Grade Six books to read at home that
enhance – Content and Structure of
Literary Text
6th Grade Reading
Escape From
Fire Mountain
focuses on how
the plot and
1st Strand
story setting
effect the
characters.
Vocabulary
2nd Strand
Where the Sidewalk
Ends and other books of
Silent
Thunder a
poetry develop an
understanding of the many
conventions of poetry.
historical fiction
novel is an era of
different types of
figurative
language.
Develop a General
Understanding
Finding answers by
looking in the text.
4th Strand
Develop an
Interpretation
Thinking about story
meaning beyond what
the text may say.
Dear Parents,
In Grade five
your student is
aiming for a
score of 222 on
the OAKS
Reading
Assessment in
six strand areas.
6th Strand
Contents &
Structure of
Literary Text
Number the
Stars is an
amazing
historical novel
leading to
conversations
about the authors
point of view and
the plot.
Understanding how to
determine the
meaning of a word.
I Am The Ice
Worm is how a
girl’s point of
view differs from
the situation she
is thrown into.
3rd Strand
Read to Perform
a Task:
Looking at Graphs,
Charts and Indexes of
many kinds to locate
information.
5th Strand
Contents &
Structure of
Information Text
Analyzing
Informational text for
many purposes.
Analyzing Literary
text for many
purposes.
http://www.newton.k12.ks.us/sch/w/start/5th_grade.htm
A GREAT SITE FOR ONLINE READING GAMES!
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Grade Six Books to read at home that Enhance
Content and Structure of Literary Text
To the Parents:
This booklet can help you and your child work together at
home to improve reading comprehension using a format that
will enable your child to perform well on the OAKS reading
test.
This booklet has three goals:
Imagery and Word Choice
It must have heard me where I stopped, snorted white steam my
way, and stretched its long neck out to see, 1 and chewed, and
grinned quite amiably.
The effect of the line “Snorted white steam my way” is to…
1. For the parent: To explains what the “strands” (goals) are
for each area of reading comprehension your child will be
tested on.
A.
B.
C.
D.
2. For parent and child: To provide state test samples you
can practice at home that are similar to the ones on the
test.
compare the speaker’s fear to the shovel’s size.
establish the historic validity of dinosaurs.
continue the comparison between the shovel and a dinosaur.
emphasize the insignificance of humans when confronted.
Author’s Point of View
A pair of men’s moccasins waited in a glass box
Free
on a pedestal. Grampa Halfmoon told Ray,
“These put me in the mind of bein’ back home.”
3. For parent and child: To inform you of books you can read
together and discuss at home that encourage the use of
the reading strategies [strands] your child will be tested
on.
Which best describes the mood the author is
attempting to create by having Grampa
Half moon tell his family stories?
A. Sadness, because it shows Grampa is stuck
in the past.
B. Wistfulness, because Grampa was longing
for the past.
C. Awe, because it shows Grampa has a great
memory.
D. Curiosity, because it makes Ray want to
know more.
To the Teacher:
This book is designed as a tool that should be delivered to the
parents but with a brief overview and explanation (modeling)
on how to use this book throughout the school year.
Tone (meaning) in Poetry
One rolls on her back with joy in the clean grass! And they all,
awkwardly and hesitantly, like Clumsy old men, begin to run, and
the field Is full of happy thunder.
The test samples and strand data for this booklet can be found on the Oregon State Departments of
Education web site. The use of this booklet was designed for the Hillsboro School District based on HSD
Power Standards along with the ODE strand categories. This booklet is paid for and furnished to teachers
for instruction by the HSD.
The concept of this booklet was created by Rick & Susan Richmond
© Rick & Susan Richmond 2010 Revision: Original 03-2010
No part of this publication may be reproduced or transmitted in any form or by any means, electronic or
mechanical, without written permission from Rick & Susan Richmond and the Oregon State Department of
Education and the Hillsboro School District.
Page 1
Phrases like “clumsy old men” and “happy thunder” that the author
uses in the last two stanzas of the poem are intended to create a
tone of…
A.
B.
C.
D.
distrust.
resentment.
delight.
kindness.
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STRAND 1
STRAND 6
I can analyze and evaluate literary text
to….
I can figure out a new word by…..
explain the effects of literary elements and devices on the
reader, including;
1.
2.
3.
4.
5.
6.
7.

point of view.
plot.
setting.
exaggeration.
metaphors.
similes.
personification.
interpreting the meaning of figurative language found in
METAPHORS (comparing two things without using the
words “like or as”; it rained cats and dogs, and
SIMILES
(comparing two things using “like or as” ; fast as a fox ) and
how a word is being used when it has MULTIPLE MEANINGS
(is it a noun, verb or adjective?)
recognize the use and effects of the conventions used in
poetry, including;
1.
2.
3.
4.
5.
6.
7.
8.
CONTEXT CLUES! I can figure out a new word
by….
word choice.
figurative language.
sentence structure.
line length.
punctuation.
rhythm (meter).
repetition.
rhyme.

