1.  Step by Step Passage (Page 8, Paragraphs 2-10)

First Two Words:  She unlocked

Last Two Words:  Drove off

Type of Passage:  Step by Step

Explanation of Type of Passage:  This passage is a step by step, or sequence, passage because it lists the chronological actions of Mrs. North and Marvin as they left school and prepared to drive to Mrs. North’s house.  For example, Mrs. North unlocked her car door, got into the car, and then unlocked Marvin’s door.  Next, Marvin climbed into the passenger’s seat and put on his seat belt.  Finally, Mrs. North started the car, and they drove away from the school toward Mrs. North’s house.

Thinking Question:    Why is it important to understand the sequencing of events in a passage or story?  By understanding the order in which events occur in a passage or story, the reader is able to develop logical reasoning, as he/she begins to realize that certain events must occur before others.  For example, Mrs. North had to open her door, get into the car, and unlock Marvin’s door before he could also get into the car.  In addition, Mrs. North had to start the engine before she could drive the car away from the school.

Explanation of How the Passage Adds Meaning to the Text:  The passage adds meaning to the text by sequencing the actions of Mrs. North and Marvin.  For example, the reader is able to understand that actions or events occur in a specific or chronological order.  The step by step passage allows the reader to follow or trace the behaviors of Mrs. North and Marvin, and it also encourages the reader to create precise mental images of character actions.

2.  Descriptive Passage (Page 10, Paragraphs 4-5)

First Two Words:  Waldo was

Last Two Words:  Almost white

Type of Passage:  Descriptive

Explanation of Type of Passage:  This passage is a descriptive passage because it contains vivid details about the appearance of Waldo.  For example, the text states that Waldo is a “big dog with graying black hair.”  It continues that Waldo’s “face is covered with long gray whiskers that are almost white,” and it also makes reference to Waldo’s “long, black, swishing tail.”

Thinking Question:  From the description of Waldo, what can be inferred about his age?  Since the text notes that Waldo has graying black hair and whitish whiskers, the reader can infer that Waldo is an older, or mature, dog.

Explanation of How the Passage Adds Meaning to the Text:  The passage adds meaning to the text by offering a detailed description of Waldo.  Thus, the reader is assisted in visualizing, or creating a mental image, of Waldo.  Through exposure to rich imagery, the reader is able to feel more connected to the text and its characters.

3.  Simile (Page 10, Paragraph 6)

First Two Words:  He looked

Last Two Words:  A Walrus

Type of Passage:  Simile

Explanation of Type of Passage:  This passage is a simile because it compares Waldo’s appearance to that of a Walrus, using the word “like.”  It states that Waldo “looked like a walrus,” and the reader is able to create a mental image of a walrus-like dog.

Thinking Question:  What characteristics of Waldo make him seem similar to a walrus?
Waldo’s large body, long whiskers, and waddle-like gate make his appearance seem similar to that of a walrus.

Explanation of How the Passage Adds Meaning to the Text:  The passage adds meaning to the text by encouraging the reader to make a connection between Waldo and a walrus.  The reader is better able to visualize Waldo because he is described as having similar features to a walrus.

4.  Foreshadowing Passage (Page 14, Paragraph 1)

First Two Words:  She wrote

Last Two Words:  In case

Type of Passage:  Foreshadowing

Explanation of Type of Passage:  This passage is a foreshadowing passage because it initially introduces a situation that occurs later in the book.  For example, it states that Mrs. North “wrote down the phone number of Waldo’s vet, just in case,” and this sentence alludes to the fact that Marvin might need the assistance of a veterinarian later in the story.

Thinking Question:  Why might Marvin need the assistance of a veterinarian while Mrs. North is out of town?  Marvin might need the phone number of a veterinarian in case Waldo gets sick or hurt.  As a safety precaution and to provide Marvin with a supportive resource, Mrs. North left the vet’s number.

Explanation of How the Passage Adds Meaning to the Text:  This passage adds meaning to the text by encouraging the reader to make predictions about future events that may occur in the story.  The foreshadowing passage increases the curiosity and interest of the reader and prompts the reader to discover if Marvin will, indeed, need the assistance or advice of a veterinarian.