Reading Comprehension Checklist and Questions for Students

For special education learners, the difference between reading ability and reading comprehension can be stark. Many children who fall into the category of different learners struggle at various places in the reading comprehension process. Dyslexic students have trouble reading letters and words. Other students may find summarizing what they have read to be the hard part. And yet other students—including those with ADHD or autism—may read words fluently, but be unable to make sense of the arc of a story or even a sentence. What Is Reading Comprehension? Simply, reading comprehension is the ability to learn and process information from written sources. Its primary step is decoding, which is the act of assigning sounds and meaning to letters and words. But as simple as defining reading comprehension may be, it is notoriously difficult to teach. For many students, reading will give them their first glimpse into subjective understanding, as they realize that the information that they have gleaned from a text may differ from a fellow students, or that the picture they have drawn in their minds after reading a text will be different from that of their peers. How Is Reading Comprehension Assessed? The most common kinds of reading comprehension tests are ones in which students read a short passage and are asked a series of questions about it. Yet, for special education students, this method is fraught with the pitfalls outlined above. Moving from the process of decoding text to answering questions about the text can present challenges for children who cannot jump from task to task with facility, even if they are great readers and have strong comprehension skills. Sample Questions to Ask About Reading For this reason, an oral exam may bear more fruit than a standard written reading comprehension test. Heres a checklist of questions to ask a child about a book shes read. Their answers will provide you with a glimpse of their ability to comprehend. Consider these questions: 1.____ Who are the main characters in your story? 2.____ Are any of the main characters like you or like somebody you know? What makes you think so? 3.____ Describe your favorite character in the story and tell me why the character is your favorite. 4.____ When do you think the story takes place? Where do you think the story takes place? Why do you think so?   5.____ What is the funniest/scariest/best part of the story? 6.____ Is there a problem in this story? If so, how does the problem get solved? How would you have solved the problem? 7.____ Would any of your friends/family enjoy this book? Why or why not? 8.____ Could you come up with another good title for this book? What would it be? 9.____ What if you could change the ending of this book, what would it be? 10.____ Do you think this book would make a good movie? Why or why not? Questions like these are a great tool to incorporate into story time. If a parent volunteer or a student is reading to the class, have them ask one or more of them. Keep a folder with these questions and have your volunteers record what the students say about the book title theyve just read. The key to success in ensuring your struggling readers maintain a joy for reading is to ensure that the task following reading isnt unpleasant. Dont make answering a series of questions a chore that follows a fun or exciting story. Foster a love of reading by sharing your enthusiasm about what their book is all about.

Essay on Artificial Intelligence and its Uses - 819 Words

Artificial Intelligence and its Uses Artificial intelligence is defined as the ability of a machine to think for itself. Scientists and theorists continue to debate if computers will actually be able to think for themselves at one point. The generally accepted theory is that computers do and will think more in the future. AI has grown rapidly in the last ten years because of the advances in computer architecture. As AI advances, human beings are using it to help with some problems that use AI. AI is achieved using a number of different methods. The more popular methods are neural networks, fuzzy logic, and expert systems. There are very few applications that are pre-written using AI. Each company has to write its†¦show more content†¦In Los Angeles, a fuzzy logic system is used to check input from several cameras located at different intersections. This system provides a smart light that can decide whether a traffic light should be changed more often or remain green longer. In order for these smart lights to work, the system assigns a value to an input and checks all the inputs at once. Those inputs that have the highest value get the highest amount of attention. Another example is how a fuzzy logic system might evaluate water temperature. If the water is cold, it assigns a value