Section 3: Reading Comprehension
9th Grade- SAT PREP: Reading and Writing Proficiency
Lessons and Activities
(October 17-November 18)
Importance of Reading Comprehension
 The ability to read is crucial for success in our information-
driven society, a fact underscored by the prominence of
reading on standardized tests.
 Virtually every standardized test has a “Reading
Comprehension” or “Verbal Section” that focuses largely on
reading skills.
 Not only is a student’s ability clearly indicated on the reading
portions of tests, it is also indirectly shown on all of the other
tests.
Traits of Good Readers
 Most good readers read many
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different kinds of stories, articles,
and poems. They read books,
magazines and newspapers.
Most good readers read every day.
Most good readers enjoy reading
material that challenges them.
Most good readers ask themselves
questions about the material they
are reading. Then try to find the
answers to their questions as they
read. (annotations)
Most good readers reflect on what
they read. They compare new
information with what they already
know and then draw conclusions.
 Most good readers use context
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clues to figure out the meaning of
new words.
Most good readers look at three,
four, or more words at once when
they read. They do not look at one
word at a time.
Most good readers enjoy discussing
books and articles with their
friends.
Most good readers have favorite
authors.
Most good readers look for books
in libraries and bookstores. Many
even search the Internet for hardto-find books they have heard
about.
Understanding Characterization
“No.” Maria shook her head, her dark curls bouncing on her shoulders. She tried to keep
frustration out of her voice. “You have to divide there.”
Todd put his pencil down and leaned back against the chair. It was nearly 5pm and they were the
only students remaining in the school library.
“I can‟t understand this stuff,” he said.
“You can, but you have to try,” Maria said.
For the past month Maria had been tutoring Todd, one of her best friends, in math. She looked at
him, certain that he could be a successful student if he only believed in himself. She felt awful to see
the tall, rugged Todd look so dejected, his usual smile replaced with a frown and his blue eyes filled
with failure.
“If I can‟t get at least a C on my report card, I won‟t be able to play basketball this season,” he said.
“And things will only get worse from there.”
“You can do this,” Maria said. “You just have to convince yourself that you can.”
“That‟s easy for you to say,” Todd said. “Math has always been easy for you.”
“Not always,” said Maria. “I have to study.” She looked gently at her friend. “I‟m not going to let
you fail. So let‟s get started.” Maria picked up his pencil and handed it to him.
Describe Todd.
Describe Maria.
How does Todd feel
about his ability to do
math?
How is Todd’s feeling
toward math different
from Maria’s?
What do their attitudes
toward learning tell you
about Todd and Maria?
If Maria needed help in a subject, do you think Todd would have been able to help her? Why or why not?
Making Inferences and Conclusions
Rachel finished reading the e-mail message from her cousin Erin in California. Erin was
telling her about the minor earthquake that had occurred in her town that morning.
Rachel was glad that no one was hurt. She couldn‟t imagine what an earthquake was like.
It was bad enough living her in eastern Oklahoma where she had to worry about
tornadoes. Just the thought made her shudder.
With her fingers flying over the keyboard, Rachel informed Erin that the weather
forecast called for severe thunderstorms with the possibility of tornadoes. Already a
tornado watch was in effect.
A little while later Rachel heard thunder in the distance and wrote to Erin that she had
to shut down the computer. The thunder was getting louder, and Rachel did not like to use
electricity when lightning was near.
When Rachel went to the window, she saw dark, ominous clouds approaching from the
southwest. She had never seen such threatening clouds. Just then her mother called her to
her from the kitchen.
“The weather service has issued a tornado warning,” she said. Rachel looked back out
the window. Her eyes grew bid with sudden fear…
What was Rachel doing
before the storm?
Where does Erin live?
What happened there
that morning?
How does Rachel feel
about tornadoes? How
do you know?
What was likely going to happen at the end of the story? How do you know?
