Words commonly
found in the PARCC
Sandy Rocco 2015
Words from Rutgers-PARCC powerpoint
Information & Pictures from various websites
“In the passage, the author creates a vivid
setting. Think about the details the author
used to develop the setting.”
It’s just words!!!!
COMPARE
compare
Definition: examine to find similarities
(likenesses) amongst two or more
things
Sentence: Compare how the plot of
each story is similar.
CONTRAST
contrast
Definition: examine to find differences
amongst two or more things
Sentence: Contrast the 2 different
articles.
phrase
Definition: a group of related words
Sentence: Which phrase best supports
your answer?
describe
Definition: to provide a representation
of something using its features and
characteristics
Sentence: Which sentence best
describes the central idea?
context
Definition: clues (often the
surrounding words/sentences) that help
determine an answer
Sentence: Which sentence best
describes the central idea?
identify
Definition: to pick something out using
individual features or characteristics
Sentence: Identify the main character
of the story.
story, selection,
text or passage
Definition: the series of events (plot)
told in a novel or poem, etc.
Sentence: Continue the story.
demonstrate
Definition: to show or prove
something using examples
Sentence: Which statement best
demonstrates the character’s feelings?
determine
Definition: to decide or conclude using
evidence or facts
Sentence: Determine the theme of
the story.
explain
Definition: to answer a question using
evidence or facts
Sentence: Explain the meaning of the
bolded word.
support, proof,
textual evidence
Definition: to back up your answer
with evidence
Sentence: Which statement best
supports the main idea?
details
Definition: pieces of information that
tell more or support
Sentence: Which details are important
to include in your summary?
develop, elaborate
Definition: to create or expand
Sentence: Select one theme that is
developed in both texts.
narrative
Definition: a true or fictional story
Sentence: Write a personal narrative
about a time you were scared.
expository
Definition: text based on fact
Sentence: Write an expository passage
about the article you just read.
persuasive
Definition: text meant to convince the
reader
Sentence: Write a persuasive letter to
your principal about your stance on
homework.
central or main idea
Definition: the key or most important
point made in a text
Sentence: Which sentence states the
central idea of the passage?
theme
Definition: a message about life the
author wants you to know
Sentence: What is the main theme of
the story?
express
Definition: to say or write in a clear
way.
Sentence: Which statement best the
expresses the main idea?
infer
Definition: a conclusion based on clues
given
Sentence: What can you infer about
the character using his/her behaviors?
summarize
Definition: to tell the main points in a
clear way
Sentence: Which statement best
summarizes the speaker’s feelings?
evidence
Definition: Facts that prove of support
Sentence: Use evidence to support
your answer.
structure
Definition: the way a text is organized
or put together
Sentence: How does the author
structure the article’s information?
narrator
Definition: the person or character
telling the story
Sentence: How does the narrator’s
attitude change from beginning to end?
contribute
Definition: to help bring about
Sentence: How does the first
paragraph contribute to the setting?
“In the passage, the author
creates a vivid setting. Think
about the details the author used
to develop the setting.”
I GET IT!!!
They want me to talk about how the
author create a “picture” in my mind
of the setting using examples form the
story.
Piece of cake!!!!