NB Grade 6 English Reading key terms

The most important point a passage makes about its topic. It is what the author most wants readers to understand and is usually stated in one sentence.

The subject a passage is about, expressible in a word or short phrase. The topic is broader than the main idea, which says something specific about it.

A fact, example, reason, or description that explains or proves the main idea. Details answer questions such as who, what, when, where, why, or how.

A short retelling of a passage that states its main idea and only the most important details, leaving out minor information and personal opinion.

The main point of a whole text, especially an informational one. It is often stated in an introduction or conclusion but may need to be figured out from details.

A sentence, usually near the start of a paragraph, that states what the paragraph is mostly about. The other sentences in the paragraph support it.

A conclusion a reader reaches by combining clues in the text with background knowledge. The answer is not stated directly, but the text strongly suggests it.

Words, phrases, or details quoted or pointed to from a passage to support an answer, opinion, or inference. Good answers can be defended with evidence from the text.

The reason an author writes a text: to inform, explain, persuade, entertain, or describe. Readers identify it by looking at content, tone, and text features.

The perspective from which a story is told, such as first person (I, we) or third person (he, she, they). In informational text it can also mean the author's stance on a topic.

The voice or character who tells a story. A narrator may take part in the events as a character or stand outside them, and may know only some characters' thoughts.

Telling a story using I, me, my, or we, so the narrator is a character in the events. Readers see only what that character sees and knows.

Telling a story with he, she, it, or they, so the narrator stands outside the events. The narrator may know all characters' thoughts or only their actions.

The underlying message or lesson about life that a literary text communicates, such as honesty matters or friendship takes effort. A theme is a full statement, not a single word.

A quality of a person or character revealed by words, actions, thoughts, or others' reactions, such as generous, stubborn, or brave. Traits are shown more often than stated.

The reason a character acts or feels a certain way, such as fear, love, jealousy, or a wish to prove something. Motivations explain why events in a story happen.

The sequence of events in a story, usually built from a problem or conflict, rising action, a climax, and a resolution. Plot answers what happens and why.

The central problem or struggle in a story. It may be between characters, between a character and nature or society, or within a character's own mind.

The part of a story where the conflict is settled and the action comes to an end. It shows how things turn out for the characters.

The time and place in which a story happens. Setting can shape characters' choices and can change over the course of a story.

Information in nearby words or sentences that helps a reader work out the meaning of an unfamiliar word, such as a definition, example, contrast, or synonym.

A word that means nearly the same as another word, such as begin and start. Writers often place synonyms near hard words to hint at their meaning.

A word that means the opposite of another word, such as ancient and modern. Contrast clues in a sentence often signal an antonym.

A word part added to the beginning of a base word that changes its meaning, such as un- meaning not or re- meaning again. Recognizing prefixes helps readers decode unfamiliar words.

A word part added to the end of a base word that changes its meaning or its part of speech, such as -less meaning without or -ful meaning full of.

The basic part of a word that carries its main meaning and remains once prefixes and suffixes are removed, as in the help of helpful and unhelpful.

Language that goes beyond literal meaning to create pictures or effects, including simile, metaphor, personification, and idiom. Its meaning must be interpreted, not taken word for word.

A comparison of two unlike things using like or as, such as cheeks as red as apples. A simile helps readers picture a quality more vividly.

A comparison that states one thing is another without using like or as, such as the classroom was a zoo. Metaphors suggest meaning through the comparison.

A common expression whose meaning cannot be understood from its individual words, such as under the weather for feeling sick. Idioms are learned as whole phrases.

The way an author organizes information, such as comparison, cause and effect, chronological order, problem and solution, or description. Structure helps readers follow ideas.

A text structure that shows how two or more things are alike and how they differ. Signal words include both, similarly, unlike, and on the other hand.

A text structure that explains why something happened and what resulted. Signal words include because, since, therefore, as a result, and so.

A word or phrase that shows how ideas are connected, such as first, however, or finally. Signal words guide readers through a text's organization.

A visual or organizational part of a text that helps readers find and understand information, such as headings, captions, bold words, diagrams, or a glossary.

A short line of text placed under a picture, diagram, or photograph that explains what it shows. Captions often add details not found in the main text.

A category of text with shared features, such as realistic fiction, fantasy, biography, or informational article. Knowing the genre helps readers predict how a text will work.

Writing based on real facts, people, and events, including articles, biographies, and textbooks. Nonfiction often includes text features such as headings and diagrams.

Writing about imagined people and events, such as stories, novels, and fables. Fiction usually has characters, a setting, and a plot.

The author's or narrator's attitude toward the subject, shown through word choice, such as humorous, serious, or hopeful. Tone affects how readers feel about a text.

The feeling a text creates in the reader, such as suspense, sadness, or comfort. Mood is built through description, setting, and word choice rather than stated directly.

To restate a passage's meaning in your own words, keeping the same length and level of detail. Paraphrasing shows understanding without copying the author's wording.

To point to or quote the exact part of a text that supports an answer or claim. Citing evidence makes an answer verifiable and convincing.