Before Reading
Preview 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 the word in a sentence. Then, have your partner choose a word, and you use that 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 help you understand the meanings, try analyzing word parts—prefixes, roots, and suffixes—to determine meaning. If that strategy fails, consult a dictionary. Record the definitions in your notebook.
Fix-Up Idea: Refocus on Purpose
Review Literary Tools and About the Selection. As you read, try to determine Wright's purpose or goal for writing this selection. Talk with a partner about what the author's purpose may be.
After Reading
Practice Using New Words
Share your list of words with your partner from the Before-Reading activity. 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 definitions of the words.