January 9. 2021 Comprehension

Comprehension Tips

1. Always read the passage more than once. 

2. Underline or take note of any new words. Think of synonyms that could replace these words. 

3. Always answer in full sentences.  Read your sentences over to make sure no words are missing. 

4. You must spell correctly. 

5. Use common sense to help with "why" questions.

Types of Comprehension Questions

1. Detail Questions - (e.g) What is the name of the park?

2. Vocabulary Questions- (e.g) Give a word to replace 'happy' in line 4. 

*3. Inference questions- (e.g) Why are children not allowed to take the bus alone. 

* These questions require you to use your previous knowledge

 

Have you ever heard someone use the phrase “once in a blue moon?” People use this expression to describe something that they do not do very often. For example, someone might say that he tries to avoid eating sweets because they are unhealthy, but will eat chocolate “once in a blue moon.” Or someone who does not usually like to go to the beach might say “I visit the shore once in a blue moon.” While many people use this phrase, not everyone knows the meaning behind it. 

The first thing to know is that the moon itself is never actually blue. This is just an expression. The phrase “blue moon” actually has to do with the shape of the moon, not the color. 

As the moon travels around the earth, it appears to change shape. We associate certain names with certain shapes of the moon. For example, when we can see a small part of the moon, it is called a crescent moon. A crescent is a shape that looks like the tip of a fingernail. When we cannot see the moon at all, it is called a new moon. When we can see the entire moon, it is called a full moon. Usually, there is only one full moon every month. Sometimes, however, there will be two full moons in one month. When this happens, the second full moon is called a “blue moon.” 

Over the next 20 years, there will only be 15 blue moons. As you can see, a blue moon is a very rare event. This fact has led people to use the expression “once in a blue moon” to describe other very rare events in their lives.

1. What does the expression "once in a blue moon" describe?

2. Give two examples from the passage of when this saying might be used.

3. According to the passage, what is the difference between a new moon and a full moon?

4. How many full moons are expected in a month?

5. What word in paragraph 3 suggests that the moon does not actually change its shape?

6. Describe a crescent moon. 

7. What word in paragraph 4 suggests that a "blue moon" is unusual?

8. Suggest a suitable title for the passage. 

1. What does the poet mean by "He's nothing much but fur"? (line 1)

2. Write 2 words from stanza 1 that are opposite in meaning. 

3. What does the word "darts" (line 5) tell you about how the kitten moves?

4. Write 2 actions from stanza 2 that indicate the cat has heard a sound. 

5. Why does the kitten's actions in stanza 3 puzzle the person in the poem?

6. How does the person in the poem feel about the kitten? Give a reason for your answer.