OST ELA Grade 4 cheat sheet

Theme is the message or lesson about life that a story teaches; it is stated in a full sentence, not one word like "friendship."

A summary of a story includes only the main characters, the main problem, the key events, and the solution - never small details or personal opinions.

Character traits are words describing what a character is like inside (brave, selfish, patient), while feelings are temporary emotions (nervous, delighted).

A character's actions, words, and thoughts are evidence for a trait; a reader must point to the text, not guess.

Setting is where and when a story takes place; it can shape the plot when weather, time period, or location causes problems.

Compare and contrast stories by naming one way they are alike and one way they are different, using details from both texts.

Figurative language in stories includes simile (like/as), metaphor (says one thing is another), and personification (giving human traits to objects).

Point of view: first-person narration uses I or we and is told by a character; third-person narration uses he, she, or they and is told by a narrator outside the story.

A story's events follow a sequence; clue words such as first, then, next, later, and finally signal the order of events.

Main idea is what a text is mostly about; it is supported by key details, which are facts or examples that explain it.

Text structures: compare-contrast, cause-effect, problem-solution, chronological (time order), and description; signal words such as because, however, and first reveal the structure.

Firsthand account is written by someone who was there (I saw...); secondhand account is written by someone who was not there (reported by others).

A text feature is a tool that helps readers find information: heading, bold word, caption, diagram, table, timeline, glossary, and index.

An author's point of view is what the author thinks or believes about the topic; reasons and evidence in the text support that point of view.

An inference is a conclusion drawn from text evidence plus what the reader already knows; it is not stated directly in the text.

To integrate information from two texts on the same topic, name what both texts say and what one text adds that the other does not.

Context clues around an unknown word - definitions, examples, synonyms, or antonyms - help a reader figure out its meaning.

Opinion writing states a clear claim, gives reasons, supports each reason with evidence or examples, and ends with a concluding statement.

Informative writing has a topic sentence, grouped facts and definitions, linking words (also, because, for example), and a conclusion.

Narrative writing includes characters, setting, a problem, a sequence of events, dialogue, and a resolution, often told in first or third person.

A paragraph is built around one main idea: topic sentence, supporting details, and a closing sentence.

Revising improves ideas and organization (adding details, reordering, clarifying); editing fixes conventions (spelling, capitalization, punctuation, grammar).

Transition words connect ideas: to add (also, another), to contrast (however, but), to show cause (because, since), to show time (first, later, finally).

A strong conclusion restates the main idea in new words and leaves the reader with a final thought; it does not introduce a brand-new topic.

When writing to a prompt, the piece must answer every part of the prompt, and evidence must come from the provided source or text.

A complete sentence has a subject (who or what) and a predicate (what it does or is) and expresses a complete thought.

Relative pronouns (who, whom, whose, which, that) connect a clause to a noun; relative adverbs (where, when, why) introduce clauses about place, time, or reason.

Progressive verb tense uses a form of be plus -ing: was walking (past progressive), is walking (present progressive), will be walking (future progressive).

Modal auxiliaries (can, may, must, should, would) change meaning by showing ability, permission, necessity, or possibility.

Order adjectives in the standard sequence: opinion, size, age, shape, color, origin, material (e.g., a lovely small old round red French wooden box).

Frequently confused words: its (possessive) vs. it's (it is); their (possessive) vs. there (place) vs. they're (they are); to (direction) vs. too (also) vs. two (number).

Capitalize proper nouns (names, places, days, months, titles of works); do not capitalize common nouns.

Punctuate dialogue with quotation marks around the exact words spoken, plus commas and end marks placed correctly inside the quotation marks.

A fragment is missing a subject or predicate; a run-on joins two complete sentences without correct punctuation or a conjunction.

Theme is the message or lesson about life that a story teaches; it is stated in a full sentence, not one word like "friendship."

A summary of a story includes only the main characters, the main problem, the key events, and the solution - never small details or personal opinions.

Character traits are words describing what a character is like inside (brave, selfish, patient), while feelings are temporary emotions (nervous, delighted).

A character's actions, words, and thoughts are evidence for a trait; a reader must point to the text, not guess.

Setting is where and when a story takes place; it can shape the plot when weather, time period, or location causes problems.

Compare and contrast stories by naming one way they are alike and one way they are different, using details from both texts.

Figurative language in stories includes simile (like/as), metaphor (says one thing is another), and personification (giving human traits to objects).

Point of view: first-person narration uses I or we and is told by a character; third-person narration uses he, she, or they and is told by a narrator outside the story.

A story's events follow a sequence; clue words such as first, then, next, later, and finally signal the order of events.

Main idea is what a text is mostly about; it is supported by key details, which are facts or examples that explain it.

Text structures: compare-contrast, cause-effect, problem-solution, chronological (time order), and description; signal words such as because, however, and first reveal the structure.

Firsthand account is written by someone who was there (I saw...); secondhand account is written by someone who was not there (reported by others).

A text feature is a tool that helps readers find information: heading, bold word, caption, diagram, table, timeline, glossary, and index.

An author's point of view is what the author thinks or believes about the topic; reasons and evidence in the text support that point of view.

An inference is a conclusion drawn from text evidence plus what the reader already knows; it is not stated directly in the text.

To integrate information from two texts on the same topic, name what both texts say and what one text adds that the other does not.

Context clues around an unknown word - definitions, examples, synonyms, or antonyms - help a reader figure out its meaning.

Opinion writing states a clear claim, gives reasons, supports each reason with evidence or examples, and ends with a concluding statement.

