Locate and refer to relevant details and evidence when explaining what a text says explicitly/implicitly; make logical inferences
Determine a theme or central idea; explain how it is supported by key details; summarize a text
In literary texts:
compare and contrast two or more characters, settings, and events, drawing on specific details in the text
explain how a series of chapters, scenes, or stanzas fits together to determine the overall structure of a story, drama, or poem
explain how a narrator’s or speaker’s point of view influences how events are described
identify and analyze structural elements, using terms such as verse, rhythm, meter, characters, settings, dialogue, stage directions
compare and contrast the point of view from which different stories are narrated, including the difference between first- and third-person narrations
In informational texts:
explain the relationships or interactions between two or more individuals, events, ideas, or concepts based on specific evidence from the text
compare and contrast the overall structure in two or more texts using terms such as sequence, comparison, cause/effect, and problem/solution
analyze multiple accounts of the same event or topic, noting important similarities and differences in the point of view they represent
compare and contrast a primary and secondary source on the same event or topic
Analyze how visual and multimedia elements contribute to meaning of literary and informational texts
Determine the meaning of words, phrases, figurative language, academic, and domain-specific words and analyze their effect on meaning, tone, or mood
Explain how claims in a text are supported by relevant reasons and evidence
Use established criteria to categorize texts; make informed judgments about quality; make connections to other texts, ideas, cultural perspectives, eras, and personal experiences
Know and apply grade-level phonics and word analysis skills in decoding words
Read grade-level text across genres with sufficient accuracy and fluency to support comprehension
Write an argument to support claim(s), using clear reasons and relevant evidence
Introduce a precise claim and organize the reasons and evidence logically
Provide logically ordered reasons that are supported by facts and details from various sources including a concluding statement or section related to the argument
Use precise language and content-specific vocabulary while offering an opinion on a topic
Use appropriate transitional words, phrases, and clauses to clarify and connect ideas and concept and manage the sequence of events
Establish and maintain a style and tone appropriate to the writing task.
Write informative/explanatory texts to explore a topic and convey ideas and information relevant to the subject
Introduce a topic clearly, provide a general focus, and organize related information logically
Develop a topic with facts, definitions, concrete details, quotations, or other relevant information; include text features, illustrations, and multimedia to aid comprehension
Use precise language and domain-specific vocabulary to explain a topic
Use appropriate transitional/linking words, phrases, and clauses to clarify and connect ideas and concepts
Write narratives to develop real or imagined experiences or events using effective techniques, descriptive details, and clear event sequences
Establish a situation and introduce a narrator and/or characters
Use narrative techniques, such as dialogue and description, to develop experiences and events or show the responses of characters to situations
Use concrete words and phrases and sensory details to convey experiences and events precisely
Create a poem, story, play, artwork, or other response to a text, author, theme, or personal experience
Draw evidence from literary or informational texts to respond and support analysis, reflection, and research
Conduct research to answer questions, including self-generated questions, and to build knowledge through investigating multiple sources on a topic
Engage effectively in a range of collaborative discussions with diverse partners, expressing ideas clearly, persuasively, and building on those of others
Come to discussions prepared, having read or studied required material; draw on that preparation and other information known about the topic to explore ideas
Follow agreed-upon norms for discussions and carry out assigned roles
Pose and respond to specific questions to clarify or follow up on information, and make comments that contribute to the discussion and link to the remarks of others
Consider the ideas expressed and draw conclusions about information and knowledge gained from the discussions
Summarize information presented in diverse format (e.g., including visual, quantitative, and oral)
Identify and evaluate the reasons and evidence a speaker provides to support particular points
Report on a topic or text or present an opinion, sequencing ideas logically and using appropriate facts and relevant, descriptive details to support main ideas or themes; speak clearly at an understandable pace and volume appropriate for audience
Include digital media and/or visual displays in presentations to emphasize and enhance main ideas or themes
Adapt speech to a variety of contexts and tasks, using formal English when appropriate
*The Language Strand identifies Conventions of Standard English and Core Convention skills that develop from Grade 3 - Grade 5.
Demonstrate command of conventions of Standard English grammar when writing or speaking
Produce simple, compound, and complex sentences
Explain the function of nouns, pronouns, verbs, adjectives, and adverbs in general as well as in particular sentences
Use relative pronouns (who, whose, whom, which, that) and relative adverbs (where, when, why)
Explain the function of conjunctions, prepositions, and interjections in general as well as in particular sentences
Form and use regular and irregular plural nouns as well as abstract nouns
Form and use regular and irregular verbs, simple verb tenses, progressive verb tenses, perfect verb tenses to convey times, sequences, states, and conditions
Ensure subject-verb and pronoun-antecedent agreement
Produce complete sentences, recognizing and correcting inappropriate fragments and run-ons.
Correctly use frequently confused words
Demonstrate command of conventions of Standard English capitalization, punctuation, and spelling when writing
Use knowledge of language and its conventions when writing, speaking, reading or listening
Determine or clarify the meaning of unknown and multiple-meaning words and phrases
Demonstrate an understanding of word relationships and word meanings
Acquire and accurately use conversational, general, academic, and content-specific words and phrases
Demonstrate understanding of figurative language, word relationships, and nuances in word meanings, including simple similes and metaphors in context
Recognize and explain the meaning of common idioms, adages, and proverbs
Demonstrate understanding of words by relating them to their antonyms and synonyms