction is an

article.You can find nonfiction articles in a

newspaper or magazine and online.Every article has a main idea that tells what

the text is mostly about.The facts that support the main idea are

called evidence.Types of evidence include: dates, names,

facts, examples, and quotes.

Main Idea and DetailsEach paragraph in the article also has a main

idea and supporting details.The main idea is often stated toward the

beginning of the paragraph.Read the paragraph below and underline the

main idea.

The Founder’s Day parade was cancelled. After three days of severe storms, the day started out sunny. However, a wave of cool air moved in by mid-morning. When dark clouds rolled across the sky, the mayor cancelled the parade.

Main Idea and DetailsWhen you read nonfiction, you can also use

the available facts and details to make inferences.

An inference is a guess based on text evidence and your own knowledge and experience.

Main Idea and DetailsWhat inference can you make about why the

mayor cancelled the parade? Circle the details that support that inference.

The Founder’s Day parade was cancelled. After three days of severe storms, the day started out sunny. However, a wave of cool air moved in by mid-morning. When dark clouds rolled across the sky, the mayor cancelled the parade.

Text StructureAuthors share information in a way readers

can understand.The way an author organizes information is

called text structure.Let’s look at some common text structures

that authors use.

Text StructureSequenceA sequence structure puts events, steps, or facts in

time order.Dates, ages, numbers, and time-order words, such

as first and last, show sequence.Read the paragraph. Circle words that help show

the sequence.

Thomas Edison began working when he was twelve. He sold newspapers, candy, and fruit on a train. At fifteen, he learned how to use a telegraph machine. He did this job for seven years. In 1869, at the age of twenty-two, Edison became a full-time inventor.

Text StructureCompare and ContrastWhen authors compare and contrast, they

tell how two or more things are alike and different.

Often, one paragraph tells how the subjects are alike, and another paragraph tells how they are different.

Sometimes, sentences alternate telling how the subjects are alike and different.

Text StructureCompare and ContrastRead the paragraphs. Circle the sentences that tell

how dolphins and porpoises are alike. Underline the sentences that tell how they are different.

Many people confuse dolphins and porpoises. Both are playful, warm-blooded mammals. Both breathe air and use sound waves to help them move underwater.

A closer look shows that dolphins have long snouts, while porpoises have shorter ones. Dolphins have a curved dorsal fin, but porpoise fins are triangular. Dolphin teeth are shaped like cones; however, porpoise teeth are shaped like spades.

Text StructureCause and EffectA cause-and-effect structure explains what

happens and why.The cause is why an event happens.The effect is what happens as a result.Sometimes, there can be more than one

cause for an effect or more than one effect for a cause.

Text StructureProblem and SolutionIn a text structure organized by problem and

solution, the author states a problem and suggests a way to solve the problem.

Read the following paragraph. Underline the problem once and the solution twice. How are the problem and solution ordered?

People who own tropical fish sometimes find that the fish jump out of the tank. If no one is around to scoop up the fish and return them to the tank, they will die. What can fish owners do to prevent this from happening? They can put a lid on the fish tank.

Text FeaturesAuthors also use text features to organize information.

These tools help readers find and follow facts and ideas.Headings and subheadings tell what a section of an

article is about. They help readers find information quickly.

Bulleted lists summarize a lot of information. Each bulleted item tells about one new idea.

A caption appears above or below a photograph or graphic. It explains what the photograph or graphic is about.

A sidebar is a separate section of text, often shown in a box, that relates to the main article. It may give additional interesting facts or share a different point of view.

Language SpotlightSynonyms and AntonymsSynonyms are words with the same or almost same

meaning.Example: happy and glad

Antonyms are words with opposite meanings.Example: good and bad

Read these sentences. Are the underlined words in each sentence synonyms or antonyms?The lake was calm, so we floated on the peaceful

waters all day.I thought the science quiz was be easy, but it was

difficult.

1. Read the paragraph from the passage and answer the questions that follow.

During a tornado, follow the plan. Stay calm and move to a safe place. If you are indoors, sit facing a wall with your elbows to your knees. Cover the back of your head with your hands. If you are outdoors, go inside as quickly as possible. If you are at school, follow the school safety plan and all instructions from your teacher.

Part A: Which sentences tell what you should do if you are indoors? Underline those sentences.

Part B: What inference can you make based on the sentences you underlined for Part A.

A.School is the safest place to be during a tornado.B.It is better to be inside during a tornado.C.Indoor objects may fall during a tornado.D.All schools have the same safety plans for tornados.

Hint: Think about the sentences you underline for Part A. Use the evidence in the sentences and what you know about tornados to infer why you should act this way when you are indoors during a tornado.

2. Which choice best summarizes the passage?

A.Most tornados happen in the United States.B.Tornados are dangerous storms, with twisting

winds.C.A family needs to set aside supplies.D.A safety plan can help your family stay safe during

a tornado.

Hint: What is the article mostly about? Reread the headings. What do they tell you?

3. Part A: What text features does the author include in the passage?

Part B: Based on the headings, what text structure does the author use to organize the passage?

A.SequenceB.Compare and ContrastC.Problem and SolutionD.Cause and Effect

Part C: How do the headings summarize the main points of the passage?

4. Part A: Read this sentence from the passage.

These severe storms are funnel-shaped clouds with dangerous, twisting winds.

Which word is a synonym of severe?

A.LightB.ViolentC.FamousD.Delicate

Part B: Which word is an antonym of severe?

A.GentleB.DifficultC.CarefulD.Angry