TEAS 6 READING SECTION

Cause and effect example

He was late and missed the meeting.

Purpose: to inform

If the author makes her or her main idea clear from the beginning.

The fans were watching baseball game and their team won the game.

"After the final out of the inning, the fans were filled with joy and rushed the field." (inference example)

Sequence example

"He walked in the front door and switched on the hall lamp." is an example

The author never states that it is raining, but this fact is clearly implied.

"I stepped outside and opened my umbrella. By the time I got to work, the cuffs of my pants were soaked." What does the author is trying to say?

Underlining

-a type of text that is often used to suggest emphasis -also used on occasion beneth the titles of books, magazines, and works of art. -this is common when people used typewritters, which were not able to create italics

Appeal to Emotion

-is an effort to win an argument without facts, logic, or reason, but instead by manipulation the emotions of the audience, also classified as a logical fallacy. -author's will appeal to the reader's emotion in an attempt to persuade or to distract the reader from the weakness of the argument.

Table of contents

-most books, magazines, and journals have a table of contents at the beginning. -lists the different subjecs or chapter title with a page number. -comes with Roman numerals -chapters are listed from the beginning to end.

Cause and effect

Because the sky was clear Ron did not bring an umbrella.

Identifying an Author's Position

Pay attention to the author's position and purpose. Consider the autho'rs message.

Simile example

The child howled like a coyote when her mother told her to pick up the toys.

Spatial organization Chronological organization Logical organization

The three basic ways to organize information:

Simile

a figurative expression that is similar to a metaphor, yet the expression requires the use of the distancing words like or as. -ex. the child howled like a coyote.

Preface

a note that explains the background of the book or introduction. It comes with Roman numerals

Credibility

a text must be credible or believable, the author is unbiased and objective. Reports written about the ozone layer by an environmental scientist and a hairdresser will have different levels of credibility.

Bold

a type of text that is used when the author wants to emphasize the point that is being made. -indicates performance. -draws attention to the reader's attention and also helful to find terms when reviweing before test.

Compare and contrast

are excellent tools to use with certain kinds of information.

Library media specialists

are important figures in contemporary learning communities

Implications

are the things that the author does not state directly, but readers can assume based on what the author does say. Must have multiple pieces of evidence.

Classified Advertisement

are used to sell or buy goods, to attract business, to make romantic connections, and to do countless other things. Usually found in newspapers and online listing. Listing will give brief description of the products or service. Usually include the listing price followed by contact information like telephone or email address.

Fact

can be subjected to analysis and can be either proved or disproved. No ambiguous words. Research results. =measurable (lateness of employees) =observable =verifiable

Problem-solution is

essay is a type of argument. "This sort of essay involves argumentation in that the writer seeks to convince the reader to take a particular course of action. In explaining the problem, it may also need to persuade the reader concerning specific causes"

Posted Announcement

for all sorts of occasions, notices for lost pets, yard sales, and landscaping services. It must contain all of the information the reader requires to act on the message. It must convey the necessary information clearly.

Subheadings

give the topic of smaller sections. For example, the heading of a section in a book might be AMPHIBIANS. Within that section, you may have subheadings for Frogs, Salamanders, and Newts.

Logical organization

includes presenting material in a logical pattern that makes intuitive sense. Some patterns that are frequently used are illustrated, definition, compare/contrast, cause/and effect, problem/solution, and division/classification.

Dividing/classifying

information into separate items according to their similarities is a common and effective organizing method.

Italics

like bold text and underlines, are used to emphasize important words, phrases, and setences in a text. -it is placed when it is being discussed as a word; that it is being defined or its use in a sentence is being described. -can be used to unsual adjective. -can be used for the titles of long or large works, like books, magazines, long operas, and epic poems. Shorter works are typically placed within quotation marks.

Footnote

is text that is listed at the bottom of a page which lists where facts and figures within that document page were obtained.

Opinion

is the author's personal thoughts or feelings which may not be alterable by research or evidence. Indicative words like believe, think, or feel. It can be supported by facts and it tends to be more convincing. Thought, understood, wished, =judgements =must be supported with evidence =to be considered valid (Henry doesn't care about his work. He is always late).