Parent Note: Most questions on the OAKS test for
Examine Content and Structure of Literary Text in grade
six asks students to tell the meaning of a phrase in
poetry and/or show an understanding of author’s
purpose in using any of the above elements.
Page 17
looking
at Word, Sentence, Paragraph Clues
Parent Note: Most questions on the OAKS test for
Vocabulary in grade six asks students to express what a
phrase or word means (such as idioms, synonyms or
what the character is trying to really say).
Page 2
Synonyms/Antonyms/Idioms
A family friend helped her set up a web site featuring
pictures and brief descriptions of homeless animals from area
shelters. “Pets Pal” was launched in July of 1998. Since then, twenty one
different municipal, private, and humane society shelters have signed up
for Lindsey’s free service
The article says that Pets Pal was launched in July of 1998. In this
sentence, launched means
A.
B.
C.
D.
scheduled.
started.
released.
stopped.
Looking at Context Clues
Grade Six Books to read at home that Enhance
Content and Structure of Informational Text
A Complete
Book of
Science is a
great text to
emphasize the
difference
between fact
and opinion.
They have been too long in the blind
mine, Their hooves have trodden only
stones And the soft, thick dust of fine
coal,
In this poem, the word trodden means…
A.
B.
C.
D.
walked on.
pulled up.
looked upon.
tripped over.
Figurative Language
In the phrase, “he was about to cradle it in his
big brown loving mitts,” it vanished. By the
time he recovered from the shock, a little kid
was weaving up field through the varsity
football players.
The author uses figurative language to…
A. show how easy it is to catch a football
pass.
B. describe the ball floating gently toward
the player.
C. explain why Jeffrey was able to steal
the football so easily.
D. make it seem like Jeffrey is a baby
compared to the other players.
Parents, these are
the kind of
questions your
child is asked in
Vocabulary on
the grade 6
reading test.
Page 3
George and
George
is a book that
compares both
sides of the story
of the
Revolutionary War
a good way to
draw conclusions
about the author’s
purpose!
A Restless
Spirit is a true
life account of the
the famous
author Robert
Frost and many
facts about his
life.
The Man Who Walked
Between the Towers,
a true story about a
man who tightrope
walked between the
Twin Towers in 1974. A
good book to discuss
actions and beliefs.
Sacajawea story of
adventure is seen
from the author’s
point of view, a
beautiful story!
Page 16
Grade Six Books to read at home that Enhance Vocabulary
Recognizing Fact and Opinion
Which of the following from the selection
is an opinion?
A. “Getting lake water on the skin
means getting a burning or itching
rash…”
B. “Alas, Diamond Lake has lost more
than its historic sparkle. It is very,
very sick.”
C. “Officials think…anglers used the tui
chub minnow illegally…at Diamond
Lake.”
D. The lake has “300 million tui chub
with no end of their multiplication
in sight.”
Parents, these are the kind of
questions your child is asked
in Content and Structure of
Informational Text on the
grade 6 reading test.
Author’s Purpose
In the introduction, the author
describes the color of the lake
known by generations of
families for its crystalline waters
and hard blue hue but is now “a
dull pea green, as if pool table
felt were stretched all the way
across.” He does this to
emphasize. . .
A. what a gamble it is not to
do something about the
lake quickly.
B. the smoothness of the lake
without people swimming
in it.
C. the games being played by
the people deciding the
lake’s fate.
D. how dramatically the
lake’s color has changed.
SUPPORTING REASONS FOR ACTIONS OR
BELIEFS
Anne of Green
Gables and
other novels
rich with
metaphors and
figurative
language.
Beyond the
Divide uses
vocabulary and
figurative
language
specific to a
different era.
The Phantom
Tollbooth and
books with
humorous
figurative
language have
many similes
and metaphors.
The U.S. Forest Service closed Diamond Lake to physical
contact July 1 for the third consecutive summer. Fishing,
however, is still allowed. Stocked trout skulk amid the tui
chub. But getting lake water on the skin means getting a
burning or itching rash that could last for several days.
The author would most likely approve of which of the
following actions?
A. People
chain.
B. People
C. People
D. People
Its not just knowing what a word means, but knowing HOW
TO FIGURE OUT THE MEANING of a word when reading!
Silverwing
and books that
use a different
vocabulary to
describe
scientific terms
increase
vocabulary.
stocking lakes with many fish on the same food
staying away from Diamond Lake.
introducing non-native species to an area.
following fishing rules more carefully.
Page 15
Martin
Luther
King Jr.’s
speech is
full of
beautiful
metaphors.
Come Sing
Jimmy Joe an
Appalachia
Mountain boy and
books about other
cultures introduce
readers to using
context to
understand their
figurative
language.
In the tradition of
tall tales and folk
lore, Shadow
Spinneris a
great book and
fun full of
figurative
language. Also
Tall Tales use lots
of idioms!
Page 4
STRAND 2
STRAND 5
When I read Informational Text, I can…
I can Examine and Evaluate the Content and
Structure of Informational Text, by…

