CCSS.ELA-Literacy.L.9-10.4c
The Standard
Consult general and specialized reference materials (e.g., dictionaries, glossaries, thesauruses), both print and digital, to find the pronunciation of a word or determine or clarify its precise meaning, its part of speech, or its etymology.
Common Core State Standards for English Language Arts
What This Standard Means
Students need to use dictionaries, glossaries, thesauruses, and reliable online tools to check more than a quick definition. They should be able to find pronunciation, choose the meaning that fits the sentence, identify part of speech, and notice word history when it helps.
Mastery looks like students comparing sources and explaining why one entry fits the context better than another. They often get stuck choosing the first definition, trusting weak websites, or using a thesaurus word that changes the tone or grammar of the sentence.
Ways to Teach It
- Give pairs three unfamiliar words from a class text and have them complete a reference chart using a print dictionary and an online source.
- Ask students to explain which dictionary definition best fits a sentence from the reading and why the others do not fit.
- Show one word in context and have students identify its part of speech, pronunciation, and best meaning on an exit ticket.
- Have students check a product label, news article, or job posting for one technical word and trace its meaning using two references.
Before This Standard
If students are struggling here, check these first.
Plan a Lesson for CCSS.ELA-Literacy.L.9-10.4c
Generate a complete lesson plan aligned to this standard, with objectives, activities, and materials. Free, no account needed.
What This Unlocks
Mastery here sets students up for these next.
Related Standards
- CCSS.ELA-Literacy.L.6.4c
Consult reference materials (e.g., dictionaries, glossaries, thesauruses), both print and digital, to find the pronunciation of a word or determine or clarify i...
- CCSS.ELA-Literacy.L.7.4c
Consult general and specialized reference materials (e.g., dictionaries, glossaries, thesauruses), both print and digital, to find the pronunciation of a word o...