CCSS.ELA-Literacy.L.7.4d
The Standard
Verify the preliminary determination of the meaning of a word or phrase (e.g., by checking the inferred meaning in context or in a dictionary).
Common Core State Standards for English Language Arts
Teacher's field guide
What This Standard Means
What Students Need to Do
- Students make an initial meaning guess from context clues. They check that guess against a dictionary entry or nearby text, then revise it if needed.
What Mastery Looks Like
- Given an unfamiliar word in a passage, a student states a likely meaning and points to the clues used. The student checks the fitting dictionary sense, then confirms or revises the meaning with a clear reason.
Common Misconceptions
- Students may choose the first dictionary definition even when it does not fit the sentence. They may treat a confident guess as proof, ignore nearby clues, or change an accurate answer after checking.
How to Assess It
- Exit ticket: In “The coach’s terse reply ended the discussion,” define terse from context, check a dictionary, then explain whether you kept or revised your answer.
Lesson moves
Ways to Teach It
Give pairs context cards and dictionary entries; students match each bold word to the fitting definition and attach a clue note.
Ask students to write: Which clue shaped your first meaning, and what evidence confirmed or changed it?
Play Definition Detective: teams infer a word, select among three dictionary senses, and earn a point only when both choices align.
Have students examine an unfamiliar word from a school notice, infer its meaning, then verify it with a trusted dictionary.
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Printable L.7.4d Worksheet
A ready-to-print activity worksheet aligned to CCSS.ELA-Literacy.L.7.4d, 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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Where This Standard Sits
Before This Standard
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