distinguish between the main idea and supporting details.

summarize a sequence of events OR identify the main events.
When I read Literary (fiction) Text, I can …

tell about significant or important events and ideas that are
found explicitly (“right in the text”) in the passage.

distinguish the order of events or a special event from a
sequence.

determine the point of view being used and the identity of the
speaker/narrator.

drawing conclusions about the author’s purpose and
the placement of details.

differentiate between fact and opinion as well as
supported inferences.

draw conclusions about reasons for actions or
beliefs.
Parent Note: Most questions on the OAKS test for
Content and Structure of Informational Text, require a
higher level of thinking.
Parent Note: Most questions on the OAKS test for
Demonstrating a General Understanding, ask students
to answer questions that can be directly found in the
text.
Page 5
Questions center around the differences between fact
and opinion and author’s purpose.
Page 14
Grade Six Books to read at home that Enhance
Developing an Interpretation
Literary Text
Parents, these
are the kind of
questions your
child is asked in
Informational Text
Books such as
Around the
World in 80
Days have strong
characters that
give meaning to
determining the
plot!
Lucas Whitaker
is a historical
fiction account of
the mid 19th
century when
tuberculosis was
spreading. An
amazing book for
analyzing the
influence of the
setting and
resolving
conflicts.
Baby is a sad
but beautiful
piece of
literature that
keeps the
reader
predicting
outcomes right
up until the end.
Colors of
Freedom
presents true
accounts of
immigrant teens
at the turn the
century. Readers
will draw
conclusions about
based on these
accounts.
Demonstrating
a General
Understanding
on the grade 6
reading test.
Why were king snakes given their name?
Understanding Informational Text
Algae occur in most lakes and are kept in check by
zooplankton that Feed on them. But at Diamond Lake,
the zooplankton never quite get to eat their algal meals.
Instead, they get eaten first by an alien predator fish
that no one wants: tui chub.
Why is Diamond Lake being overrun by algae?
A.
B.
C.
D.
There are a lot of anatoxins for the algae to eat.
Tui chub are eating the zooplankton.
There are many boaters polluting the lake.
The lake has a lot of rotenone in it.
Author’s Point of View
Grampa and Ray left the shop with matching
grins. They rode the rattling elevated train to
Wrigley Field and watched the Cubs take on the
St. Louis Cardinals.
This story is told from the perspective of…
A.
B.
C.
D.
Page 13
Found throughout the southern half of the
country, king snakes were given their regal
name because they consume other snakes,
even venomous ones known for their “castiron” stomachs, kings not only constrict and
consume rattlers and other snakes but also
lizards, birds, and rodents.
A. They have markings on their heads
that look like crowns.
B. They eat other snakes, even poisonous
ones.
C. They are bigger than all other snakes.
D. There are more of them than any other
kind of snake.
Bodies from
the Bog is
illustrated with
archeological
finds and
historical
accounts. A
fascinating way
to look for
details.
The Lowell Mill
Girls is a true
account of what
it was like to
work in a mill
during the 19th
century when
money was
scarce. Full of
details.
Informational Text Main Idea and
Details
Ray, the main character.
Grampa Halfmoon.
a first person narrator.
a third person narrator.
Page 6
Grade Six Books to read at home that Enhance
Demonstrating General Understanding
Literary Text
Chapter books
such as the
My Side of the
Mountain
series have key
events explicitly
explained.
An amazing
WOW book
about Helen
Keller written
in the first
person voice of
Annie Sullivan
historically
accurate but
with a fictional
twist.
A Wrinkle in
Time is an
outstanding
adventure
which could be
used to teach
and discuss
the point of
view of the
speaker.
Predicting Outcomes in
Informational Text . . .
WHAT YOU CAN DO
Opt for the lower-caffeine or caffeinefree foods and drinks we’ve listed, or
look for decaffeinated products.
Informational Text
A true story
about the Great
Nellie Bly and
her adventures
traveling the
world signify
special events in
sequence.
The Staircase
is a true story
about a
mysterious
staircase in
Santa Fe. The
details will
amaze you!
It Began
Here is a true
story about
the American
Revolution
beginning
using
sequential
timelines.
Page 7
Decaffeinated means that at least 97
percent of a product’s naturally occurring
caffeine has been removed
Parents, these
are the kind of
questions your
child is asked in
Developing an
Interpretation
If readers follow the author’s advice,
what would be the most likely result?
A. People will reduce the amount of
caffeine they consume.
B. Adults will keep their caffeine
intake below 100 mg.
C. People will “supersize” their sodas.
D. People will choose diet soda
instead of regular soda.
Determining Character
Traits in Literary Text
The autographed baseball
splashed into the button basket,
toppling the pedestal. Buttons
whizzed everywhere!
Ray thought, this is my last
chance. “I’ll give twenty-eight
dollars and sixty-seven cents for
the moccasins,” he told Junior
Murphy, “and I’ll pick up every
last button, too.”
Ray offered to “pick up every last
button.”
When he makes this offer, his
character would best be
described as…
A.
B.
C.
D.
helpful.
sympathetic.
determined.
embarrassed.
Drawing Inferences based
on Textual Evidence in
Informational Text
It would cost several million dollars
to clear Diamond Lake with
rotenone, and treatment could
begin as early as summer 2005.
Chambers said preparation will
begin in fall 2004 and involve
several steps
The statement that best
summarizes the main idea of this
selection is…
A. people caused this problem
by illegally using tui chub as
bait.
B. it will cost several million
dollars to solve the problem.
C. the water is unsafe to swim
in, drink, or boat in.
D. determining how to clean the
lake is a difficult decision.
Page 12
STRAND 4
STRAND 3
When I read to locate information I can…
I can interpret informational text by…..