Informative writing has a topic sentence, grouped facts and definitions, linking words (also, because, for example), and a conclusion.

Narrative writing includes characters, setting, a problem, a sequence of events, dialogue, and a resolution, often told in first or third person.

A paragraph is built around one main idea: topic sentence, supporting details, and a closing sentence.

Revising improves ideas and organization (adding details, reordering, clarifying); editing fixes conventions (spelling, capitalization, punctuation, grammar).

Transition words connect ideas: to add (also, another), to contrast (however, but), to show cause (because, since), to show time (first, later, finally).

A strong conclusion restates the main idea in new words and leaves the reader with a final thought; it does not introduce a brand-new topic.

When writing to a prompt, the piece must answer every part of the prompt, and evidence must come from the provided source or text.

A complete sentence has a subject (who or what) and a predicate (what it does or is) and expresses a complete thought.

Relative pronouns (who, whom, whose, which, that) connect a clause to a noun; relative adverbs (where, when, why) introduce clauses about place, time, or reason.

Progressive verb tense uses a form of be plus -ing: was walking (past progressive), is walking (present progressive), will be walking (future progressive).

Modal auxiliaries (can, may, must, should, would) change meaning by showing ability, permission, necessity, or possibility.

Order adjectives in the standard sequence: opinion, size, age, shape, color, origin, material (e.g., a lovely small old round red French wooden box).

Frequently confused words: its (possessive) vs. it's (it is); their (possessive) vs. there (place) vs. they're (they are); to (direction) vs. too (also) vs. two (number).

Capitalize proper nouns (names, places, days, months, titles of works); do not capitalize common nouns.

Punctuate dialogue with quotation marks around the exact words spoken, plus commas and end marks placed correctly inside the quotation marks.

A fragment is missing a subject or predicate; a run-on joins two complete sentences without correct punctuation or a conjunction.

Theme is the message or lesson about life that a story teaches; it is stated in a full sentence, not one word like "friendship."

A summary of a story includes only the main characters, the main problem, the key events, and the solution - never small details or personal opinions.

Character traits are words describing what a character is like inside (brave, selfish, patient), while feelings are temporary emotions (nervous, delighted).

A character's actions, words, and thoughts are evidence for a trait; a reader must point to the text, not guess.

Setting is where and when a story takes place; it can shape the plot when weather, time period, or location causes problems.

Compare and contrast stories by naming one way they are alike and one way they are different, using details from both texts.

Figurative language in stories includes simile (like/as), metaphor (says one thing is another), and personification (giving human traits to objects).

Point of view: first-person narration uses I or we and is told by a character; third-person narration uses he, she, or they and is told by a narrator outside the story.

A story's events follow a sequence; clue words such as first, then, next, later, and finally signal the order of events.

Main idea is what a text is mostly about; it is supported by key details, which are facts or examples that explain it.

Text structures: compare-contrast, cause-effect, problem-solution, chronological (time order), and description; signal words such as because, however, and first reveal the structure.

Firsthand account is written by someone who was there (I saw...); secondhand account is written by someone who was not there (reported by others).

A text feature is a tool that helps readers find information: heading, bold word, caption, diagram, table, timeline, glossary, and index.

An author's point of view is what the author thinks or believes about the topic; reasons and evidence in the text support that point of view.

An inference is a conclusion drawn from text evidence plus what the reader already knows; it is not stated directly in the text.

To integrate information from two texts on the same topic, name what both texts say and what one text adds that the other does not.

Context clues around an unknown word - definitions, examples, synonyms, or antonyms - help a reader figure out its meaning.

Opinion writing states a clear claim, gives reasons, supports each reason with evidence or examples, and ends with a concluding statement.

Informative writing has a topic sentence, grouped facts and definitions, linking words (also, because, for example), and a conclusion.

Narrative writing includes characters, setting, a problem, a sequence of events, dialogue, and a resolution, often told in first or third person.

A paragraph is built around one main idea: topic sentence, supporting details, and a closing sentence.

Revising improves ideas and organization (adding details, reordering, clarifying); editing fixes conventions (spelling, capitalization, punctuation, grammar).

Transition words connect ideas: to add (also, another), to contrast (however, but), to show cause (because, since), to show time (first, later, finally).

A strong conclusion restates the main idea in new words and leaves the reader with a final thought; it does not introduce a brand-new topic.

When writing to a prompt, the piece must answer every part of the prompt, and evidence must come from the provided source or text.

A complete sentence has a subject (who or what) and a predicate (what it does or is) and expresses a complete thought.

Relative pronouns (who, whom, whose, which, that) connect a clause to a noun; relative adverbs (where, when, why) introduce clauses about place, time, or reason.

Progressive verb tense uses a form of be plus -ing: was walking (past progressive), is walking (present progressive), will be walking (future progressive).

Modal auxiliaries (can, may, must, should, would) change meaning by showing ability, permission, necessity, or possibility.

Order adjectives in the standard sequence: opinion, size, age, shape, color, origin, material (e.g., a lovely small old round red French wooden box).

Frequently confused words: its (possessive) vs. it's (it is); their (possessive) vs. there (place) vs. they're (they are); to (direction) vs. too (also) vs. two (number).

Capitalize proper nouns (names, places, days, months, titles of works); do not capitalize common nouns.

Punctuate dialogue with quotation marks around the exact words spoken, plus commas and end marks placed correctly inside the quotation marks.

A fragment is missing a subject or predicate; a run-on joins two complete sentences without correct punctuation or a conjunction.

