CCSS.ELA-Literacy.L.9-10.5
The Standard
Demonstrate understanding of figurative language, word relationships, and nuances in word meanings.
Common Core State Standards for English Language Arts · Language Standards
What This Standard Means
Students need to explain how language works beyond the literal meaning. They should identify figures of speech, interpret them in context, and explain why a writer chose one word instead of another. They also need to compare related words and notice small shifts in tone, intensity, and connotation.
Mastery looks like students using context, syntax, and word choice to defend an interpretation. They can say how “stubborn,” “determined,” and “persistent” differ in effect. Students often get stuck by giving dictionary meanings only, missing tone, or labeling figurative language without explaining its impact.
Ways to Teach It
- Give pairs sentence strips with metaphors, similes, and idioms, then have them sort, paraphrase, and explain the effect of each one.
- Ask students to write which word best fits a character, brave, reckless, or bold, and defend their choice with text evidence.
- Use a four-question exit ticket with one idiom, one metaphor, one word pair, and one connotation choice from today’s reading.
- Bring in three product ads and have students identify loaded words, implied comparisons, and the feelings each ad tries to create.
Before This Standard
If students are struggling here, check these first.
Plan a Lesson for CCSS.ELA-Literacy.L.9-10.5
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What This Unlocks
Mastery here sets students up for these next.