Before Reading
Preview New Words
With a partner, review the Words for Everyday Use at the bottom of the selection's pages. Read each word, its definition, and the sentence in which it is used. Copy the words and their definitions into your notebook. Choose a word and have your partner use it in a sentence. Then, have your partner choose a word, and you use the word in a sentence. Continue taking turns until you have covered all of the words.
During Reading
Use Word Attack Strategies
1. Follow along in your text as your teacher reads the first three paragraphs aloud. If you encounter words with which you are unfamiliar, add them to your list of Words for Everyday Use. When your teacher has finished reading, review the words you listed and try to determine their meanings by using context clues.
2. Continue reading the selection on your own. Jot down unfamiliar words, and try to define them by using context clues. If the context clues do not provide the meaning, try analyzing the word parts—prefixes, roots, and suffixes—to determine meaning. If that strategy fails, consult a dictionary. Record the definitions.
Fix-Up Idea: Refocus on Theme
A theme is a central idea in a literary work. Based on its title, what theme would you expect in this essay? As you read, look for ideas to support this theme. Take notes on important ideas you find as you read.
After Reading
Practice Using New Words
Share your list of words with a partner. Then, work together to write two sentences of your own for each of the listed words. Make sure your sentences show that you understand the definition of the words.