Bar graph

is the most common visual representations of information. -used to illustrate sets of numerical data. -example, heights of famous basketbal players: the vertical axis would contain numbers ranging from five to eight feet, and horizontal axis would contain the names of the player.

Topic

is the subject of a text. (what the text is all about). Usually expressed in a few words at the most.

Line graph

is typically used for measuring trends over time. -example: measuring a person's income for each month of the year.

Technical writing

is written to describe a complex object of process. -is common in medical and technological fields, in which complex ideas of mathematics, science, and engineering need to be explained simply and clearly. -to ease comprehension, a passage usually proceeds in a very logical order. -have clear headings and subheadings, which are used to keep the reader oriented in the text. -look more like an outline than a piece of prose. -try to avoid language that the reader will have to research in order to understand the message, yet the readers will find that jargon cannot always be avoided.

Spatial organization

lets the user "see" the information, to fix it in space. This benefits for those individuals who are visually adept at processing information.

Problem-solution

nonfiction kind of text. The problem is often explained before the solution is offered. In some cases, as when the problem is well known, the solution may be introduced briefly at the beginning. Other passages may focus on the solution, and the problem will be referenced only occasionally. Understand the author's perspective and interest. can one develop proper judgment of the proposed solution.

Connotative

refers to the associations that are connected to a certain word or the emotional suggestions related to that word. The connotative meanings of a word exist together with the denotative meanings. The connotations for the word snake could include evil or danger.

Text Evidence

refers to the information that supports a main point or minor points (vague or too general) -helps the reader to make a conclusion. -must be precise, descriptive, and factual (impt. for backing up the main point). -the author makes a claim and it is important to back up with text evidence, main points, statistics to back up the claim.

Definitions

say what something is or is to is another way of organization. A helpful question for this type of organization is "What are the characteristics of the topic?"

Purpose: to entertain

should be written to please the reader. -If the author tells a story or seems to want the attention of the reader more than to push a particular point or deliver information.

Endnote

similar to footnote, but differs in the fact that is listed at the end of paragraphs and chapters of a document, instead of the bottom of each page of the document.

Descriptive language

that evokes imagery in the reader's mind is one type of language.

Illustration Definitions Dividing/classifying Compare and contrast Cause and effect Problem and solution

the 6 major types of logical organization that are frequently use:

Comparison and contrast

the author describes two things are alike and also describes the two thing are different. It is one most common nonfiction form of essays. Indicative words like, same, too, as wee. While contrast may have terms like but, however, on the other hand, instead, and yet. A single sentence may both compare and contrast. ex. Brian and Shiela love ice-cream, but Brian prefers vanilla and Shiela prefers strawberry.

Main Idea

the most important point being made by the author. Mostly found at the beginning or end of the text. -statements are general and more broad

Sequence

the order in which things happen or the order of events; chronological order (based on time, preceding through time) The text is indicated with signal words like first, then, next, and last. Do not always proceed in an orderly sequence form first to last. Sometimes they begin at the end and start over at the beginning. Ex. "He walked through the garden and gave water and fertilizer to the plants." He collected the water, then he collected the fertilizer, next he walked through the garden.

Footnotes and Endnotes

used in word processing programs.

Dictionary Entry

used to find word's meaning, to check spelling, and to find out how to say or pronounce a word. -Alphabetical order

Foreshadowing

uses hints in a narrative to let the audience anticipate future events in the plot.

Internet Source

was once considered a poor place to find sources for an essay or article, but its credibility has improved greatly over the years. -best sources are those affiliated with established institutions, such as universities, public libraries, and think tanks. -reputable when the author provides some information about himself, including some credentials that indicate expertise in the subject matter.

Expository Passage

-aims to inform and enlighten readers. -passage is nonfiction and usually centers around a simple, easily defined topic. -the goal is to teach, such passage should be clear as possible. -contains helpful organizing words like, first, next, for example, and therefore (keep the reader oriented) in the text. -do not feature colorful language and artful writing, they are effective with these feature -passages are not always about subjects that will naturally interest a reader, so the writer is often more concerned with clarity and comprehensibility than engaging the readyd. d

Headings and subheadings

-diffrerent color than the main body of the book. maybe larger than subheadings. -not always in complete sentence -printend in larger and bolder fonts.