of zero. If it is hot the system will assign the value of one. But if the next sample is lukewarm, it has the capability to decide upon a value of 0.6. The different degrees of warmness or coldness are shown through the values assigned to it. Hitachi and Matsushita are starting to manufacture washing machines that automatically adjust for load size and how dirty the clothes are. These machines wash until clothes are clean, not just for ten minutes. Matsushita also manufactures vacuum cleaners that adjust the suction power according to the volume of dust and the dirtiness of the floor. Fuzzy logics structure allows it to easily rate any input and decide upon the importance. Expert systems have proven effective in a number of problem areas that usually require human intelligence. Expert systems are primarily used as specialized problem solvers.Show MoreRelatedUse Of Artificial Intelligence At The New Yorker1044 Words   |  5 Pages1. A. Cars can use Artificial Intelligence to â€Å"park themselves† and â€Å"automatically brake†. B. She believes AI can reduce CO2 emissions by telling if people are within a house and automatically changing the thermostat based upon that. It can also be used to check temperatures online and adjust the household temperature based on that which we release less emissions then keeping the AC or heater running all day. 2. In the article taken from Why Can’t My Computer Understand Me? Gary Marcus suggestsRead MoreUse Of Artificial Intelligence For Marketing And Branding Of Its Products Essay946 Words   |  4 Pagesin appearance, functionality etc. b) Google- Google differs from its competition in its features, tools, design and search results it provides which is far better than others. It has variety of unique products like os, and Android. The use of artificial intelligence is fuelling its success. c) Amazon- Amazon has many competitors but gives customers numerous options to shop on their website. It offers a variety of books which other sellers don’t. Download of movies or television serials, Amazon KindleRead MoreDisadvantages Of Artificial Intelligence909 Words   |  4 Pagesconstantly changing lives easier. However, as we advance in society, controversies start up on the right and wrongs of how our mechanics or robots develop, specifically Artificial Intelligence robots. Artificial intelligence is the ability to understand how to control motion and responses based upon experience. Artificial intelligence in robots are based on human traits such as reasoning, knowledge, planning, learning, communication, perception, and movement and manipulation of objects.As of now, ourRead MoreArtificial Intelligence In Technology1612 Words   |  7 Pages â€Å"The increasing use of artificial intelligence in technology will transform our societies for the worse.† Module: FC-503 Tutor Name: Assessment type: Essay Student Number: T0061516 Word Count: The theme of the 2017 Summer Davos meeting was about the fourth revolution of science and technology and artificial intelligence was undoubtedly one of the main topics discussed by people. From driving interactive voice with nobody to Alphago defeat the invincible chess champion Ke Jie (GibneyRead MoreArtificial Intelligence Is The Most Important And Interesting One?1432 Words   |  6 Pagesupon is Artificial Intelligence. For this essay, the topic of ethics that I chose to write about is the Case Study on Artificial Intelligence; I chose this topic because I felt like it was the most important and interesting one. There are many different views and ideas concerning the subject of Artificial Intelligence and this paper will outline a few of the benefits and drawbacks associated with Artificial Intelligence and whether or not it is moral or ethical. First, what is Artificial IntelligenceRead MoreThreads Of Artificial Intelligence On Society And Economy Essay990 Words   |  4 Pagesâ€Å"Threads of Artificial intelligence on Society and economy†, written by Lee, chairman, chief executive of Sinovation Ventures and the president of its Artificial Intelligence Institute. This article addresses questions about the future challenges and impacts of artificial intelligence on society and economy. 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John McCarthy defines artificial intelligence as the science of engineeringRead MoreImportance Of Artificial Intelligence1409 Words   |  6 Pagesmost famous science fiction writers, artificial intelligence ( AI) is taking root in our everyday lives† ( Science Fiction to Reality 1). Artificial Intelligence is a machinery which includes network and a probabilistic model. Artificial intelligence is the computer that can now spontaneously translate spoken and written conversation. It can also recognize and accurately cations photos, identify faces and can be your personal assistant. Artificial intelligence has specific technologies, like theRead MorePersuasive Speech Outline1169 Words   |  5 PagesTitle:  What’s In Your Glass? Topic: The Opposition of Artificial Intelligence Method of organization:  Refutative Specific Purpose:   My specific purpose of this speech is to encourage those who oppose artificial intelligence to see the good that can be done with this technology. 