ATI TEAS READING
Key Ideas and Details (R.1)
Summarizing a Complex Text (R.1.1)
The passage contains the TOPIC (or subject) and the CONTROLLING IDEA (or... [Show More] supporting details)
● The topic is a noun or noun phrase that encapsulates the subject matter of the writing
○ Examples of topics include: arteries, acid, alleles, mammals, and recycling
● The author will include supporting details that show and support the point the author is trying to make
Key Terms
Controlling Idea - The main idea of the text
Key Ideas - Ideas that support the controlling idea
Rephrase/Paraphrase - Explain an idea IN YOUR OWN WORDS.
Infer the Logical Conclusion (R.1.2)
Making an INFERENCE involves using what you know to make a guess about what you don't know, or reading between the lines.
● Identifying key terms is critical
○ Key terms include those that provide sequence or chronology, descriptive words and phrases, and words that convey value judgments and opinions
○ Key terms can provide both explicit information and implicit information that allows readers to make inferences.
● Many readers assume that making an inference and drawing a conclusion are the same
○ An inference suggests an idea by details and evidence
○ A conclusion asks the reader to analyze and make a decision based on predictions, details, evidence, and results.
Key Terms
Conclusion - A deduction made by a reader about an unstated outcome from a passage.
Explicit - The information is DIRECTLY STATED within the passage.
Inferences - A conclusion reached by critical thinking.
Implications = Things NOT DIRECTLY STATED, but readers can ASSUME based on what the author does say.
Logic - The framework of reasoning used to understand ideas
Identify the topic, main idea, and supporting details (R.1.3)
The reader must identify the topic and author’s main idea, and then identify the author’s key points that support the topic (supporting details).
● Explain how supporting details clarify or relate to the main idea Be aware of the placement of the topic sentence
● The topic sentence should appear near the beginning and include the main idea
○ A topic sentence must not be too specific or too general
● The topic answers the question, “Who or what is this passage about?”
Supporting details develop - through explanation, elaboration, or clarification - the idea portrayed in the topic sentence.
● The supporting ideas should answer the questions, “who, what, where, when, why, and how?”
Key Terms
Topic - Subject of a text
Main Idea = Main idea is most important point being made. Often needs a full sentence.
Supporting Details = Provide EVIDENCES/EXAMPLES for the main idea.
Follow a given set of directions (R.1.4)
The reader must demonstrate the ability to follow directions by identifying important terms and recognizing the relationships among the tasks.
Procedural signal words - Terms that signify order, relationship among steps. Follow a set of directions, like in a RECIPE to make a cake.
first second next last
then finally while before
Directions are very specific, using language that tells how to accomplish the steps
From left to right Carefully and with
After it has set Choose all that apply
While the … complete steps From top to bottom
Identify specific Information from printed Communication (R.1.5)
Printed communication, such as memos, announcements, and advertisements fulfill this definition.
● It is beneficial to understand how to identify relevant information and recognize the text structures of printed communication
Memo (Memorandum) - A common form of WRITTEN or PRINTED COMMUNICATION. It has heading at the top indicating RECIPIENTS, AUTHOR, DATE, AND RECIPIENT, and SUBJECT. Below this information will be the body of the memo; which includes and INTRODUCTION informing the readers of the specific context of the memo. Following with BODY PARAGRAPHS, informing the reader of important information. The CONCLUDING SECTION includes take-away information, and includes where to address any questions for concerns.
*usually business oriented*
Printed Public Announcements - A common form of PRINTED COMMUNICATION.
Public (printed) announcements inform the public about organizations, upcoming events, and services
● The message must be short, the design simple and eye-pleasing, and the important information easily accessible.
● The content should include:
○ a link to information access
○ Information about the supporting organizations
○ Supporting details
■ The supporting details should be in images and short phrases, if possible.
Classified Advertisement (ads) - Short, detailed text offering items and services
● A headline that engages the reader in seconds (can be a rhetorical question, bold statement or exclamation)
● An item or service offered to the audience (mentions the benefits of the item or service)
● A call to action (includes how to get the item or service)
Key Terms
Blog - A website that is usually informal and independently run Classified - A print advertisement selling or soliciting something Forum - An online message board
Memorandum - A written informal note usually used for business purposes
Identify information from a graphic representation of information (R.1.6)
These pictorial images allow readers to comprehend important verbal and written idea in accessible and brief form.
