An English language arts textbook includes literature selections as well as lessons to build your reading, grammar, and writing skills. The book is broken into smaller and smaller sections, from units to chapters to lessons. Each section has an opener that spells out what you will learn and lists any new vocabulary. Headings, type faces, graphics, captions, and margin notes throughout the book lead you to the main ideas, which are summarized for you after each section. You can find important words and topics easily in the glossary and index. These features can help you find and use information in your book. Review how each feature functions by reading the "Textbook Parts" table below.
Where would you look to find out if there are any new vocabulary words in a chapter?
It is nonfiction because it is about real animals and things that happen in the real world.
Why are the words Madagascar, endangered, species, and habitat in the excerpt printed in boldface type?
They must be vocabulary words boldfaced to call attention to them.
Student responses may vary. Acceptable answers include:
Match each feature on the left with its function on the right.
Looking Out for Lemurs by Sandy Stuart
In the summer of 2012, the lemurs of Madagascar were declared the world's most endangered mammal. Other nations complained that the government of Madagascar was not doing enough to protect the animals.
A Unique Home
Lemurs are found only on the island of Madagascar in the Indian Ocean. According to scientists, more than 90 percent of the lemur species are endangered. The experts say destruction of forest habitat by illegal logging and increased hunting threatens the lemurs' future.