NY Next Generation ELA 4R4

ELA4th GradeCraft and Structure

The Standard

Determine the meaning of words, phrases, figurative language, academic, and content-specific words.

New York State Next Generation English Language Arts Learning Standards

Teacher's field guide

What This Standard Means

What Students Need to Do

Students determine meanings of unfamiliar words, phrases, figurative language, and academic or subject-specific terms. They use context, word parts, and reference tools as needed.

What Mastery Looks Like

The student proposes a meaning that fits the sentence and supports it with clues. The student distinguishes a figurative meaning from a literal one.

Common Misconceptions

Students may choose the first familiar definition without testing context. They may interpret figurative language literally or ignore a word’s subject-specific meaning.

How to Assess It

Give a short passage containing an academic term and figurative phrase. Ask students to infer both meanings and mark the clues used.

Lesson moves

Ways to Teach It

  1. Highlight context clues and meaningful word parts around unfamiliar terms.

  2. Ask students how a figurative phrase changes if interpreted literally.

  3. Play Meaning Strategy Match with passages, clues, roots, and reference entries.

  4. Infer a technical word’s meaning in a science or social studies paragraph.

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Printable 4R4 Worksheet

Preview of the 4R4 printable worksheet

A ready-to-print activity worksheet aligned to 4R4, 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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