● Graphics can also assist readers in selecting important information that might otherwise be missing by portraying key parts that make up a whole.
● Graphic representations include: bar, pie, and flow charts, graphs, maps,and illustrations
Features of graphic representations
Graphic representations can illustrate diverse topics and designs, but common features include: titles, subheads, keys/legends, and scales.
● The title articulates the purpose of the graphic
● The legend clarifies what each symbol, color, or shape represents
● The scale represents the distance between two points
Key Terms
Graphic - A diagram, graph, illustration, or other piece of artwork
Legend/Key/Map - Map feature that explains symbols, colors, shapes, and other elements.
Scale - Ratio of distance expressed to actual measurement
Recognize events in a sequence (R.1.7)
Sequence refers to order and pattern
There is a subtle difference between sequential and chronological order
● Sequential refers to a fixed order in which there is a logical pattern
● Chronological refers to events in an order in which they happen and require a time element
○ Chronological signal words describe when one event occurs and ends, and when another even begins
Sequential order is signaled by words such as:
first second next last
then finally while before
now when after subsequently
Chronological order is signaled by words such as:
When How often Length of time
today always all year
yesterday rarely all season
later often all day
now never since
last year seldom one day
Key Terms
Chronological - In order by time
Sequential - Following a set order
Craft and Structure (R.2)
Distinguish between fact and opinion, biases, and stereotypes (R.2.1)
Becoming aware of the tone, word choice, biases or stereotypes, and use of fact or opinion allows a reader to critically evaluate an author’s point of view.
POINT OF VIEW - The way an author considers the subject of the writing.
FACTS AND OPINIONS - It is essential to understand that a fact can be proven true or false
● The reader must decide whether the facts are reliable
● Opinions can have a basis in facts but depend upon an author’s belief portrayed in the text
○ Opinions can be used to mislead or persuade a reader
Fact Opinion
At least 23% of all automobile collisions involve cell phones Texting while driving is done by ignorant people
STEREOTYPES and BIASES - A reader must understand that a stereotype is a biased belief about a person or group and does not recognize individual differences or social distinction, whereas a bias is a preferential viewpoint that often does not allow for objective discussion.
Key Terms
Assumption - An uncertain belief of an unstated idea
Bias - Prejudice in favor of or against one thing, person, or group compared with another, usually in a way considered to be unfair/inaccurate and author ignores reasonable counterargument.
Fact - A statement that can be proven
Opinion - Thought, believe, idea, judgment that cannot be proved.
Point of view - The author’s position from which something is observed or considered; a standpoint Stereotype - A fixed image or idea categorizing a certain group of people into one misconception Tone - The author’s voice and attitude toward the topic
Recognizing the structure of texts in various form (R.2.2)
Modes are defined as classifications of rhetorical writing, such as persuasive, expository, and narrative.
PERSUASIVE/ARGUMENTATIVE
This mode allows the author to convince the reader to believe something about the written topic.
● The author usually attempts the reader to feel, think, or behave a certain way
● Persuasive language must be able to portray strong opinions
Strong opinion signal words and phrases
In the first place Without a doubt undoubtedly unquestionably
It is my belief that All that to the side From my point of view I question whether
PROBLEM/SOLUTION
This structure includes the following: introduction of the problem being addressed, a description of the problem, a plausible solution to the problem, and a closing that challenges the reader to take action.
Signal words for problem/solution essays:
the problem so that for this reason if … then...
because this led to a solution one reason for
EXPOSITORY
In this mode of writing, the author informs, explains, or tells how to.
● It does not include opinions but only uses facts and examples
● It uses a logical order of least to most important. Most to least important, or a detailed step-by-step process
CAUSE and EFFECT
The CAUSE is why something happens. The EFFECT is what happened.
due to consequently as a result of if … then ...
was responsible for as might be expected made possible by since
COMPARE/CONTRAST
To COMPARE is to find similarities
To CONTRAST is to identify differences
on the contrary similarly have in common in spite of
in like manner compared to in the same way as well as
Procedure
first next then in closing
to begin with accordingly last to finish
NARRATIVE
The narrative mode has several purposes; authors can entertain, inform, and challenge their readers.
