CCSS.ELA-Literacy.L.9-10.4d
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
What This Standard Means
Students need to make a smart first guess about an unfamiliar word or phrase, then check that guess. They should use context clues, word parts, and sentence meaning first. Then they confirm or adjust the meaning with a dictionary, glossary, or another reliable source.
Mastery looks like a student saying, “I thought it meant harsh because of the tone, and the dictionary confirms it means severe.” Students often stop after guessing, pick the first dictionary definition without checking fit, or ignore how the word works in that exact sentence.
Ways to Teach It
- Give pairs five sentences with bold words, sticky notes for first guesses, then dictionaries to confirm or revise each meaning.
- Ask students to write: How did the context help, and what changed after you checked the dictionary?
- Use a three-question exit ticket: guess the meaning, cite the clue, and verify with the best dictionary definition.
- Show a product review or news headline with a tricky word, then have students test whether their first meaning fits the source.
Before This Standard
If students are struggling here, check these first.
Plan a Lesson for CCSS.ELA-Literacy.L.9-10.4d
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What This Unlocks
Mastery here sets students up for these next.
Related Standards
- CCSS.ELA-Literacy.L.6.4d
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).
- CCSS.ELA-Literacy.L.7.4d
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).