Theme is the message or lesson about life that a story teaches; it is stated in a full sentence, not one word like "friendship."

A summary of a story includes only the main characters, the main problem, the key events, and the solution - never small details or personal opinions.

Character traits are words describing what a character is like inside (brave, selfish, patient), while feelings are temporary emotions (nervous, delighted).

A character's actions, words, and thoughts are evidence for a trait; a reader must point to the text, not guess.

Setting is where and when a story takes place; it can shape the plot when weather, time period, or location causes problems.

Compare and contrast stories by naming one way they are alike and one way they are different, using details from both texts.

Figurative language in stories includes simile (like/as), metaphor (says one thing is another), and personification (giving human traits to objects).

Point of view: first-person narration uses I or we and is told by a character; third-person narration uses he, she, or they and is told by a narrator outside the story.

A story's events follow a sequence; clue words such as first, then, next, later, and finally signal the order of events.

Main idea is what a text is mostly about; it is supported by key details, which are facts or examples that explain it.

Text structures: compare-contrast, cause-effect, problem-solution, chronological (time order), and description; signal words such as because, however, and first reveal the structure.

Firsthand account is written by someone who was there (I saw...); secondhand account is written by someone who was not there (reported by others).

A text feature is a tool that helps readers find information: heading, bold word, caption, diagram, table, timeline, glossary, and index.

An author's point of view is what the author thinks or believes about the topic; reasons and evidence in the text support that point of view.

An inference is a conclusion drawn from text evidence plus what the reader already knows; it is not stated directly in the text.

To integrate information from two texts on the same topic, name what both texts say and what one text adds that the other does not.

Context clues around an unknown word - definitions, examples, synonyms, or antonyms - help a reader figure out its meaning.

Opinion writing states a clear claim, gives reasons, supports each reason with evidence or examples, and ends with a concluding statement.

Informative writing has a topic sentence, grouped facts and definitions, linking words (also, because, for example), and a conclusion.

Narrative writing includes characters, setting, a problem, a sequence of events, dialogue, and a resolution, often told in first or third person.

A paragraph is built around one main idea: topic sentence, supporting details, and a closing sentence.

Revising improves ideas and organization (adding details, reordering, clarifying); editing fixes conventions (spelling, capitalization, punctuation, grammar).

Transition words connect ideas: to add (also, another), to contrast (however, but), to show cause (because, since), to show time (first, later, finally).

A strong conclusion restates the main idea in new words and leaves the reader with a final thought; it does not introduce a brand-new topic.

When writing to a prompt, the piece must answer every part of the prompt, and evidence must come from the provided source or text.

A complete sentence has a subject (who or what) and a predicate (what it does or is) and expresses a complete thought.

Relative pronouns (who, whom, whose, which, that) connect a clause to a noun; relative adverbs (where, when, why) introduce clauses about place, time, or reason.

Progressive verb tense uses a form of be plus -ing: was walking (past progressive), is walking (present progressive), will be walking (future progressive).

Modal auxiliaries (can, may, must, should, would) change meaning by showing ability, permission, necessity, or possibility.

Order adjectives in the standard sequence: opinion, size, age, shape, color, origin, material (e.g., a lovely small old round red French wooden box).

Frequently confused words: its (possessive) vs. it's (it is); their (possessive) vs. there (place) vs. they're (they are); to (direction) vs. too (also) vs. two (number).

Capitalize proper nouns (names, places, days, months, titles of works); do not capitalize common nouns.

Punctuate dialogue with quotation marks around the exact words spoken, plus commas and end marks placed correctly inside the quotation marks.

A fragment is missing a subject or predicate; a run-on joins two complete sentences without correct punctuation or a conjunction.

Theme is the message or lesson about life that a story teaches; it is stated in a full sentence, not one word like "friendship."

A summary of a story includes only the main characters, the main problem, the key events, and the solution - never small details or personal opinions.

Character traits are words describing what a character is like inside (brave, selfish, patient), while feelings are temporary emotions (nervous, delighted).

A character's actions, words, and thoughts are evidence for a trait; a reader must point to the text, not guess.

Setting is where and when a story takes place; it can shape the plot when weather, time period, or location causes problems.

Compare and contrast stories by naming one way they are alike and one way they are different, using details from both texts.

Figurative language in stories includes simile (like/as), metaphor (says one thing is another), and personification (giving human traits to objects).

Point of view: first-person narration uses I or we and is told by a character; third-person narration uses he, she, or they and is told by a narrator outside the story.

A story's events follow a sequence; clue words such as first, then, next, later, and finally signal the order of events.

Main idea is what a text is mostly about; it is supported by key details, which are facts or examples that explain it.

Text structures: compare-contrast, cause-effect, problem-solution, chronological (time order), and description; signal words such as because, however, and first reveal the structure.

Firsthand account is written by someone who was there (I saw...); secondhand account is written by someone who was not there (reported by others).

A text feature is a tool that helps readers find information: heading, bold word, caption, diagram, table, timeline, glossary, and index.

An author's point of view is what the author thinks or believes about the topic; reasons and evidence in the text support that point of view.

An inference is a conclusion drawn from text evidence plus what the reader already knows; it is not stated directly in the text.

To integrate information from two texts on the same topic, name what both texts say and what one text adds that the other does not.

Context clues around an unknown word - definitions, examples, synonyms, or antonyms - help a reader figure out its meaning.

Opinion writing states a clear claim, gives reasons, supports each reason with evidence or examples, and ends with a concluding statement.