Interpret the meaning of words and phrases using context (R.2.3)
In order to be a successful reader, you must adeptly identify correct definitions, distinguish between diverse meanings, and distinguish between figurative and connotative meaning.
1. First, find the meaning in context.
a. The context is the text preceding or following a specific word
b. Several types of context clues provide hints:
i. Root Words and affixes
1. A root is the base of a word and can have a prefix or suffix added to make meaning
ii. Contrasting signal phrases
iii. Definition
iv. Example or illustration
Distinguishing between figurative and connotative meanings
The connotative meaning of a word is a combination of the word’s definition and its suggested meaning based on context and emotions or associations evoked by a word.
Many authors employ creative ways to state ideas and make unfamiliar setting and objects more accessible to the reader
Figurative Device
Definition
Example
Metaphor Comparison between unlike things without using like or as The teacher is a lion.
Simile Comparison between unlike things using like or as The teacher is like a lion.
Personification Giving human attributes to something nonhuman. The leaves danced in the wind.
Comprehension of a text can depend upon a reader’s ability to infer the meaning of the word by reading between the author’s lines.
Word Connotation
childlike immature
youthful lively, energetic
Key Terms
Connotation - An implied meaning of a word or idea Denotation - An explicitly stated meaning of a word or idea Figurative - By figure of speech, usually a metaphor
Determine the denotative meaning of words (R.2.4)
The denotative meaning of a word is its dictionary definition.
● The most easiest way to find a word’s meaning is to look in a dictionary
○ You should be able to locate the word in the dictionary using guide words
● Dictionaries usually include a word’s part of speech
○ Noun (n.), verb (v.), adjective (adj.), and adverb (adv.) are common parts of speech
Dictionary Entry = Word’s meaning, spelling, and pronunciation. A simple entry might look like this:
well 1 (wĕl) n. 1. A deep hole or shaft sunk into the earth to obtain water, oil, gas, or brine. 2. A container or reservoir for a liquid, such as ink.
Key Terms
Context - Nearby text that influences understanding
Guide words - Words in a dictionary that help readers locate words
Word origin - How a word came to its current use and meaning
Evaluate the author’s purpose in a given text (R.2.5)
Determining an author’s purpose, or the reason a particular piece of text was written, can help you focus on the most important details of a text.
To evaluate the author’s purpose in a given text: Ask yourself whether the author is trying to persuade, inform, or entertain.
To Determine the authorial intent, ask:
Where does this text appear?
● If a text appears in a newspaper the author might have intended to inform a community about issues pertinent to a specific geographical area.
● Novels, short stories, and poems are generally created to entertain an audience.
● Advertisements are created to persuade a group of people to make a purchase or act on a specific request
What is the structure of the text?
● Narrative
○ Narrative structures appear in stories or poetry, which often serve to entertain an audience. These texts generally include a plot and one or more characters trying to overcome an obstacle.
● Informational
○ Often includes section headings that might appear in bold or underlined type
○ These texts also include bulleted or numbered lists, short phrases, images with captions, maps and diagrams.
○ Course textbooks are another form of information text
Both of these are used to inform readers about a specific topic
● Persuasive
○ Writers of advertisements seek to sell a service, product, or idea to a specific audience
○ Newspapers often include editorials that express specific opinion intended to persuade readers about a topic of local interest
What is the author’s tone?
● Authors who intend to simply inform readers tend to use straightforward, neutral language that lacks emotional correlation
● Authors who intend to persuade might use emotionally-charged language coupled with images to evoke a specific emotion in readers
Paying attention to an author's words can help you determine the intended message.
Evaluate the author’s point of view in a given text (R.2.6)
Determine an author’s point of view (POV) in a text and analyze how the author acknowledges and responds to conflicting evidence or viewpoints.
Identifying an Author’s Position - Look for language and argumentation that seems to indicate a particular stance on the subject.
● Think about who the author is, who they are associated with, type of publication, whether info is fact or opinion.
● Analyzing the relevance or irrelevance of the author's information can also be an effective way to determine a writer’s POV
Key Terms
Fact-checking - Verifying facts and statements in text
Peer-reviewed journal - Published writings that have been analyzed by experts in the field
Use text features (R.2.7)
Text features are parts of a text that are designed to stand out from a larger text for a specific reason.