Why did Rachel stop emailing Erin and shut
down her computer
Finding Main Ideas and Details I
Tornadoes are among the most violent, destructive storms on
Earth. A powerful vortex of spinning air with wind speeds as
high as 300 miles per hour, tornadoes can destroy entire
towns. Even a small tornado can uproot massive trees, rip
houses apart, and toss cars and trucks through the air like
toys. While some tornadoes may only be a few feet wide and
be limited in the destruction they cause, tornadoes as wide
as a mile have been recorded. Such monster storms destroy
everything in their path
Main Idea:
Details:
Jorge sat before his computer and looked at a website for the
War of 1812.That was the topic of his history report, which
was due next week. He glanced at the books and notes
spread across his nearby desk. He sighed. He had already
looked through five books and had three more books and
several websites to go. He clicked on a link to learn more
about the causes of the war.
Main Idea:
Details:
Finding Main Ideas and Details II
Although mongooses are only about two feet long, they are
tough, bold snake-hunters. The gray mongoose of India,
made famous by Rikki-tikki-tavi in Rudyard Kipling‟s Jungle
Book, is not afraid to hunt poisonous snakes, even though it
has no natural immunity to counteract the snake‟s venom.
When facing a snake, the mongoose relies on courage, speed,
and an uncanny ability to avoid being bitten.
Main Idea:
Sheryl looked at her watch and frowned. It was 3:30 and the
Details:
after-school review for the upcoming science test was still
going on. When she had agreed to come with her friend
Diedre, Sheryl thought that the review would be done by
3:00. She told herself miserably that she shouldn't have come.
Although Deidre needed the extra help, Sheryl had an “A”
average in science. As the teacher talked about life cycles and
ecosystems, Sheryl began jotting down ideas for a story she
planned to write. Just as Sheryl was writing down ideas for
the climax of her story, Deidre poked her arm. The review
was finished.
Main Idea:
Details:
Understanding Context Clues I
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1. Jess’s Aunt Trish was always happy and full of energy. She was the most vivacious person Jess
knew.
 Pretty, intelligent, lively, willful
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2. When Melanie’s family first moved to Michigan, she looked forward to snow in the winter. But
she soon realized she didn’t like the cold and missed the agreeable, benign climate of Southern
California.
 Hot, mild, changeable, rugged
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3. The meat-flavored treat was a savory snack for Daria’s puppy.
 Good, nutritious, necessary, tasty
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4. Because of the storm, their ascent to the mountain’s summit took longer than they had
anticipated.
 Walk, exploration, adventure, climb
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5. Ally knew that to be a good peer mediator, she had to be impartial. But her best friend was
involved in the problem she had to solve.
 Certain, fair, dynamic, attentive
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6. Rosie was meticulous when she proofread her writing. She almost always caught every mistake
and.
 Overbearing, careful, fast, perfect
Understanding Context Clues II
 7. The candidate’s poorly chosen words were insulting and many of his listeners were
affronted.
 outraged, pleased, confused, gratified
 8. Sara considered spiders to be loathsome creatures. When she saw one scampering
across her desk, she screamed.
 disgusting, interesting, unique, curious
 9. Peter’s group was jubilant when it was announced that their science project was
awarded the top prize at the fair. They even jumped out of their seats to celebrate.
 satisfied, overjoyed, pleased, humble
 10. When Jacob went to Eric’s house for the first time, he quickly realized the affluence
of his new friend’s family. Jacob had never seen a house that had 6 rooms, 5 baths, a 3 car
garage, pool and tennis court.
 arrogance, wastefulness, wealth, importance
 11. Uncle George was a gregarious fellow. People said that he was always ready to talk
with anyone anywhere.
 outgoing, happy, shy, deceitful
 12. After her room was painted, Kera was disappointed at its dark, lackluster
appearance.
 vivid, brilliant, bright, dull
Understanding Cause and Effect
When Bekka heard that Ali‟s party had been moved to this coming Saturday night, disappointment
fell on her like a heavy weight. That was the night she had agreed to watch Danny Jensen, the little boy
who lived next door, while his parents went to a dinner sponsored by Mr. Jensen‟s employer.