Headings

-give the topic that will be addressed in the paragraphs below. -meant to alert you about what is coming next -maybe larger than subheadings..

Source, length, authority, date, audience, usefulness.

Journal Articles: evaluate these 6 criteria

Denotative

a word that is literal meaning of the word. refers to the literal meaning of a word, the "dictionary definition."¨ For example, if you look up the word snake in a dictionary, you will discover that one of its denotative meanings is "any of numerous scaly, legless, sometimes venomous reptiles¡Khaving a long, tapering, cylindrical body and found in most tropical and temperate regions."

Cause and Effect

a______ is an act or event that makes something happen, and an ______ is the thing that happens as a result of the cause. Signal words: since, because, due to. The effects include consequently, therefore, this lead(s) to.

Pie Chart

aka circle graph, useful for depicting how a single unit or catergory is divided. -example, student's budget.If the student spends half of his or her money on rent, then the pie chart will represent that amount with a line through the center of the pie. -it is effective at showing how a single entity is divided into parts. -not effective at demonstrating the relationships between parts of different wholes. -example, compare the respective amounts of state and federal spending devoted to insfrastructure since these values are only meaningful in he context of the entire budget.

Memo

is a common form of written communication. It is typically for there to be a heading at the top indicating the author, date, and recipient. Heading include the author's title and name of his or her institution. Below is the body of the _____. It contain a plan of action, request for information on a specific topic, or a response such request. It is considered to be official documents, and so are usually written in a formal style. Organized with numbers or bullet point, which make it easier for the reader to identify key ideas.

Personification

is a description of a nonhuman being thing as if the item were human.

Predictions

is a guess about what will happen next.

Inference

is a piece of information that is implied but not written outright by the author. Readers should take great care to avoid using information beyond the provide passage before making _________. Look for contextual clues, it will help you find the best answer. Look for answer similar to the statement in question.

Problem and solution

is a simple and effective manner of logically organizing material. It is very commonly used and lucidly presents information.

Cause and effect

is a simple tool to logically understand relationships between things. A phenomenon may be traced to its causes for organizing a subject logically.

Narrative passage

is a story that can be fiction or nonfiction. It must contain a plot, characters, and figurative language. The text must have a plot (series of events). Often proceed in a clear sequence, but this is not requirement. It has characters (animals, people, animated objects). Figurative language which meant to stimulate the imagination of readers by making comparisons and observations. for example, a metaphor, a common piece figurative language, is a description of one thing in terms of another.

Metaphor

is a type of figurative language in which the writer equates one thing with a different thing. -is to encourage the reader to consider the item being described in a different way. -the author describes an item without being direct and obvious. -this literary device is a lyrical and suggestive way of providing information. Ex. Swaying skeletons reached for the sky and groaned as the wind blew through them. The author is using skeletons as a metaphor for leafless trees.

Themes

is an issue, an idea, or a question raised by the text. is a general message about life or human nature that the author wants to convey. -a passage may have many themes, and they raise more questions than they answer. -what are the general issues that the text is addressing -begin reading with the question in mind ( how does this text approach the ____of love?) and to look for evidence in the text that addresses that question. -the overall idea of a piece of literature (lesson, moral) -do not confuse with plot (plot is what the characters do) -about humn nature, society, life in general Common themes: Man's struggles against society. Man's against nature. Overcoming adversity. The importance of family and frienship. Man's struggles with faith. Sacrifices bring rewards. Honesty is the best policy. -what is the message or lesson. -the controlling idea of the story

Stereotype

is like bias but applied specifically to a group or place. It is considered to be particularly abhorrent because the practice promotes negative generalizations about people. These faulty assumptions typically reveal the author's ignorance and lack of curiosity.

Persuasive passage

is meant to change the mind of readers and lead them into agreement with the author. -intent is may be very obvious or quite difficult to discern. -some passages will be indistinguishable from one that is informative. Both passages make an assertion and offer supporting details. -more like to appeal reader's emotions and to make claims based on opinion. -may not describe alternative positions, but when they do, they often display significant bias. -is giving the author's viewpoint, or may adopt a seemingly objective tone.

