CCSS.ELA-Literacy.L.5.5c
The Standard
Use the relationship between particular words (e.g., synonyms, antonyms, homographs) to better understand each of the words.
Common Core State Standards for English Language Arts
Teacher's field guide
What This Standard Means
What Students Need to Do
- Students compare words to determine how their meanings are connected. They use synonym, antonym, and homograph relationships, along with context, to clarify unfamiliar or multiple-meaning words.
What Mastery Looks Like
- Students can identify whether two words are synonyms, antonyms, or homographs. They use sentence context and word relationships to explain meaning and choose the best word for a passage.
Common Misconceptions
- Students may think synonyms always mean exactly the same thing or that antonyms work in every context. They may confuse homographs with homophones and ignore context when choosing a meaning.
How to Assess It
- Give this exit ticket: “In the sentence ‘The band will present a present to the winner,’ explain each meaning of present and identify the clue.”
Lesson moves
Ways to Teach It
Give pairs word cards to sort into synonym, antonym, and homograph groups, then ask students to justify each placement.
Ask students to write two sentences showing different meanings of one homograph, then underline the context clues.
Play a matching game where students pair synonyms and antonyms, earning a point only after using both words correctly.
Examine headlines, menus, or advertisements for homographs, then discuss how context prevents readers from choosing the wrong meaning.
Free download
Printable L.5.5c Worksheet
A ready-to-print activity worksheet aligned to CCSS.ELA-Literacy.L.5.5c, with an answer key for the teacher on its own page. No account needed.
PDF, US Letter, prints cleanly in black and white.
Download the worksheetLearning progression
Where This Standard Sits
Before This Standard
If students are struggling here, check these first.
What This Unlocks
Mastery here sets students up for these next.
Keep exploring
Related Standards
- CCSS.ELA-Literacy.L.6.5b
Use the relationship between particular words (e.g., cause/effect, part/whole, item/category) to better understand each of the words.
- CCSS.ELA-Literacy.L.8.5b
Use the relationship between particular words to better understand each of the words.
- CCSS.ELA-Literacy.L.7.5b
Use the relationship between particular words (e.g., synonym/antonym, analogy) to better understand each of the words.
Turn this exact standard into a lesson
Grade, subject, topic, and the complete standard are prefilled. Create one free, no account needed.