CCSS.ELA-Literacy.L.6.4
The Standard
Determine or clarify the meaning of unknown and multiple-meaning words and phrases based on grade 6 reading and content, choosing flexibly from a range of strategies.
Common Core State Standards for English Language Arts · Language Standards
Teacher's field guide
What This Standard Means
What Students Need to Do
- Students work out unfamiliar words by using sentence clues, word parts, and reference tools. They choose the meaning that best fits the passage. They also explain which strategy helped.
What Mastery Looks Like
- Students select a meaning that fits the sentence and explain which clues or word parts helped. They use a dictionary, glossary, or digital reference to check their thinking. They can compare several meanings of the same word.
Common Misconceptions
- Students often choose the first dictionary definition, even when it does not fit the sentence. They may mistake a nearby detail for a useful context clue. They may also assume a familiar root always gives the full meaning.
How to Assess It
- Give students this prompt: “The committee reviewed the first draft of the proposal.” Ask them to define “draft,” identify a supporting clue, and name a way to verify the meaning.
Lesson moves
Ways to Teach It
Place sentence cards and definition cards around the room; pairs match them, then circle the context clues that support each match.
Ask, “What does charge mean in each sentence, and which clues prove it?” then have students defend answers with a partner.
Play four corners where students choose among four meanings of a highlighted word, then earn a point by naming their strategy.
Have students examine a menu, sports article, or game instructions and record one unfamiliar word, its likely meaning, and how they checked it.
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Printable L.6.4 Worksheet
A ready-to-print activity worksheet aligned to CCSS.ELA-Literacy.L.6.4, with an answer key for the teacher on its own page. No account needed.
PDF, US Letter, prints cleanly in black and white.
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