Texas TEKS 4.21

4.21 is a TEKS knowledge and skills statement. These are the student expectations under it.

• 4.21.A

  use social studies terminology correctly

• 4.21.B

  incorporate main and supporting ideas in verbal and written communication

• 4.21.C

  express ideas orally based on research and experiences

• 4.21.D

  create written and visual material such as journal entries, reports, graphic organizers, outlines, and bibliographies

• 4.21.E

  apply foundational language skills to engage in civil discourse about social studies topics, including those with multiple perspectives.

01

What Students Need to Do

Students use social studies terms accurately and organize information around a clear main idea with supporting details. They present research through speaking, writing, and visuals. They also discuss differing viewpoints respectfully and use basic source information.

02

What Mastery Looks Like

A student can explain a topic using accurate terms, a clear main idea, and relevant evidence. The student can create an organized report, graphic, or outline and respond respectfully to another perspective.

03

Common Misconceptions

Students may confuse a supporting detail with the main idea or list facts without explaining their connection. They may treat opinions as evidence, use visuals only as decoration, or think civil discussion requires everyone to agree.

04

How to Assess It

Give students two short accounts of the same Texas event. Ask them to write the main idea, cite one supporting detail, use two content terms, and explain one difference in perspective.

1. 01

   Give groups fact cards to sort under main ideas, then arrange the cards into a labeled poster with supporting details.

2. 02

   After reading two viewpoints, ask students to write and share which claim is better supported and respond politely to a classmate.

3. 03

   Play vocabulary relay, where teams match social studies terms to examples and explain each match before earning a point.

4. 04

   Use a local news article to create a one-page report with a summary, labeled visual, and simple source entry.

• 7.22

  The 7th Grade version of this standard.

• 5.25

  The 5th Grade version of this standard.

• 2.16

  The 2nd Grade version of this standard.

• 3.15

  The 3rd Grade version of this standard.