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Table of Content 1.0 Introduction†¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦1 1.1 My theory†¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦2 1.2 Respondents opinions†¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦5 2.0 Summary and Conclusion†¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦..10 Figures Fig 1.2.0 Do you interact with artificial intelligent systems? ........................................5 Fig 1.2.1 is it possible for human thinking

Thoreau Essay Example For Students

Thoreau Essay English Henry David Thoreau The Great Conservationist, Visionary, and Humanist He spent his life in voluntary poverty, enthralled by the study of nature. Two years, in the prime of his life, were spent living in a shack in the woods near a pond. Who would choose a life like this? Henry David Thoreau did, and he enjoyed it. Who was Henry David Thoreau, what did he do, and what did others think of his work? Henry David Thoreau was born in Concord, Massachusetts on July 12, 1817 (Thoreau 96), on his grandmothers farm. Thoreau, who was of French-Huguenot and Scottish-Quaker ancestry, was baptized as David Henry Thoreau, but at the age of twenty he legally changed his name to Henry David. Thoreau was raised with his older sister Helen, older brother John, and younger sister Sophia (Derleth 1) in genteel poverty (The 1995 Grolier Multimedia Encyclopedia 1). It quickly became evident that Thoreau was interested in literature and writing. At a young age he began to show interest writing, and he wrote his first essay, The Seasons, at the tender age of ten, while attending Concord Academy (Derleth 4). In 1833, at the age of sixteen, Henry David was accepted to Harvard University, but his parents could not afford the cost of tuition so his sister, Helen, who had begun to teach, and his aunts offered to help. With the assistance of his family and the beneficiary funds of Harvard he went to Cambridge in August 1833 and entered Harvard on September first. He Thoreau stood close to the top of his class, but he went his own way too much to reach the top (5). In December 1835, Thoreau decided to leave Harvard and attempt to earn a living by teaching, but that only lasted about a month and a half (8). He returned to college in the fall of 1836 and graduated on August 16, 1837 (12). Thoreaus years at Harvard University gave him one great gift, an introduction to the world of books. Upon his return from college, Thoreaus family found him to be less likely to accept opinions as facts, more argumentative, and inordinately prone to shock people with his own independent and unconventional opinions. During this time he discovered his secret desire to be a poet (Derleth 14), but most of all he wanted to live with freedom to think and act as he wished. Immediately after graduation from Harvard, Henry David applied for a teaching position at the public school in Concord and was accepted. However, he refused to flog children as punishment. He opted instead to deliver moral lectures. This was looked down upon by the community, and a committee was asked to review the situation. They decided that the lectures were not ample punishment, so they ordered Thoreau to flog recalcitrant students. With utter contempt he lined up six children after school that day, flogged them, and handed in his resignation, because he felt that physical punishment should have no part in education (Derleth 15). In 1837 Henry David began to write his Journal (16). It started out as a literary notebook, but later developed into a work of art. In it Thoreau record his thoughts and discoveries about nature (The 1995 Grolier Multimedia Encyclopedia 1). Later that same year, his sister, Helen, introduced him to Lucy Jackson Brown, who just happened to be Ralph Waldo Emersons sister-in-law. She read his Journal, and seeing many of the same thoughts as Emerson himself had expressed, she told Emerson of Thoreau. Emerson asked that Thoreau be brought to his home for a meeting, and they quickly became friends (Derleth 18). On April 11, 1838, not long after their first meeting Thoreau, with Emersons help, delivered his first lecture, Society (21). Ralph Waldo Emerson was probably the single most portentous person in Henry David Thoreaus life. From 1841 to 1843 and again between 1847 and 1848 Thoreau lived as a member of Emersons household, and during this time he came to know Bronson Alcott, Margaret Fuller, and