Informative writing has a topic sentence, grouped facts and definitions, linking words (also, because, for example), and a conclusion.

Narrative writing includes characters, setting, a problem, a sequence of events, dialogue, and a resolution, often told in first or third person.

A paragraph is built around one main idea: topic sentence, supporting details, and a closing sentence.

Revising improves ideas and organization (adding details, reordering, clarifying); editing fixes conventions (spelling, capitalization, punctuation, grammar).

Transition words connect ideas: to add (also, another), to contrast (however, but), to show cause (because, since), to show time (first, later, finally).

A strong conclusion restates the main idea in new words and leaves the reader with a final thought; it does not introduce a brand-new topic.

When writing to a prompt, the piece must answer every part of the prompt, and evidence must come from the provided source or text.

A complete sentence has a subject (who or what) and a predicate (what it does or is) and expresses a complete thought.

Relative pronouns (who, whom, whose, which, that) connect a clause to a noun; relative adverbs (where, when, why) introduce clauses about place, time, or reason.

Progressive verb tense uses a form of be plus -ing: was walking (past progressive), is walking (present progressive), will be walking (future progressive).

Modal auxiliaries (can, may, must, should, would) change meaning by showing ability, permission, necessity, or possibility.

Order adjectives in the standard sequence: opinion, size, age, shape, color, origin, material (e.g., a lovely small old round red French wooden box).

Frequently confused words: its (possessive) vs. it's (it is); their (possessive) vs. there (place) vs. they're (they are); to (direction) vs. too (also) vs. two (number).

Capitalize proper nouns (names, places, days, months, titles of works); do not capitalize common nouns.

Punctuate dialogue with quotation marks around the exact words spoken, plus commas and end marks placed correctly inside the quotation marks.

A fragment is missing a subject or predicate; a run-on joins two complete sentences without correct punctuation or a conjunction.

Theme is the message or lesson about life that a story teaches; it is stated in a full sentence, not one word like "friendship."

A summary of a story includes only the main characters, the main problem, the key events, and the solution - never small details or personal opinions.

Character traits are words describing what a character is like inside (brave, selfish, patient), while feelings are temporary emotions (nervous, delighted).

A character's actions, words, and thoughts are evidence for a trait; a reader must point to the text, not guess.

Setting is where and when a story takes place; it can shape the plot when weather, time period, or location causes problems.

Compare and contrast stories by naming one way they are alike and one way they are different, using details from both texts.

Figurative language in stories includes simile (like/as), metaphor (says one thing is another), and personification (giving human traits to objects).

Point of view: first-person narration uses I or we and is told by a character; third-person narration uses he, she, or they and is told by a narrator outside the story.

A story's events follow a sequence; clue words such as first, then, next, later, and finally signal the order of events.

Main idea is what a text is mostly about; it is supported by key details, which are facts or examples that explain it.

Text structures: compare-contrast, cause-effect, problem-solution, chronological (time order), and description; signal words such as because, however, and first reveal the structure.

Firsthand account is written by someone who was there (I saw...); secondhand account is written by someone who was not there (reported by others).

A text feature is a tool that helps readers find information: heading, bold word, caption, diagram, table, timeline, glossary, and index.

An author's point of view is what the author thinks or believes about the topic; reasons and evidence in the text support that point of view.

An inference is a conclusion drawn from text evidence plus what the reader already knows; it is not stated directly in the text.

To integrate information from two texts on the same topic, name what both texts say and what one text adds that the other does not.

Context clues around an unknown word - definitions, examples, synonyms, or antonyms - help a reader figure out its meaning.

Opinion writing states a clear claim, gives reasons, supports each reason with evidence or examples, and ends with a concluding statement.

Informative writing has a topic sentence, grouped facts and definitions, linking words (also, because, for example), and a conclusion.

Narrative writing includes characters, setting, a problem, a sequence of events, dialogue, and a resolution, often told in first or third person.

A paragraph is built around one main idea: topic sentence, supporting details, and a closing sentence.

Revising improves ideas and organization (adding details, reordering, clarifying); editing fixes conventions (spelling, capitalization, punctuation, grammar).

Transition words connect ideas: to add (also, another), to contrast (however, but), to show cause (because, since), to show time (first, later, finally).

A strong conclusion restates the main idea in new words and leaves the reader with a final thought; it does not introduce a brand-new topic.

When writing to a prompt, the piece must answer every part of the prompt, and evidence must come from the provided source or text.

A complete sentence has a subject (who or what) and a predicate (what it does or is) and expresses a complete thought.

Relative pronouns (who, whom, whose, which, that) connect a clause to a noun; relative adverbs (where, when, why) introduce clauses about place, time, or reason.

Progressive verb tense uses a form of be plus -ing: was walking (past progressive), is walking (present progressive), will be walking (future progressive).

Modal auxiliaries (can, may, must, should, would) change meaning by showing ability, permission, necessity, or possibility.

Order adjectives in the standard sequence: opinion, size, age, shape, color, origin, material (e.g., a lovely small old round red French wooden box).

Frequently confused words: its (possessive) vs. it's (it is); their (possessive) vs. there (place) vs. they're (they are); to (direction) vs. too (also) vs. two (number).

Capitalize proper nouns (names, places, days, months, titles of works); do not capitalize common nouns.

Punctuate dialogue with quotation marks around the exact words spoken, plus commas and end marks placed correctly inside the quotation marks.

A fragment is missing a subject or predicate; a run-on joins two complete sentences without correct punctuation or a conjunction.

