CCSS.ELA-Literacy.L.5.5
The Standard
Demonstrate understanding of figurative language, word relationships, and nuances in word meanings.
Common Core State Standards for English Language Arts · Language Standards
What This Standard Means
Students need to explain what figurative language means, not just spot it. They should work with similes, metaphors, idioms, adages, and proverbs, then use context to figure out the intended meaning. They also need to compare related words and notice small differences in tone, strength, or feeling.
Mastery looks like a student saying, “She exploded is not literal. It means she got very angry,” and choosing furious instead of annoyed when the sentence calls for it. Students often get stuck taking idioms literally, mixing up similar words, or giving a vague meaning like “good” or “bad” without explaining the nuance.
Ways to Teach It
- Give pairs idiom cards and literal picture cards, then have them match each idiom to its real meaning and draw a better scene.
- Ask students to explain which word fits best, scared, nervous, terrified, or uneasy, and defend their choice with sentence clues.
- Use an exit ticket with one metaphor, one idiom, and two similar words, asking students to explain each meaning in context.
- Bring in short sports headlines or ads, and have students underline figurative language and explain why the writer used it.
Before This Standard
If students are struggling here, check these first.
Plan a Lesson for CCSS.ELA-Literacy.L.5.5
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What This Unlocks
Mastery here sets students up for these next.