CCSS.ELA-Literacy.L.11-12.6
The Standard
Acquire and use accurately general academic and domain-specific words and phrases, sufficient for reading, writing, speaking, and listening at the college and career readiness level; demonstrate independence in gathering vocabulary knowledge when considering a word or phrase important to comprehension or expression.
Common Core State Standards for English Language Arts · Language Standards
Teacher's field guide
What This Standard Means
What Students Need to Do
- Students figure out unfamiliar academic and subject-specific words by using context, word parts, and reference tools. They choose precise words for reading responses, essays, discussions, and presentations, and research key terms without waiting for help.
What Mastery Looks Like
- A student can infer a word’s meaning, verify it with a reliable source, and explain which meaning fits the context. The student uses the word accurately in speech or writing, with the right form and tone.
Common Misconceptions
- Students may rely on a vague context guess or choose the first dictionary definition without checking the passage. They may recognize a word while reading but misuse its form, tone, or subject-specific meaning in writing.
How to Assess It
- Exit ticket: Read, “Planting trees can mitigate summer heat in cities.” Define “mitigate,” name one context clue, then write a new sentence using it accurately.
Lesson moves
Ways to Teach It
Give groups word, definition, example, and nonexample cards to match, then have them defend each set using context and word parts.
Ask students to compare “claim,” “assert,” and “allege,” then write which word best fits a courtroom report and explain why.
Play vocabulary Taboo: students explain a target word without listed synonyms, then use it in an academic sentence that peers check.
Have students mark unfamiliar terms in a job posting, research three, and write a short application email using them accurately.
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Printable L.11-12.6 Worksheet
A ready-to-print activity worksheet aligned to CCSS.ELA-Literacy.L.11-12.6, with an answer key for the teacher on its own page. No account needed.
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