Theme is the message or lesson about life that a story teaches; it is stated in a full sentence, not one word like "friendship."

A summary of a story includes only the main characters, the main problem, the key events, and the solution - never small details or personal opinions.

Character traits are words describing what a character is like inside (brave, selfish, patient), while feelings are temporary emotions (nervous, delighted).

A character's actions, words, and thoughts are evidence for a trait; a reader must point to the text, not guess.

Setting is where and when a story takes place; it can shape the plot when weather, time period, or location causes problems.

Compare and contrast stories by naming one way they are alike and one way they are different, using details from both texts.

Figurative language in stories includes simile (like/as), metaphor (says one thing is another), and personification (giving human traits to objects).

Point of view: first-person narration uses I or we and is told by a character; third-person narration uses he, she, or they and is told by a narrator outside the story.

A story's events follow a sequence; clue words such as first, then, next, later, and finally signal the order of events.

Main idea is what a text is mostly about; it is supported by key details, which are facts or examples that explain it.

Text structures: compare-contrast, cause-effect, problem-solution, chronological (time order), and description; signal words such as because, however, and first reveal the structure.

Firsthand account is written by someone who was there (I saw...); secondhand account is written by someone who was not there (reported by others).

A text feature is a tool that helps readers find information: heading, bold word, caption, diagram, table, timeline, glossary, and index.

An author's point of view is what the author thinks or believes about the topic; reasons and evidence in the text support that point of view.

An inference is a conclusion drawn from text evidence plus what the reader already knows; it is not stated directly in the text.

To integrate information from two texts on the same topic, name what both texts say and what one text adds that the other does not.

Context clues around an unknown word - definitions, examples, synonyms, or antonyms - help a reader figure out its meaning.

Opinion writing states a clear claim, gives reasons, supports each reason with evidence or examples, and ends with a concluding statement.

Informative writing has a topic sentence, grouped facts and definitions, linking words (also, because, for example), and a conclusion.

Narrative writing includes characters, setting, a problem, a sequence of events, dialogue, and a resolution, often told in first or third person.

A paragraph is built around one main idea: topic sentence, supporting details, and a closing sentence.

Revising improves ideas and organization (adding details, reordering, clarifying); editing fixes conventions (spelling, capitalization, punctuation, grammar).

Transition words connect ideas: to add (also, another), to contrast (however, but), to show cause (because, since), to show time (first, later, finally).

A strong conclusion restates the main idea in new words and leaves the reader with a final thought; it does not introduce a brand-new topic.

When writing to a prompt, the piece must answer every part of the prompt, and evidence must come from the provided source or text.

A complete sentence has a subject (who or what) and a predicate (what it does or is) and expresses a complete thought.

Relative pronouns (who, whom, whose, which, that) connect a clause to a noun; relative adverbs (where, when, why) introduce clauses about place, time, or reason.

Progressive verb tense uses a form of be plus -ing: was walking (past progressive), is walking (present progressive), will be walking (future progressive).

Modal auxiliaries (can, may, must, should, would) change meaning by showing ability, permission, necessity, or possibility.

Order adjectives in the standard sequence: opinion, size, age, shape, color, origin, material (e.g., a lovely small old round red French wooden box).

Frequently confused words: its (possessive) vs. it's (it is); their (possessive) vs. there (place) vs. they're (they are); to (direction) vs. too (also) vs. two (number).

Capitalize proper nouns (names, places, days, months, titles of works); do not capitalize common nouns.

Punctuate dialogue with quotation marks around the exact words spoken, plus commas and end marks placed correctly inside the quotation marks.

A fragment is missing a subject or predicate; a run-on joins two complete sentences without correct punctuation or a conjunction.

Theme is the message or lesson about life that a story teaches; it is stated in a full sentence, not one word like "friendship."

A summary of a story includes only the main characters, the main problem, the key events, and the solution - never small details or personal opinions.

Character traits are words describing what a character is like inside (brave, selfish, patient), while feelings are temporary emotions (nervous, delighted).

A character's actions, words, and thoughts are evidence for a trait; a reader must point to the text, not guess.

Setting is where and when a story takes place; it can shape the plot when weather, time period, or location causes problems.

Compare and contrast stories by naming one way they are alike and one way they are different, using details from both texts.

Figurative language in stories includes simile (like/as), metaphor (says one thing is another), and personification (giving human traits to objects).

Point of view: first-person narration uses I or we and is told by a character; third-person narration uses he, she, or they and is told by a narrator outside the story.

A story's events follow a sequence; clue words such as first, then, next, later, and finally signal the order of events.

Main idea is what a text is mostly about; it is supported by key details, which are facts or examples that explain it.

Text structures: compare-contrast, cause-effect, problem-solution, chronological (time order), and description; signal words such as because, however, and first reveal the structure.

Firsthand account is written by someone who was there (I saw...); secondhand account is written by someone who was not there (reported by others).

A text feature is a tool that helps readers find information: heading, bold word, caption, diagram, table, timeline, glossary, and index.

An author's point of view is what the author thinks or believes about the topic; reasons and evidence in the text support that point of view.

An inference is a conclusion drawn from text evidence plus what the reader already knows; it is not stated directly in the text.

To integrate information from two texts on the same topic, name what both texts say and what one text adds that the other does not.

Context clues around an unknown word - definitions, examples, synonyms, or antonyms - help a reader figure out its meaning.

Opinion writing states a clear claim, gives reasons, supports each reason with evidence or examples, and ends with a concluding statement.

