Virginia SOL 4.RV.1.I
The Standard
Use glossaries,beginning dictionaries, and thesauruses, both print and digital, to determine or clarify the meaning of words and phrases.
Virginia Standards of Learning for English · Vocabulary Development and Word Analysis
Teacher's field guide
What This Standard Means
What Students Need to Do
- Students locate unfamiliar words and phrases in print or digital reference tools. They read entries and choose the meaning or synonym that fits the surrounding text.
What Mastery Looks Like
- Students quickly choose the reference tool that best fits the task. They locate an entry, compare meanings or synonyms, and select the choice that makes sense in context.
Common Misconceptions
- Students may choose the first definition without checking the sentence. They may treat every thesaurus synonym as interchangeable or expect a glossary to include words unrelated to its text.
How to Assess It
- Give students the sentence, “The rugged trail slowed the hikers,” plus dictionary and thesaurus entries for rugged. Ask them to select the fitting definition and one suitable synonym, then explain each choice.
Lesson moves
Ways to Teach It
Set up glossary, dictionary, and thesaurus stations where pairs use word cards to find meanings, pronunciations, and fitting synonyms.
Ask students to explain in writing why the first dictionary definition is not always the correct meaning for a sentence.
Play Reference Tool Relay, with teams choosing the best tool and finding an assigned word or phrase accurately.
Have students use a recipe glossary and digital dictionary to clarify cooking terms such as fold, knead, and simmer.
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Related Standards
- 5.RV.1.J
Use glossaries, beginning dictionaries, and thesauruses, both print and digital, to determine or clarify the meaning of words and phrases.
- 7.RV.1.G
Use general and specialized word-reference materials, print and digital, to identify word origins and derivations, pronunciations, precise meanings, and their p...
- 3.RV.1.I
Use glossaries, beginning dictionaries and thesauruses, both print and digital, to determine or clarify the meaning of words and phrases.
- 8.RV.1.G
Use general and specialized word-reference materials, print and digital, to determine pronunciation, etymology, derivations, and parts of speech.
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