Bekka liked Danny, and Danny liked her, but Ali‟s party would be the best one of the entire year. All
of Bekka‟s friends would be there. When Bekka got home from school that day, she told her mother
about the problem. “Do you think the Jensens can get someone else to watch Danny?” her mother asked
as Bekka helped her prepare dinner. “I doubt it. All of the other kids will be at the party. Besides, Danny
knows I‟m staying with him, and he‟ll be disappointed if I don‟t show up.” Bekka said. Her mother
seemed thoughtful, “Well, whatever you decided to do, make sure that it‟s the right thing,” she finally
said. Bekka nodded, but she kept thinking of the party and how much she wanted to go.
That night she called Mrs. Jensen and told her about Ali‟s party, and asked if she might be able to find
a different sitter. Mrs. Jensen sounded a little surprised, but said she would try. Afterward Bekka felt
awful for having called. On Saturday afternoon, Mrs. Jensen called and said that her and her husband
would have to cancel their plans. Feeling terrible that the Jensens were willing to stay home just for her
to go to a party, she said “Oh, no, I‟m happy to watch Danny.” That evening, even though she was
missing Ali‟s party, Bekka enjoyed baby-sitting Danny. She knew she had made the right decision.
•What was Bekka’s
reaction to the news that
Ali’s party had been
changed to this Saturday
night?
•What advise did Bekka’s
•How did Mrs. Jensen
react to the call?
•When Mrs. Jensen
called Bekka on Saturday,
telling Bekka that they
would cancel their plans,
•?Cause or Effect?
•1. Ali’s party had been moved to this Saturday night.
•2. Bekka felt disappointed that the party was
moved.
•3. Bekka told her mother about the problem.
•4. Bekka’s mother offered her advise.
Making Predictions
 Stacy couldn’t believe her eyes when she saw Jimmy, the boyfriend
of her best friend, Elena, with Ariel at her locker after school.
Stopping, Stacy ducked in a nearby doorway. What she heard was
even more shocking. Jimmy asked Ariel to go to the movies with
him on Friday night. “What about Elena?” asked Ariel. “Oh, she’s
baby-sitting again,” said Jimmy. “Besides, she won’t mind. We have
an understanding.” Stacy’s hand flew to her mouth to keep from
speaking out. Elena had told her that she and Jimmy were having
some trouble, but she hadn’t said anything about an understanding.
Stacy decided that she would call Elena as soon as she got home,
but then she paused. What she had to say would hurt Elena, and
she didn’t want to do that. Still, she thought, Elena should
know…
 What will Stacy do?
 Why do you think she will do this?
 If you were Stacy, what would you do and why?
Understanding Fact and Opinion
Hurricanes are the most devastating storms on Earth. With wind speeds that can reach up to 200mph,
rain and storm surges that can cause massive flooding, and powerful waves that can wash away
coastlines, hurricanes can result in widespread destruction and billions of dollars in damage.
The Atlantic hurricane season begins June 1 and ends November 30, with the highest number of
storms occurring from mid August through October. (In the Pacific Ocean, hurricanes are called
typhoons). Most Atlantic hurricanes originate within the doldrums, a narrow stretch of water that
extends eat-west just north of the equator. The doldrums are characterized by light, variable winds and
fair weather, which hardly seem to be the necessary conditions for spawning such fearsome storms.
Hurricanes usually start off as a small storm that, given the right atmospheric conditions, begins to
spin in a counterclockwise direction. As the storm gathers strength, wind speed and rainfall increase.
When wind speeds reach 74mph, the storm achieves hurricane status. The winds swirl around the
hurricane‟s center, which is called the eye. Despite the violence around it, the weather in the eye is
sunny and calm, making the eye of any hurricane its most remarkable feature.
Hurricanes are categorized 1 to 5 on the Saffir-Simpson Scale. Category 1 storms are minimal
hurricanes with wind speeds between 74-95mph. At the high end of the scale is the Category 5 storm
with wind speeds greater than 155mph. Although any hurricane can cause great damage, Category 5
storms are monsters and cause unimaginable destruction. Nothing is more terrifying than being caught
in a major hurricane.
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5.
6.
When the wind speed of an Atlantic storm reaches 74 mph, it
becomes a hurricane.