Main point

is often followed by supporting details that provide evidence to back up a claim.

Informative texts

is written to educate and enlighten readers. -always nonfiction and are rarely structured as a story. -deliver information in the most comprehensive way. -so look for the structure of the text to be vert clear. -thesis statement usually at the beginning or end of the paragraph. -the author may use some colorful language as to put more emphasis on clarity and precision. -do not appeal to the emotions. often contain facts or figures and rarely include the opinion of the author, but be aware of the possibility for a bias as those facts are presented.

Figurative language

language that goes beyond the literal meaning of a word or phrase.

Drawing conclusions

look for critical "hedge" phrases, such as likely, may, can, will often. Extreme positive or negative (such as always or never) are usually not correct. The reader should not use any outside knowledge that is not gathered from the passage to answer the related questions. Correct answers can be derived straight from the passage.

Entertaining Texts

may be either fiction or nonfiction, may describe real or imagined people, places, and events. -often narratives or poem and likely to contain colorful language that engages the imagination and the emotions. -a text may appeal to the reader's emotions and cause him or her to think differently about a particular subject. -tent to showcase the personality of the author more than other types of writing.

Illustration

may be used to support the thesis. Examples are the most common form of this organization.

Index

normally, a nonfiction book will have an _____ at the end. It is for reader to find information about specific topics. It is a list of specific topics in alphabetical order (i.e., a,b,c,d...). The names of people are listed by last name. Subtopics can be found below the main topic, indented slightly, and placed in alphabetical order.

Purpose: persuasive text

often try to establish informative tone may be implemented to create an appearance of authority and objectivity. -if the author begins by making a claim and provides various arguments to support that claim.

Supporting Details

provide evidence and backing for the main point. Most commonly found in informative and persuasive texts. for example or for instance, first, second, and last are indicators. -details explain, illustrate, elaborate, upon the main idea. details are more specific.

Persuasive writing

the author is attempting to change the reader's mind or convince him or her of something that he or she did not believe previously. The author tries to attempt or present opinion as fact. -the use of emotional language, use of colorful or evocative language with the intent of arousing the reader's passions. -will give an unfair explanation of opposing positions.

Descriptive Text

the author seeks to describe events, ideas, or people to the reader. It contain adjectives and adverbs (i.e words that give shades of meaning and create more detailed mental picture for the reader). It certainly be informative, and the passage may be persuasive and entertaining as well.

Metaphor example

the bird was an arrow arcing through the sky. The bird's flight as being similar to the arc of an arrow.

Chronological organization

the most common presentation of information. This method places information in the sequence with which it occurs. This is useful in explaining a process that occurs in a step-by-step patern.

Expression of Feelings

when an author intends to express feelings, he or she may may use expressive and bold language. -author may write with emotion for any number of reasons. -the author will express feelings because they are describing a personal situation of great pain or happiness. -may attempt to persuade the reader and will use emotion to stir up the passions. -the write uses phrases I felt and I sense. -reader must not become overwhelmed by sympathy or passion, but maintain detach from the author's argument.

Primary Source

when conducting research, it is important to depend on a reputable _________. -is the documentary evidence closest to the subject being studied. -example, an essay about penguins would be photographs and recordings of the birds, as well as accounts of people who have studied penguins in person. -it should be credible and must be recent studies. Just by reading the works cited and bibliographies of other books, one can get a sense of what the reliable sources authorities in the field are.

Counterarguments

when the authors give both sides to the argument, they build trust with their readers. As you read, you shoult start with an undecided or neutral position. If the author presents only his or her side to the argument, then you will need to be concerned at best.

Bias

when the authors ignore reasonable counterarguments or distort opposing viewpoints. The author is being unfair or inaccurate in his or her presentation. =prevailing attitude =set of values =prejudices =influence perception (often irrational, slant, based on humor, misinformation, fear) =not all stem from racism or hatred.

Exaggeration

when you compare two things using a figurative language.

Secondary Source

would be a review of a movie about penguins or a book outlining the observations made by others.

Purpose: narratives or stories

written to entertain, though they may also inform and persuade.