Cause is why something happened.
Effect is what happened.
C` / Signal Questions
What happened?
Why did it happen?
What caused it to happen?
Signal Words
so because
for this reason since
if. . . then this led to
reason why as a result
may be due to effect of
consequently therefore


Shows how two or more things are alike and/or how they are different


Describes items or events in year order

Sequencing
Tells the steps to follow to do or make something


•

Emotionally charged words/ visuals: hate, terrorize, cheat.
Generalizations: always,
never, nobody, and everybody.






Document or physical object written/created during the time under study
Types of Sources
charters diaries artifacts
early works interviews oratory
pamphlets sources speeches
letters correspondence
personal narratives
The most important point that the author is making

Fact--a statement that can be proved true or false
Opinion--what someone believes or thinks

/ Signal Questions
What is being compared?
How are they alike?
How are they different?
Signal Words
same as similar
alike as well as
both instead of
either. . .or
different from
as opposed to
on the other hand
Signal Questions
What events/steps are listed?
Do they happen in this order?
Do they always happen in this
order?
Signal Words
first second next
then before after
finally following now
not long after soon
Signal Questions
What is the
author’s purpose?
What is the author’s tone?
What words suggest a
personal opinion?
Signal Words
1st person: I, me, my,
mine, we, us, ours
2nd person: you, yours
3rd person: he, she, we,
they, them, people's
proper names
Signal Questions
What evidence is in
the text?
What do I already know?
What's the unstated meaning?
Additional Questions
Who is the author?
Who is the audience?
What is the occasion?
Signal Questions
Charts & Diagrams:
What’s the title?
Study the labels on column’s and row’s.
Study vertically & horizontally.
Study direction of lines & arrows.
Identify relationships.
Draw conclusions.
Maps, political cartoons & art:
What is the title or subject?
Study legends and symbols.
Study the details; how are they are arranged?
What is in the center? (art)
Draw conclusions.
Signal Questions
S Who is the speaker?
O What is the occasion?
A Who is the audience?
P What is the purpose?
S What is the subject?
How to Find the
Main Idea
1.  Read the text.
2.  Find the topic/subject.
3.  Look for the important details.
4.  Look for important details about the topic/subject to help you identify the main idea.
5.  Tell/write the main idea in your own words.

Ask yourself the following:
Can these statements be
proven?
Where can I find information
to verify them?
Signal Words for opinions
I believe . . . biggest
In my view . . . best
I think . . . worst
I feel . . . fastest
most successful
difficult happy