The eye of a hurricane is the storm’s most remarkable feature.
Hurricanes are the most devastating storms on Earth.
The Atlantic hurricane season begins June 1 and ends
November 30.
Nothing is more terrifying than being caught in a major
hurricane.
Most Atlantic hurricanes begin in the doldrums.
7. Category 5 storms are monsters that cause unimaginable
destruction.
8. Calm, sunny conditions are found in the eye of a hurricane.
9. The doldrums hardly seem to have the necessary conditions form
spawning such fearsome storms.
10. Pacific hurricanes are called typhoons.
11. Hurricanes spin in a counterclockwise direction.
12. The powerful waves of hurricanes can wash away coastlines.
Determining Summaries
 Snowflakes are made of ice crystals. The crystals form around dust
or other small particles in the air when water vapor condenses at
temperatures below freezing. When partially melted crystals cling
together, snowflakes are formed. Snowflakes are hexagonal,
meaning that they are six-sided, but the actual shape of each
snowflake is dependent upon the precise weather conditions in
which it was formed. Since the amount of water vapor and
temperature are always varying slightly, even in the same cloud,
every snowflake is unique in shape.
 A. Snowflakes are one of nature’s greatest marvels.
 B. Snowflakes are created when water vapor freezes around dust or
other small particles in the air, forming hexagonal ice crystals.
 C. Snowflakes are ice crystals in clouds that fall to Earth as snow
when the weather at the ground is near the freezing point or below.
 D. Snowflakes are ice crystals that fall to the ground in the winter.
Understanding an Author’s Purpose
The proposed ice-skating rink for Circle City is a good idea. Along with
providing a place for people who like to skate, it will produce revenue, which
the town can use to pay for additional recreational activities.
The rink can be open from early morning to late at night and offer a host of
activities. Beginning, intermediate, and advanced skating lessons, youth and
adult hockey leagues, and open ice-time for the community will ensure the
needs of all community skaters are met.
While the town will need to provide the initial funding for construction,
the rink is expected to become profitable within the first year and pay off any
debts associated with construction within ten years.
Clearly the proposed ice-skating rink is right for Circle City.
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5.
Does the author favor or oppose the consstruction of an ice-skating rink in Circle City?
What evidence does the author offer to support this view?
Do you find the author’s points to be valid? Why or why not?
What was the author’s purpose in writing this?
Do you feel the author’s purpose is convincing?
“Still Here”
I‟ve been scarred and battered
My hopes the wind done scattered
Snow has friz me, sun has baked me
Looks like between „em
They done tried to make me
Stop laughin‟, stop lovin‟, stop livin‟–
But I don‟t care!
I‟m still here!
--Langston Hughes
1. The tone of the poem can best be described as _____.
a. apologetic
c. defiant
b. sorrowful
d. defeatist
2. The best word to describe the poet’s experience in life is ______.
a. jovial
c. easy
b. difficult
d. successful
3. In describing his life, it is obvious that the poet has endured hardships. How do you
knkow he has not given up?
4. It seems like the poet is speaking directly to the reader through the lines of his poetry.
How does Langston Huges achieve this effect?
5.Describe the person in this poem. What do you think he or she would be like?
Excerpt from “Song of the Open Road”
Afoot and light-hearted, I take to the open road
Healthy, free, the world before me,
The long brown path before me, leading wherever I choose.
Henceforth I ask not good-fortune, I myself am good-fortune,
Henceforth I whimper no more, postpone no more, need nothing,
Done with indoor complaints, libraries, querulous criticisms,
Strong and content, I travel the open road.
--Walt Whitman
1. The poem implies that the author is _____.
a. looking for a new job
c. lost and trying to find his way
b. returning home from work
d. setting out on his or her own
2. The best word to describe the poet’s attitude is _____.
a. uncertain
c. arrogant
b. confident
d. frustrated
3. Querulous criticisms” means _____.
a. serious criticism
b. lies
c. criticisms without much basis
d. unfair accusations
4. Based on the poem, if the poet is faced with a problem, how do you think he will
react? Explain your answer.
5. What do you think “open road” symbolizes? Explain.