predicting outcomes.

draw valid inferences and conclusions..

infer the main idea of a text.
I can interpret literary text by…..

look at Titles and Chapter Headings.

look in the Table of Contents.

look at illustrations.

look at captions.

look in glossaries.

look in indexes.

predicting outcomes.

interpret information in diagrams.

determining character traits.

interpret information in charts and tables.

Analyzing the influence of the setting on the conflict/resolution.

interpret information in graphs.

identifying and examining themes.

drawing valid inferences and conclusions.
I can locate information using the structural features
of…
Parent Note: Most questions on the OAKS test for
Developing an Interpretation, in Grade Six asks
students to “read between the lines,” or make a guess
based on evidence and clues in the story but with more
specific thought about character traits and
conflict/resolution focus.
Page 11

online resources.

magazines.

Newspapers.
Parent Note: Most questions on the OAKS test for Grade 6
Read to Perform a Task, ask students to find information
using charts, a thesaurus page and more complex tables,
including those found on the web.
Page 8
On-Line Resources
Grade Six Books to read at home that Enhance
Parents, Your
child will be
asked to answer
these kind of
questions in
Read to
Perform a
Task
You want to create a special chocolate bar to send to someone.
Which Website would you go to?
A.
B.
C.
D.
In sixth grade
students should
also be able to
use on-line
resources, and
many
charts/tables.
www.hersheys.com
www.groovychocolate.com
www.ethelm.com
www.guittard.com
Read to Perform a Task
Time
Magazine
presents the
World
Atlas for
students
using
tables,
maps and
much more!
World
History
Encyclopedia
is a MUST for
young
students and
has amazing
graphs, charts,
you name it!
Using a
Thesaurus
is a life long
skill in
understanding
language.
Phineas Gage
uses historical
photographs
and charts to
teach about the
brain in an
interesting way.
Using a Chart
Actual Size is
an awesome
informational
book with tons
of captions and
illustrations.
The
Guinness
World
Records
and other
record books
have many
tables and
diagrams.
All of the following sodas contain caffeine EXCEPT…
A.
B.
C.
D.
Sunkist Orange Soda
Barq’s Famous Olde Tyme Root Beer
Minute Maid Orange*
Pepsi Blue Berry Cola Fusion
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