These features can be used for a number of purposes, such as to orient a reader, provide additional information or background knowledge, assist a reader with quickly locating information, and provide a clear organizational structure.
● Some examples include:
○ Headings and Subheadings - They are printed in larger and bolder fonts. Headings are meant to alert you about what is coming next. Subheadings give the topic of smaller sections.
○ Footnotes and Endnotes - Footnotes are located at the bottom of a page which lists where facts and figures within that document page were obtained. Endnote is at the end of paragraphs and chapters of a document.
○ Bold Text and Underlining - Bold text indicates importance. Underlining suggests emphasis. (Titles of books, magazines, and work of art)
○ Italics - Used for titles of works (e.g. books), foreign words or phrases, and for emphasis
○ Legends - Map feature that explains symbols and other elements
Key Terms
Index - Normally, a nonfiction book will have an index at the end. It is for you to find information about specific topics.
Table of Contents - Table of contents at the beginning. It lists the different subjects or chapter titles with a page number.
Preface - (i.e., a note that explains the background of the book) or introduction. Roman numerals.
Glossary - Where to find word definitions.
Integration of Knowledge and Ideas (R.3)
Identify primary sources in various media (R.3.1)
The term “primary source documents” refers to artifacts, letters, recordings, images, and other media
that have not been altered from their original state.
● Primary sources exist in all types of media
● Some examples: Diaries of WWII soldiers, Handmade ancient artifacts
Primary source - A firsthand document or source created at the time in question
Secondary Source - Secondhand account of events.
Tertiary source - A compilation of primary and secondary sources
Making Predictions, Inferences and Drawing Conclusions (R.3.2)
Readers draw conclusions by making reasonable inferences and predictions based on details they find in a text
● Writers expect readers to ask questions, form hypotheses, and draw on potentially important details to predict characters’ actions, plot twists, and story resolutions
Literary Techniques
Foreshadowing - An author’s hints of events to come
● Readers can make reasonable predictions about what is going to happen based on details in the passage.
Inference - You make inferences by examining the facts of a given situation and determining what those facts suggest about the situation.
Predictions - A reader’s guess of events to come
Drawing Conclusions - In addition to inferences and predictions, readers must often draw conclusions about the information they have read.
Compare and contrast themes from print and other sources (R.3.3)
A theme is a broad concept that an author addresses.
● How the theme plays out in the specific context of the story will inform our understanding of the larger story
○ This task requires several skills: finding similarities and differences between themes, recognizing similar themes across different cultures, comparing and contrasting the ways single author uses a theme, comparing and contrasting different themes related to a topic, and comparing and contrasting how a theme appears across different genres.
● Authors often take different perspectives on a single theme
○ It’s important to recognize that authors can treat the same theme very differently within works of fiction or nonfiction.
Genre - A group of related writings or other media Medium -
Social commentary - Use of rhetoric to make statements about current culture Social structure - The system and relationships between groups of society Theme - A foundational concept engaged with by a piece of art
Evaluate an argument and its specific claims (R.3.4)
An author’s argument is essentially a point that an author believes or seems to believe is true.
● The argument (sometimes called a claim) is what is stated, and the author often will provide reasons - or evidence - that support the argument.
● An argument consists of a conclusion and the reasons that allegedly support it
Evaluate an argument and its specific claims: Identify an author’s argument and supporting evidence, and examine the info that supports the argument to determine its relevance and sufficiency
● Evidence - The term text evidence refers to information that supports the author's argument
● Credibility - A text is credible, or believable, when the author is reputable and/or unbiased
● Counter Arguments - When the authors give both sides to the argument.
Data from Different Sources and in Different Formats (R.3.5)
Evaluate, analyze, organize and synthesize data from various formats
● These sources can include, charts, graphs, texts and diagrams that help to explain an idea
● It is usually wise to seek multiple data sources so that an understanding can be based on multiple perspectives
Key Terms
Source - Articles by experts in their subjects, published in scholarly journals.
Line Graph - Measuring trends over time. Left to right. Line sloped up.
Bar Graph - Common visual representation of information. The graph has a vertical axis (along which numbers are listed), and a horizontal axis (along which categories, words, or some other indicators are placed).
Pie Chart - Also known as a circle graph, is useful for depicting how a single unit or category is divided. [Show Less]