many other members of the Transcendental Club (Thoreau 696). On August 31, 1839 Henry David and his elder brother, John, left Concord on a boat trip down the Concord River, onto the Middlesex Canal, into the Merrimack River and into the state of New Hampshire. Out of this trip came Thoreaus first book, A Week on the Concord and Merrimack Rivers (25). Early in 1841, John Thoreau, Henrys beloved older brother, became very ill, most likely with tuberculosis, and in early May a poor and distraught Henry David moved into the upstairs of Ralph Waldo Emersons house (35). Marijuana Essay Thesis One may almost doubt if the wisest man has learned anything of absolute value by living (16). Walden is filled with sarcasm, criticism, and observations of nature, life, and society, and is written in a very unique style. Walden has been described as an elaborate system of circular imagery which centers on Walden Pond as a symbol of heaven, the ideal of perfection that should be striven for (Thoreau 697). Thoreau has been called Americas greatest prose stylist, naturalist, pioneer ecologist, conservationist, visionary, and humanist (The 1995 Grolier Multimedia Encyclopedia 2). It has also been said that Thoreaus style shows an unconscious, but very pointed degree of Emersons influence. However, there is often a rudeness, and an inartistic carelessness in Thoreaus style that is not at all like the style of Emerson. Thoreau possessed an amazing forte for expressing his many observations in vivid color: No one has ever excelled him in the field of minute description. His acute powers of observation, his ability to keep for a long time his attention upon one thing, and his love of nature and of solitude, all lend a distinct individuality to his style (Pattee 226). Thoreaus good friend Bronson Alcott described his style as: More primitive and Homeric than any American, his style of thinking was robust, racy, as if Nature herself had built his sentences and seasoned the sense of his paragraphs with his own vigor and salubrity. Nothing can be spared from them; there is nothing superfluous; all is compact, concrete, as nature is (Alcott 16). Most of Thoreaus writings had to do with Nature which caused him to receive both positive and negative criticism. Paul Elmer More said that Thoreau wasThe greatest by far of our writers on Nature and the creator of a new sentiment in literature, but he then does a complete turn around to say: Much of his Thoreaus writing, perhaps the greater part, is the mere record of observation and classification, and has not the slightest claim on our remembrance, unless, indeed, it posses some scientific value, which I doubt (More 860). Thoreau was always very forthright in everything he said. Examples of this can be found throughout Walden, one of which being his statement in chapter twoTo a philosopher all news, as it is called, is gossip, and they who edit and read it are old women over their tea (Thoreau 79). There is certainly no ersatz sentiment, nor simulation of reverence of benevolence in Walden (Briggs 445). Thoreau was a philosopher of individualism, who placed nature above materialism in private life, and ethics above conformity in politics (The 1995 Grolier Multimedia Encyclopedia 1). His life was marked by whimsical acts and unusual stands on public issues (Thoreau 697). These peculiar beliefs led to a lot of criticism of Thoreau and his work. James Russell Lowell complained the Thoreau exalted the constraints of his own dispositions and insisted upon accepting his shortcomings and debilities as virtues and powers. Lowell considered: a great deal of the modern sentimentalism about Nature. ..a mark of disease (Wagenknecht 2). In some ways Walden is deluding. It consists of eighteen essays in which Thoreau condenses his twenty-six month stay at Walden Pond into the seasons of a single year. Also, the idea is expressed in Magills Survey of American Literature that: Walden was not a wilderness, nor was Thoreau a pioneer; his hut was within two miles of town, and while at Walden, he made almost daily visits to Concord and to his family, dined out often, had frequent visitors, and went off on excursions. Walden is a testament to the renewing power of nature, to the need of respect and preservation of the environment, and to the belief thatin wildness is the salvation of the world (Magill 1949). Walden is simply an experience recreated in words for the purpose of getting rid of the world and discovering the self (Thoreau 697). Henry David Thoreau strived for freedom and equality. He was opinionated and argumentative. He stood up for what he believed in and was willing to fight for it. His teachings and writings had an amazing affect on people and the world, and will have for centuries to come. affect on people and the world, and will have for centuries to come. Book Reports