NY Next Generation ELA 6R4
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, tone, and mood, including words with multiple meanings.
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 contextual, figurative, connotative, and multiple meanings of words and phrases. They analyze how specific choices affect meaning, tone, and mood.
What Mastery Looks Like
- The student infers the intended meaning and supports it with context. The student explains how one word or phrase shapes the author’s message, attitude, or reader experience.
Common Misconceptions
- Students may select a familiar definition without testing it in context. They may label tone or mood but not connect it to exact language.
How to Assess It
- Give a short passage containing a multiple-meaning word and figurative phrase. Ask students to explain each meaning and analyze one effect on tone or mood.
Lesson moves
Ways to Teach It
Replace one key word in a passage with near-synonyms and chart changes in tone and mood.
Ask students how a phrase’s connotation affects the author’s attitude toward the subject.
Play Meaning and Effect Match with quotations, interpretations, and tone labels.
Analyze word choices in a public sign or advertisement and explain the intended reaction.
Free download
Printable 6R4 Worksheet
A ready-to-print activity worksheet aligned to 6R4, with an answer key for the teacher on its own page. No account needed.
PDF, US Letter, prints cleanly in black and white.
Download the worksheetKeep exploring
Related Standards
- 8R4
The 8th Grade version of this standard.
- 7R4
The 7th Grade version of this standard.
- 9-10R4
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 choice...
- 5R4
Determine the meaning of words, phrases, figurative language, academic, and content- specific words and analyze their effect on meaning, tone, or mood.
Turn this exact standard into a lesson
Grade, subject, topic, and the complete standard are prefilled. Create one free, no account needed.
Also for this standard:Make a WorksheetMake a QuizMake a Sub Lesson