Grade 7 Reading practice

Step 1: Context clues

Context clues are the words around an unknown word that hint at its meaning.

Example: What does “inundated” most likely mean? After the storm, the streets were inundated with water up to our knees.

Tip: Cover the word and ask: what word would make sense here?

Step 2: Figurative language

Figurative language says something in a creative way, not word for word.

Example: What kind of figurative language is this? The wind whispered through the trees.

Tip: Like or as means simile. Is means metaphor. Human actions mean personification. Huge exaggeration means hyperbole.

Step 3: Author’s word choice

Authors choose precise words to create images and feelings.

Example: What does "devoured" suggest? She devoured the book in one night.

Tip: Replace the word with a plain one. What is lost?

Step 4: Central idea

The central idea connects all the details in a text.

Tip: Avoid answers that are only one detail or too general.

Step 5: What dialogue reveals

What characters say, and how they say it, reveals their personality and feelings.

Example: What does the dialogue reveal about Grandpa? "Don’t worry about me," Grandpa said, wincing as he lifted the box. "I’m as strong as ever."

Tip: Look at the speech tags and actions around the words: muttered, wincing, quietly.

Step 6: Types of conflict

Conflict can be internal (character vs. self) or external (vs. character, nature or society).

Example: What type of conflict is this? Sam wanted to tell the truth about the broken window, but he was afraid of getting in trouble.

Tip: Ask: who or what is the character struggling against?

Step 7: Bias and loaded words

Loaded words carry strong feelings and show a writer’s bias.

Example: Which words show the writer’s bias? The reckless new skate park plan will waste our hard-earned money.

Tip: Would a neutral reporter use this word? If not, it is loaded.

Step 8: Analyse stories and articles

Strong readers analyse how characters change, what language suggests, and what an author wants you to understand.

Tip: Back up every answer with a sentence from the text.