Signposts Bookmark

Contrasts and Contradictions

• When your reading and a character says or does something that’s the opposite of what he/she has been saying or doing all along?

• WHY IS THE CHARACTER DOING THAT?

• The answer could help you make a prediction make an inference about the plot.  

AHA Moment

• When you’re reading and suddenly a character realizes, understands or finally figures something out.

• HOW MIGHT THIS CHANGE THINGS?

• If the character figured out a problem, you probably learned about the conflict. If the character understood a life lesson you probably learned about the theme.

Memory Moment

• When you’re reading and the author interrupts the action to tell you a memory.

• WHY MIGHT THIS MEMORY BE IMPORTANT?

• The answers will tell you about the theme, conflict or might foreshadow what will happen in the story.

Words of the Wiser

• When you’re reading and a character (who’s older and wiser) takes the main character aside and gives serious advice.

• WHAT IS THE LIFE LESSON, AND HOW MIGHT IT AFFECT THE CHARACTER?

• Whatever the lesson is, you’ve probably found the theme for the story.

Again and Again

• When you’re reading and you notice a word, phrase, object or situation mentioned over and over.

• WHY DOES THIS KEEP SHOWING UP AGAIN?

• This answers will tell you about the theme and conflict, or they might foreshadow what will happen later.

Tough Question

• When you’re reading and the character asks himself a really difficult question.

• WHAT DOES THIS QUESTION MAKE ME WONDER ABOUT?

• The answers will tell you about the conflict that might give you ideas about what will happen in the story.