Review Mistakes
Learning from mistakes helps us get better! In this lesson, we will look at common errors students make on reading questions and learn how to avoid them.
Common Mistake #1: Choosing an Answer That's Too Narrow
The Trap
When asked for the main idea, some students choose an answer that's only about one small detail instead of the whole passage.
Passage: Ocean Exploration
Scientists use special submarines called submersibles to explore the deep ocean. These vehicles can dive thousands of feet below the surface where no sunlight reaches. In this dark world, explorers have discovered amazing creatures like giant squid and fish that make their own light. The deep ocean is one of the last unexplored places on Earth. Scientists believe there are still many species waiting to be discovered.
1. What is the main idea of this passage?
A) Giant squid live in the deep ocean.
B) Submersibles can dive thousands of feet.
C) Scientists explore the deep ocean and discover amazing creatures.
D) Some fish can make their own light.
Answer
C) - Answers A, B, and D are all details mentioned in the passage, but only C covers the whole topic: scientists exploring the deep ocean and making discoveries.
2. Why are answers A, B, and D wrong for the main idea question?
A) They are not true.
B) They are too specific and don't cover the whole passage.
C) They are about the wrong topic.
D) They are too long.
Answer
B) - The answers are true facts from the passage, but they only describe one detail each. The main idea must cover the whole passage.
Common Mistake #2: Not Going Back to the Passage
The Trap
Some students try to answer questions from memory instead of looking back at the passage. This leads to wrong answers!
Passage: The Library Card
Getting a library card is free and easy. You just need to visit your local library with a parent or guardian. Bring a piece of mail or an ID that shows your address. The librarian will help you fill out a short form. Within minutes, you will have your own card! Most libraries let you borrow up to 20 books at once. You can keep them for three weeks before they need to be returned.
3. According to the passage, how long can you keep library books?
A) One week
B) Two weeks
C) Three weeks
D) One month
Answer
C) - The passage says "You can keep them for three weeks before they need to be returned." Always check the passage for exact details!
4. What do you need to bring to get a library card?
A) A photo and money
B) Mail or ID showing your address
C) A library book
D) Your birth certificate
Answer
B) - The passage states "Bring a piece of mail or an ID that shows your address." The other options might seem reasonable but are not what the passage says.
Common Mistake #3: Falling for "Extreme" Words
The Trap
Watch out for answers with words like "always," "never," "all," or "none." These extreme words are usually wrong because passages rarely make such strong claims.
Passage: Recycling
Recycling helps reduce waste and protect the environment. Many items can be recycled, including paper, plastic bottles, glass jars, and aluminum cans. However, not everything can go in the recycling bin. Items like plastic bags, food waste, and broken glass should not be recycled with regular items. It's important to check your local recycling guidelines because rules can vary from place to place.
5. Based on the passage, which statement is true?
A) All plastic items can be recycled.
B) Recycling rules are the same everywhere.
C) Some items should not go in the recycling bin.
D) Everyone always recycles correctly.
Answer
C) - The passage says "not everything can be recycled" and lists items that "should not be recycled." Options A, B, and D use extreme words that the passage doesn't support.
6. Why is answer A wrong?
A) Plastic cannot be recycled.
B) The passage says plastic bags should not be recycled with regular items.
C) The passage doesn't mention plastic.
D) All plastic is the same.
Answer
B) - The word "all" makes the answer too extreme. The passage specifically mentions that plastic bags should NOT be recycled with regular items.
Common Mistake #4: Ignoring Context for Vocabulary
The Trap
Some words have multiple meanings. Students sometimes choose a meaning they know without checking if it fits the passage.
Passage: The Art Show
Emma was bright with excitement as she walked into the school gym. The art show was about to begin, and her painting was hanging on the wall for everyone to see. She had worked on it for weeks, carefully choosing colors and adding details. When her teacher called her a "star artist," Emma beamed with pride.
7. As used in the passage, the word "bright" most nearly means:
A) Giving off a lot of light
B) Very intelligent
C) Glowing with happiness and excitement
D) Having a light color
Answer
C) - In this context, "bright with excitement" means Emma was glowing with happiness. The passage describes her excitement about the art show, not light or intelligence.
8. In the passage, what does "beamed" most likely mean?
A) Sent out a ray of light
B) Walked quickly
C) Smiled widely
D) Spoke loudly
Answer
C) - "Beamed with pride" means Emma smiled widely because she was proud. The context of receiving a compliment helps us understand this meaning.
Common Mistake #5: Making Up Information
The Trap
Sometimes an answer sounds true or makes sense, but it's not actually stated in the passage. Only choose answers supported by the text!
Passage: Penguins
Emperor penguins are the largest of all penguin species. They live in Antarctica, where temperatures can drop below minus 40 degrees. To survive the cold, emperor penguins huddle together in large groups. This keeps them warm while they take turns moving to the center of the huddle where it's warmest.
9. According to the passage, how do emperor penguins stay warm?
A) They build nests from snow.
B) They huddle together in groups.
C) They have very thick skin.
D) They stay underwater.
Answer
B) - The passage says penguins "huddle together in large groups" to stay warm. The other answers might seem logical, but they are not stated in the passage.
10. What information is NOT found in the passage?
A) Emperor penguins are the largest penguins.
B) Antarctica can be very cold.
C) Penguins take turns in the huddle.
D) Emperor penguins eat fish.
Answer
D) - The passage never mentions what penguins eat. Even though it's true that penguins eat fish, we cannot use outside knowledge to answer passage questions.
Key Takeaways
- Don't choose details when asked for the main idea.
- Always go back to the passage to find answers.
- Watch out for extreme words like "always" and "never."
- Use context clues for vocabulary questions.
- Only choose answers that are supported by the passage.