English Language ArtsScience9-12+
Similes and Paraphrasing: Zika Virus Practice Set
By Javier L.
A two-part, double-sided practice set for 9th grade Intensive Reading 2 students, built around a short scientific passage on the Zika virus. Students match scientific similes to their literal meanings, then practice paraphrasing, building close-reading and figurative language analysis skills that support ELA.9.R.3.1.
Customize for your classroom
Teacher Guide & Tips
- Use as an independent or small-group station activity, with one double-sided page for the simile matching and a second double-sided page for paraphrasing.
- Discussion question: Why do scientists use comparisons like "acting like a key in a lock," and what does that comparison help a reader understand that a literal description might not?
- Scaffold for struggling readers: Have them reread the introductory paragraph on similes first and underline the words "like" or "as" before attempting the matching.
- Extension for advanced students: Ask them to write an original simile explaining a different scientific process and then paraphrase a dense sentence from the passage in their own words.
- Estimated time: About 40 to 50 minutes for both parts combined.
English Language ArtsScience9-12+
Similes and Paraphrasing: Zika Virus Practice Set
By Javier L.
A two-part, double-sided practice set for 9th grade Intensive Reading 2 students, built around a short scientific passage on the Zika virus. Students match scientific similes to their literal meanings, then practice paraphrasing, building close-reading and figurative language analysis skills that support ELA.9.R.3.1.
Customize for your classroom
Teacher Guide & Tips
- Use as an independent or small-group station activity, with one double-sided page for the simile matching and a second double-sided page for paraphrasing.
- Discussion question: Why do scientists use comparisons like "acting like a key in a lock," and what does that comparison help a reader understand that a literal description might not?
- Scaffold for struggling readers: Have them reread the introductory paragraph on similes first and underline the words "like" or "as" before attempting the matching.
- Extension for advanced students: Ask them to write an original simile explaining a different scientific process and then paraphrase a dense sentence from the passage in their own words.
- Estimated time: About 40 to 50 minutes for both parts combined.