Central Idea and Theme

In a non-fiction text- we look for a central idea.

A central idea is the same as a main idea.
What is the text about? What does it examine or show us?

FINDING CENTRAL IDEAS- Non-Fiction

• Pay special attention to:
• Title
• First Paragraph
• Last Paragraph
• First Sentences of each paragraph
• Last Sentences of each paragraph
• "The Rule of First and Last"

Article of the Week

• Week One: - "It Snuck up on Us;" Scientists Stunned by a City Killer Asteroid that just Missed Earth
• Week Two: USA Swimming Relies on "Secret Weapon" and Analytics to get Smarter and Faster

Central Idea

• Scientists need to focus more energy and effort on protecting the Earth from Asteroids that pose a threat to humans and our cities.

Central Idea

• Russell Mark uses data- analytics and analysis- to help USA swimmers be faster by swimming smarter.

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Identity

WHILE READING- FOCUS ON HOW THE SPEAKER DESCRIBES FLOWERS AND WEEDS

Theme of Identity?

what motivates us to want to be like others

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Question 1

• Which of the following identifies the theme of the poem? A. People often fear those who choose not to conform to the majority. B. It is much easier to be true to yourself than to conform to what others expect. C. Being different can be isolating, but it leads to true independence and happiness. D. People who must overcome difficult circumstances are often stronger.

Question 2

• Which detail from the poem best supports the answer to Part A? A. “always watered, fed, guarded, admired” (Line 2) B. “beyond the mountains of time or into the abyss of the bizarre.” (Line 12) C. “where they're praised, handled, and plucked” (Line 17) D. “If I could stand alone, strong and free” (Line 21)

Question 3

• How does the poet’s description of the weed contribute to the meaning of the poem? A. It emphasizes the wild nature of the weed, which shows the thrill of uncontrolled freedom. B. It portrays the weed as dangerous to the other flowers, which explains why the weed is isolated. C. It portrays the weed as angry that it is unwanted, and this emphasizes the pain of isolation. D. It presents the weed as quietly beautiful, and this challenges traditional ideas of beauty.

Question 4

• Which section from the poem best supports the answer to Part A? A. “but harnessed to a pot of dirt.” (Line 3) B. “to live, to feel exposed to the madness” (Line 8) C. “I'd rather be unseen” (Line 13) D. “growing in clusters in the fertile valley” (Line 16)

Text 2-CAN WE CULTIVATE OUR OWN HAPPINESS?

Can we Cultivate our own happiiness?

• It's a question- the article probably attempts to answer the question- how can we create our own happiness?
• Sub-Headings-
• An Epidemic of Depression?
• Three Roads to Happiness

As you read take notes on how the author defines happiness.

Let's read and answer the questions.

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