Grade 5 · Reading · Lesson 16

Evaluate author's message

Every passage has more than just facts and characters — it carries a MESSAGE. The message is the big idea the author wants you to walk away with: "kindness matters," "the planet needs our help," "do not give up too soon." A strong reader does not just remember what happened. A strong reader asks, "What is the author trying to tell me, and do I agree?"

What this lesson teaches

1Identify the central message an author is trying to share
2Use words, tone, and examples in the text to uncover that message
3Decide whether you agree or disagree with the message
4Support your response with at least two pieces of evidence from the text

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