MAP Growth key terms

The most important point a passage makes about its topic, stated or implied. Other details support or explain it, and a summary usually restates it in one sentence.

A fact, example, or reason in a text that explains, proves, or develops the main idea. Readers check whether details actually connect to the point they supposedly support.

A conclusion a reader draws by combining text evidence with background knowledge. The answer is not stated directly, but the text gives enough clues that the conclusion is reasonable.

A quotation, fact, or detail taken directly from a passage that supports an answer or claim. Strong responses cite it rather than relying on general impressions.

A broader message about life or human nature that a literary work conveys, such as courage or loyalty. It differs from the topic, which is simply what the work is about.

A brief restatement of a text's main points in the reader's own words, leaving out minor details. A good summary keeps the original meaning without copying its wording.

The reason a writer produces a text, commonly to inform, persuade, entertain, or explain. Purpose shapes word choice, structure, and how much evidence the writer includes.

The perspective from which a story is told, such as first person or third person limited or omniscient. It can also mean a character's or author's stance on an issue.

The attitude a writer expresses toward the subject or audience, conveyed through word choice and sentence style. It may be humorous, serious, critical, or sympathetic.

The feeling a text creates in the reader, such as suspense, calm, or sadness. It is produced by setting, imagery, and word choice rather than by the author's stated attitude.

Language that goes beyond literal meaning to create effect, including simile, metaphor, personification, and hyperbole. It helps readers picture ideas or feel emotions.

A comparison that states one thing is another without using like or as, such as calling hope a bird. It highlights a shared quality between two unlike things.

A comparison of two unlike things using like or as, such as quiet as a mouse. It makes a description vivid by linking an unfamiliar idea to a familiar one.

Descriptive language that appeals to the senses and creates pictures in the reader's mind. It often relies on figurative language and contributes strongly to mood.

Information in surrounding words or sentences that helps a reader work out the meaning of an unfamiliar word. Types include definition, example, contrast, and cause-and-effect clues.

Determining what a word means as it is used in a specific passage, especially when the word has several dictionary senses. Surrounding text and sentence purpose guide the choice.

The way a writer organizes information, such as chronological order, comparison and contrast, cause and effect, or problem and solution. Recognizing it helps readers follow ideas and locate details.

A fact can be checked and proven, while an opinion expresses a belief, feeling, or judgment. Some statements mix both, so readers separate verifiable claims from evaluative language.

A building block of fiction such as character, setting, plot, conflict, or resolution. Understanding how these parts interact helps readers analyze how a story develops.

The rule that a verb must match its subject in number and person. Singular subjects take singular verbs, and intervening phrases do not change the agreement.

The requirement that a pronoun match the noun it refers to in number and gender. Ambiguous or mismatched references confuse readers about who or what is meant.

A group of words punctuated as a sentence but missing a subject, a complete verb, or a complete thought. It can often be fixed by joining it to a nearby sentence.

Two or more independent clauses joined without correct punctuation or a conjunction. It can be repaired with a period, semicolon, or comma plus coordinating conjunction.

A group of words containing a subject and a verb. An independent clause expresses a complete thought, while a dependent clause cannot stand alone as a sentence.

A word, phrase, or clause that describes another element in a sentence. A misplaced modifier sits too far from its target, and a dangling modifier has no clear target.

The conventions for using commas to separate items in a series, set off introductory or nonessential elements, and join clauses. Misuse can change a sentence's meaning.

A word or phrase such as however, therefore, or in addition that shows how ideas relate. It signals contrast, cause, sequence, or emphasis between sentences and paragraphs.

A sentence, usually near the start of an essay, that states the central claim and often previews the supporting reasons. Everything else in the essay should develop it.

Revising reshapes content, organization, and clarity, while editing corrects grammar, punctuation, and spelling. Revision generally happens first because it may change whole sentences.

A comparison of two quantities by division, often written as a to b, a:b, or a/b. It describes relative size rather than absolute amount.

An equation stating that two ratios are equal, such as 3/4 = 6/8. Proportions are solved by cross-multiplying or by finding a common scale factor.

A rate expressed per one unit of a given quantity, such as miles per hour or cost per ounce. It makes comparing different offers or speeds straightforward.

An equation whose graph is a straight line, typically written as y = mx + b. The slope m gives steepness and b gives the y-intercept.

The measure of a line's steepness, calculated as rise over run or change in y divided by change in x. It shows how much y changes for each unit change in x.

A relationship in which each input has exactly one output. Tables, graphs, equations, and verbal rules can all represent the same function.

Three measures of center: the mean is the average, the median is the middle value when ordered, and the mode is the most frequent value. Each describes a data set differently.

Range is the difference between the highest and lowest values, and variability describes how spread out data are. Larger values indicate less consistency around the center.

A graph or table that organizes data, such as a bar graph, line plot, histogram, or box plot. The choice of display should suit the data type and the question asked.

A testable prediction about the outcome of an investigation, often stated as an if-then relationship. It must be checkable through observation or measurement.

A factor kept the same across all trials of an experiment so it cannot affect the results. Only the independent variable should differ between groups.

The plan for a fair test, including the independent and dependent variables, control group, sample size, and procedure for collecting data. It determines whether results can be trusted.

A sequence showing how energy passes from producers to consumers through eating. Arrows point in the direction energy flows, from the organism eaten to the eater.

Producers make their own food through photosynthesis, while consumers obtain energy by eating other organisms. Decomposers break down remains and recycle nutrients.

A community of living organisms interacting with each other and with nonliving parts of their environment, such as water, soil, and sunlight. Energy and matter move through it.

The physical forms a substance can take, commonly solid, liquid, and gas. Changes between them, such as melting or evaporation, involve energy but not a new substance.

A physical change alters form or state without creating a new substance, while a chemical change produces a new substance with different properties. Evidence includes gas, heat, or color change.

Characteristics used to describe and identify substances, including mass, volume, density, conductivity, and melting point. They can be measured and compared across materials.

A force is a push or pull that can change an object's speed or direction, and motion is a change in position over time. Balanced forces produce no change in motion.

The movement of energy from one object or system to another, as in heat flowing from warmer to cooler objects or electricity lighting a bulb. Energy is conserved, not created.