Informative writing has a topic sentence, grouped facts and definitions, linking words (also, because, for example), and a conclusion.

Narrative writing includes characters, setting, a problem, a sequence of events, dialogue, and a resolution, often told in first or third person.

A paragraph is built around one main idea: topic sentence, supporting details, and a closing sentence.

Revising improves ideas and organization (adding details, reordering, clarifying); editing fixes conventions (spelling, capitalization, punctuation, grammar).

Transition words connect ideas: to add (also, another), to contrast (however, but), to show cause (because, since), to show time (first, later, finally).

A strong conclusion restates the main idea in new words and leaves the reader with a final thought; it does not introduce a brand-new topic.

When writing to a prompt, the piece must answer every part of the prompt, and evidence must come from the provided source or text.

A complete sentence has a subject (who or what) and a predicate (what it does or is) and expresses a complete thought.

Relative pronouns (who, whom, whose, which, that) connect a clause to a noun; relative adverbs (where, when, why) introduce clauses about place, time, or reason.

Progressive verb tense uses a form of be plus -ing: was walking (past progressive), is walking (present progressive), will be walking (future progressive).

Modal auxiliaries (can, may, must, should, would) change meaning by showing ability, permission, necessity, or possibility.

Order adjectives in the standard sequence: opinion, size, age, shape, color, origin, material (e.g., a lovely small old round red French wooden box).

Frequently confused words: its (possessive) vs. it's (it is); their (possessive) vs. there (place) vs. they're (they are); to (direction) vs. too (also) vs. two (number).

Capitalize proper nouns (names, places, days, months, titles of works); do not capitalize common nouns.

Punctuate dialogue with quotation marks around the exact words spoken, plus commas and end marks placed correctly inside the quotation marks.

A fragment is missing a subject or predicate; a run-on joins two complete sentences without correct punctuation or a conjunction.

Theme is the message or lesson about life that a story teaches; it is stated in a full sentence, not one word like "friendship."

A summary of a story includes only the main characters, the main problem, the key events, and the solution - never small details or personal opinions.

Character traits are words describing what a character is like inside (brave, selfish, patient), while feelings are temporary emotions (nervous, delighted).

A character's actions, words, and thoughts are evidence for a trait; a reader must point to the text, not guess.

Setting is where and when a story takes place; it can shape the plot when weather, time period, or location causes problems.

Compare and contrast stories by naming one way they are alike and one way they are different, using details from both texts.

Figurative language in stories includes simile (like/as), metaphor (says one thing is another), and personification (giving human traits to objects).

Point of view: first-person narration uses I or we and is told by a character; third-person narration uses he, she, or they and is told by a narrator outside the story.

A story's events follow a sequence; clue words such as first, then, next, later, and finally signal the order of events.

Main idea is what a text is mostly about; it is supported by key details, which are facts or examples that explain it.

Text structures: compare-contrast, cause-effect, problem-solution, chronological (time order), and description; signal words such as because, however, and first reveal the structure.

Firsthand account is written by someone who was there (I saw...); secondhand account is written by someone who was not there (reported by others).

A text feature is a tool that helps readers find information: heading, bold word, caption, diagram, table, timeline, glossary, and index.

An author's point of view is what the author thinks or believes about the topic; reasons and evidence in the text support that point of view.

An inference is a conclusion drawn from text evidence plus what the reader already knows; it is not stated directly in the text.

To integrate information from two texts on the same topic, name what both texts say and what one text adds that the other does not.

Context clues around an unknown word - definitions, examples, synonyms, or antonyms - help a reader figure out its meaning.

Opinion writing states a clear claim, gives reasons, supports each reason with evidence or examples, and ends with a concluding statement.

Informative writing has a topic sentence, grouped facts and definitions, linking words (also, because, for example), and a conclusion.

Narrative writing includes characters, setting, a problem, a sequence of events, dialogue, and a resolution, often told in first or third person.

A paragraph is built around one main idea: topic sentence, supporting details, and a closing sentence.

Revising improves ideas and organization (adding details, reordering, clarifying); editing fixes conventions (spelling, capitalization, punctuation, grammar).

Transition words connect ideas: to add (also, another), to contrast (however, but), to show cause (because, since), to show time (first, later, finally).

A strong conclusion restates the main idea in new words and leaves the reader with a final thought; it does not introduce a brand-new topic.

When writing to a prompt, the piece must answer every part of the prompt, and evidence must come from the provided source or text.

A complete sentence has a subject (who or what) and a predicate (what it does or is) and expresses a complete thought.

Relative pronouns (who, whom, whose, which, that) connect a clause to a noun; relative adverbs (where, when, why) introduce clauses about place, time, or reason.

Progressive verb tense uses a form of be plus -ing: was walking (past progressive), is walking (present progressive), will be walking (future progressive).

Modal auxiliaries (can, may, must, should, would) change meaning by showing ability, permission, necessity, or possibility.

Order adjectives in the standard sequence: opinion, size, age, shape, color, origin, material (e.g., a lovely small old round red French wooden box).

Frequently confused words: its (possessive) vs. it's (it is); their (possessive) vs. there (place) vs. they're (they are); to (direction) vs. too (also) vs. two (number).

Capitalize proper nouns (names, places, days, months, titles of works); do not capitalize common nouns.

Punctuate dialogue with quotation marks around the exact words spoken, plus commas and end marks placed correctly inside the quotation marks.

A fragment is missing a subject or predicate; a run-on joins two complete sentences without correct punctuation or a conjunction.

