In this lesson, you will learn how to get the big idea of a nonfiction text by stopping at new information and asking "Is this adding to an idea I already have, or is it giving me a new idea?" Login gives access to a slideshow with...

In this lesson, you will learn how to keep track of what you read by using your palm for the main idea and your fingers for details. Login gives access to an additional video. [4:02]

In this lesson, you will learn to locate additional details by looking for transitional words and phrases, white space, and text features. Login gives access to an additional video. [4:29]

In this lesson, you will learn to understand a text by jotting down information that adds to your mind movie. Login gives access to an additional video. [5:11]

In this lesson, you will learn how to figure out unfamiliar words by envisioning what is happening in the text and thinking about what the word probably means. [3:03]

In this lesson, you will learn to organize information by using text structure clues. Login gives access to an additional video. [4:42]

In this lesson, you will learn to understand an author's purpose by thinking about why the author chose to write in a particular text structure. Login gives access to an additional video. [4:22]

In this lesson, you will learn how to notice figurative language in a poem by looking for double meaning in words. [4:24]

In this lesson, you will learn how to determine the author's point of view by analyzing character descriptions and character actions. [6:55]

In this lesson, you will draft a thesis statement for your argumentative essay by combining your claim and supporting reasons. [4:47]

In this lesson, you will learn how to write the sub-points for your thesis statement by turning the argument into a why question. [4:11]

In this lesson, you will learn how to read and understand what a prompt requires by underlining key words and deciding if you need to write a narrative or an essay. [2:45]

In this lesson, you will learn how to revise your argumentative essay by telling the reader how the evidence proves your point. [4:51]

Writers craft opinion statements that are debatable. Let's practice crafting a debatable opinion statement by making sure the statement takes a side and is not a fact. [10:02]

In this lesson, you will learn how to improve your personal narrative by using a timeline to remember important details. [7:20]

In this lesson, you will learn how to develop supporting ideas by using personal experiences. [5:27]

In this lesson, you will learn how to make your story more realistic and exciting by showing, not telling. [4:51]

In this lesson, you will learn how to identify what a writing prompt is asking and what kind of writing you'll need to do by using keywords in the prompt. [6:01]

Writers introduce a topic clearly. Let's practice introducing a topic by describing it using background information. [11:51]

Writers provide clear introductions to engage their readers. Let's practice making sure all the information in the introduction is on topic by eliminating unneeded information. [8:48]

Writers make conscious decisions about which verb tense to use, then use it consistently. Let's practice making sure our verb tense is consistent. [8:02]

Writers clearly explain cause and effect relationships in their writing. Let's practice making cause and effect relationships obvious by using transition words and phrases. [5:46]

Writers use subject pronouns properly to make their writing clear. Let's practice using subject pronouns in sentences containing a compound subject made of pronouns. [8:43]

In this lesson, you will learn to tackle unfamiliar words by substituting another word that makes sense in the sentence. Login gives access to an additional video. [3:41]