03 Reading Analysis and Information Literacy Free Online FlashCards

How do a text’s topic and central idea differ?

The topic is what a text is about; the central idea is the main point the author makes about that topic.

What are five common informational-text structures?

Common structures include description, sequence, cause and effect, compare and contrast, and problem and solution.

Why shouldn’t a reader rely only on signal words to identify structure?

Signal words can suggest a structure, but the relationship between the ideas matters more than any single word.

How does explicit information differ from an inference?

Explicit information is directly stated. An inference combines textual clues with reasonable background knowledge.

What can—and can’t—you infer from increased evening clinic visits?

If evening visits rise after a clinic extends its hours, it is reasonable to infer that more people used the clinic at night. Improved health outcomes are not established without health evidence.

What should you check before interpreting a chart or table?

Check the title, labels, units, legend, time period, and source, and determine what each row, column, axis, or symbol represents.

How can a chart’s scale distort the appearance of change?

An axis that starts above zero or uses uneven intervals can make a change appear larger or smaller than it is.

What should you locate before comparing values in a table?

Identify the relevant row and column before comparing table values.

What can a table of rising visit counts not establish by itself?

The visit counts show a rise, but the table alone does not explain why it happened or whether the same patients returned.

What are the main parts of an argument, and what does reasoning do?

An argument usually includes a claim, supporting reasons, and evidence; reasoning explains why the evidence supports the claim.

What is the difference between relevant and sufficient evidence?

Relevant evidence bears on the claim; sufficient evidence provides enough support to justify the claim’s scope.

Why doesn’t an increase after a new service prove causation?

A rise in visits after a new service begins does not prove the service caused the increase; other factors may have changed.