CCSS.ELA-Literacy.RL.8.4
The Standard
Determine the meaning of words and phrases as they are used in a text, including figurative and connotative meanings; analyze the impact of specific word choices on meaning and tone, including analogies or allusions to other texts.
Common Core State Standards for English Language Arts · Reading Standards for Literature
What This Standard Means
Students need to figure out what words and phrases mean in the exact passage they are reading, not just give dictionary definitions. They also need to explain how figurative language, loaded words, analogies, and allusions shape the reader’s understanding and the tone.
Mastery looks like citing a specific word choice, explaining its meaning in context, and connecting it to mood, character, theme, or conflict. Students often get stuck by naming figurative language without explaining its effect, missing connotation, or not recognizing references to myths, history, the Bible, or other literature.
Ways to Teach It
- Give pairs a poem with five highlighted phrases, and have them sort each one into literal meaning, figurative meaning, and tone effect.
- Ask students to write: Which single word in this paragraph most changes the mood, and what would happen if the author changed it?
- Use an exit ticket with one sentence from the text, asking for the word’s context meaning, connotation, and effect on tone.
- Bring in a song lyric or movie line with an allusion, then compare how the reference changes meaning for readers who recognize it.
Plan a Lesson for CCSS.ELA-Literacy.RL.8.4
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