Theme is the message or lesson about life that a story teaches; it is stated in a full sentence, not one word like "friendship."

A summary of a story includes only the main characters, the main problem, the key events, and the solution - never small details or personal opinions.

Character traits are words describing what a character is like inside (brave, selfish, patient), while feelings are temporary emotions (nervous, delighted).

A character's actions, words, and thoughts are evidence for a trait; a reader must point to the text, not guess.

Setting is where and when a story takes place; it can shape the plot when weather, time period, or location causes problems.

Compare and contrast stories by naming one way they are alike and one way they are different, using details from both texts.

Figurative language in stories includes simile (like/as), metaphor (says one thing is another), and personification (giving human traits to objects).

Point of view: first-person narration uses I or we and is told by a character; third-person narration uses he, she, or they and is told by a narrator outside the story.

A story's events follow a sequence; clue words such as first, then, next, later, and finally signal the order of events.

Main idea is what a text is mostly about; it is supported by key details, which are facts or examples that explain it.

Text structures: compare-contrast, cause-effect, problem-solution, chronological (time order), and description; signal words such as because, however, and first reveal the structure.

Firsthand account is written by someone who was there (I saw...); secondhand account is written by someone who was not there (reported by others).

A text feature is a tool that helps readers find information: heading, bold word, caption, diagram, table, timeline, glossary, and index.

An author's point of view is what the author thinks or believes about the topic; reasons and evidence in the text support that point of view.

An inference is a conclusion drawn from text evidence plus what the reader already knows; it is not stated directly in the text.

To integrate information from two texts on the same topic, name what both texts say and what one text adds that the other does not.

Context clues around an unknown word - definitions, examples, synonyms, or antonyms - help a reader figure out its meaning.

Opinion writing states a clear claim, gives reasons, supports each reason with evidence or examples, and ends with a concluding statement.

Informative writing has a topic sentence, grouped facts and definitions, linking words (also, because, for example), and a conclusion.

Narrative writing includes characters, setting, a problem, a sequence of events, dialogue, and a resolution, often told in first or third person.

A paragraph is built around one main idea: topic sentence, supporting details, and a closing sentence.

Revising improves ideas and organization (adding details, reordering, clarifying); editing fixes conventions (spelling, capitalization, punctuation, grammar).

Transition words connect ideas: to add (also, another), to contrast (however, but), to show cause (because, since), to show time (first, later, finally).

A strong conclusion restates the main idea in new words and leaves the reader with a final thought; it does not introduce a brand-new topic.

When writing to a prompt, the piece must answer every part of the prompt, and evidence must come from the provided source or text.

A complete sentence has a subject (who or what) and a predicate (what it does or is) and expresses a complete thought.

Relative pronouns (who, whom, whose, which, that) connect a clause to a noun; relative adverbs (where, when, why) introduce clauses about place, time, or reason.

Progressive verb tense uses a form of be plus -ing: was walking (past progressive), is walking (present progressive), will be walking (future progressive).

Modal auxiliaries (can, may, must, should, would) change meaning by showing ability, permission, necessity, or possibility.

Order adjectives in the standard sequence: opinion, size, age, shape, color, origin, material (e.g., a lovely small old round red French wooden box).

Frequently confused words: its (possessive) vs. it's (it is); their (possessive) vs. there (place) vs. they're (they are); to (direction) vs. too (also) vs. two (number).

Capitalize proper nouns (names, places, days, months, titles of works); do not capitalize common nouns.

Punctuate dialogue with quotation marks around the exact words spoken, plus commas and end marks placed correctly inside the quotation marks.

A fragment is missing a subject or predicate; a run-on joins two complete sentences without correct punctuation or a conjunction.

Theme is the message or lesson about life that a story teaches; it is stated in a full sentence, not one word like "friendship."

A summary of a story includes only the main characters, the main problem, the key events, and the solution - never small details or personal opinions.

Character traits are words describing what a character is like inside (brave, selfish, patient), while feelings are temporary emotions (nervous, delighted).

A character's actions, words, and thoughts are evidence for a trait; a reader must point to the text, not guess.

Setting is where and when a story takes place; it can shape the plot when weather, time period, or location causes problems.

Compare and contrast stories by naming one way they are alike and one way they are different, using details from both texts.

Figurative language in stories includes simile (like/as), metaphor (says one thing is another), and personification (giving human traits to objects).

Point of view: first-person narration uses I or we and is told by a character; third-person narration uses he, she, or they and is told by a narrator outside the story.

A story's events follow a sequence; clue words such as first, then, next, later, and finally signal the order of events.

Main idea is what a text is mostly about; it is supported by key details, which are facts or examples that explain it.

Text structures: compare-contrast, cause-effect, problem-solution, chronological (time order), and description; signal words such as because, however, and first reveal the structure.

Firsthand account is written by someone who was there (I saw...); secondhand account is written by someone who was not there (reported by others).

A text feature is a tool that helps readers find information: heading, bold word, caption, diagram, table, timeline, glossary, and index.

An author's point of view is what the author thinks or believes about the topic; reasons and evidence in the text support that point of view.

An inference is a conclusion drawn from text evidence plus what the reader already knows; it is not stated directly in the text.

To integrate information from two texts on the same topic, name what both texts say and what one text adds that the other does not.

Context clues around an unknown word - definitions, examples, synonyms, or antonyms - help a reader figure out its meaning.

Opinion writing states a clear claim, gives reasons, supports each reason with evidence or examples, and ends with a concluding statement.

