Reading Literary Nonfiction

file:///Users/JACKIE/Desktop/Gr_8_Unit_3_Reading_Literary_Non-fiction_An_Unbreakable_Code_14-15.pdf


Comprehension Questions
1) FIGURATIVE vs. LITERAL LANGUAGE
In literal language, the words mean the same as their dictionary definitions. Figurative language
involves the use of words and phrases to mean something other than their dictionary definitions.
Look at paragraph 1. Is the phrase “the target of surprise attack” literal or figurative language?
What about “Americans heard the call of duty”? Explain the difference.
2) CONTEXT CLUES
Context clues are words and phrases around a difficult word that can help a reader determine its
meaning. Look at the word fluent in paragraph 2. What do you think it means? Which context
clues helped you determine the meaning? Now do the same with decipher.
3) MAIN IDEAS AND SUPPORTING DETAILS
The main idea is what a text is mostly about. Supporting details help to convey, or show, the
main idea. What is the main idea of paragraph 6? Which details support this main idea.
4) CONCLUSION
A conclusion is a decision you make about all or part of the passage based on information form
the text, inferences you make as you read, and your prior knowledge. Look at paragraph 7.
What conclusion can you draw about the chose? Which details support your conclusion?
5) INFERENCE
An inference is an idea that the reader reaches by putting the information in a text together with
what her or she already knows. Look at paragraph 11. What inference can you make about
Chester Nez? Which details led you to this inference?
6) SUMMARY
A summary tells the most important ideas of a text in a few sentences. Look at paragraph 15.
Summarize the experiences of the Code Talkers after the war.