Informative writing has a topic sentence, grouped facts and definitions, linking words (also, because, for example), and a conclusion.

Narrative writing includes characters, setting, a problem, a sequence of events, dialogue, and a resolution, often told in first or third person.

A paragraph is built around one main idea: topic sentence, supporting details, and a closing sentence.

Revising improves ideas and organization (adding details, reordering, clarifying); editing fixes conventions (spelling, capitalization, punctuation, grammar).

Transition words connect ideas: to add (also, another), to contrast (however, but), to show cause (because, since), to show time (first, later, finally).

A strong conclusion restates the main idea in new words and leaves the reader with a final thought; it does not introduce a brand-new topic.

When writing to a prompt, the piece must answer every part of the prompt, and evidence must come from the provided source or text.

A complete sentence has a subject (who or what) and a predicate (what it does or is) and expresses a complete thought.

Relative pronouns (who, whom, whose, which, that) connect a clause to a noun; relative adverbs (where, when, why) introduce clauses about place, time, or reason.

Progressive verb tense uses a form of be plus -ing: was walking (past progressive), is walking (present progressive), will be walking (future progressive).

Modal auxiliaries (can, may, must, should, would) change meaning by showing ability, permission, necessity, or possibility.

Order adjectives in the standard sequence: opinion, size, age, shape, color, origin, material (e.g., a lovely small old round red French wooden box).

Frequently confused words: its (possessive) vs. it's (it is); their (possessive) vs. there (place) vs. they're (they are); to (direction) vs. too (also) vs. two (number).

Capitalize proper nouns (names, places, days, months, titles of works); do not capitalize common nouns.

Punctuate dialogue with quotation marks around the exact words spoken, plus commas and end marks placed correctly inside the quotation marks.

A fragment is missing a subject or predicate; a run-on joins two complete sentences without correct punctuation or a conjunction.

Theme is the message or lesson about life that a story teaches; it is stated in a full sentence, not one word like "friendship."

A summary of a story includes only the main characters, the main problem, the key events, and the solution - never small details or personal opinions.

Character traits are words describing what a character is like inside (brave, selfish, patient), while feelings are temporary emotions (nervous, delighted).

A character's actions, words, and thoughts are evidence for a trait; a reader must point to the text, not guess.

Setting is where and when a story takes place; it can shape the plot when weather, time period, or location causes problems.

Compare and contrast stories by naming one way they are alike and one way they are different, using details from both texts.

Figurative language in stories includes simile (like/as), metaphor (says one thing is another), and personification (giving human traits to objects).

Point of view: first-person narration uses I or we and is told by a character; third-person narration uses he, she, or they and is told by a narrator outside the story.

A story's events follow a sequence; clue words such as first, then, next, later, and finally signal the order of events.

Main idea is what a text is mostly about; it is supported by key details, which are facts or examples that explain it.

Text structures: compare-contrast, cause-effect, problem-solution, chronological (time order), and description; signal words such as because, however, and first reveal the structure.

Firsthand account is written by someone who was there (I saw...); secondhand account is written by someone who was not there (reported by others).

A text feature is a tool that helps readers find information: heading, bold word, caption, diagram, table, timeline, glossary, and index.

An author's point of view is what the author thinks or believes about the topic; reasons and evidence in the text support that point of view.

An inference is a conclusion drawn from text evidence plus what the reader already knows; it is not stated directly in the text.

To integrate information from two texts on the same topic, name what both texts say and what one text adds that the other does not.

Context clues around an unknown word - definitions, examples, synonyms, or antonyms - help a reader figure out its meaning.

Opinion writing states a clear claim, gives reasons, supports each reason with evidence or examples, and ends with a concluding statement.

Informative writing has a topic sentence, grouped facts and definitions, linking words (also, because, for example), and a conclusion.

Narrative writing includes characters, setting, a problem, a sequence of events, dialogue, and a resolution, often told in first or third person.

A paragraph is built around one main idea: topic sentence, supporting details, and a closing sentence.

Revising improves ideas and organization (adding details, reordering, clarifying); editing fixes conventions (spelling, capitalization, punctuation, grammar).

Transition words connect ideas: to add (also, another), to contrast (however, but), to show cause (because, since), to show time (first, later, finally).

A strong conclusion restates the main idea in new words and leaves the reader with a final thought; it does not introduce a brand-new topic.

When writing to a prompt, the piece must answer every part of the prompt, and evidence must come from the provided source or text.

A complete sentence has a subject (who or what) and a predicate (what it does or is) and expresses a complete thought.

Relative pronouns (who, whom, whose, which, that) connect a clause to a noun; relative adverbs (where, when, why) introduce clauses about place, time, or reason.

Progressive verb tense uses a form of be plus -ing: was walking (past progressive), is walking (present progressive), will be walking (future progressive).

Modal auxiliaries (can, may, must, should, would) change meaning by showing ability, permission, necessity, or possibility.

Order adjectives in the standard sequence: opinion, size, age, shape, color, origin, material (e.g., a lovely small old round red French wooden box).

Frequently confused words: its (possessive) vs. it's (it is); their (possessive) vs. there (place) vs. they're (they are); to (direction) vs. too (also) vs. two (number).

Capitalize proper nouns (names, places, days, months, titles of works); do not capitalize common nouns.

Punctuate dialogue with quotation marks around the exact words spoken, plus commas and end marks placed correctly inside the quotation marks.

A fragment is missing a subject or predicate; a run-on joins two complete sentences without correct punctuation or a conjunction.