LAFS.6.RL.2.4Archived Standard

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Determine the meaning of words and phrases as they are used in a text, including figurative and connotative meanings; analyze the impact of a specific word choice on meaning and tone.
General Information
Subject Area: English Language Arts
Grade: 6
Strand: Reading Standards for Literature
Idea: Level 3: Strategic Thinking & Complex Reasoning
Cluster: Craft and Structure
Date Adopted or Revised: 12/10
Content Complexity Rating: Level 3: Strategic Thinking & Complex Reasoning - More Information
Date of Last Rating: 02/14
Status: State Board Approved - Archived
Assessed: Yes
Test Item Specifications
  • Item Type(s): This benchmark may be assessed using: EBSR , MS , ST , MC item(s)
    • Assessed with: LAFS.6.L.3.4,LAFS.6.L.3.5
  • Assessment Limits :
    Items may ask the student to use the text to determine the meanings of words and phrases. Items should focus on how the words or phrases function within a passage and may require the student to analyze the impact of word choice on the text. Items should focus on words and phrases that are central to themeaning of text. Items should focus on grade-appropriate words. Items should not focus on dictionary-based word meanings butshould focus on how a word or phrase functions within the context ofthe passage. Items should focus on words and phrases that have figurative or allusive meanings central to the meaning of the text rather than isolated, incidental vocabulary. Items may ask about words with discrete context clues in close proximity or words whose meaning is conveyed more implicitly throughout the passage. Items may ask the student to employ various strategiesto explore word meaning, including the use of Greek or Latin affixes and roots. Items may require the student to use word relationships to determine the meanings of individual words. Items may ask the student to analyze figurative or connotative meanings of words.
  • Text Types :
    Items assessing these standards may be used with one or more grade-appropriate literary texts. Texts may vary incomplexity.
  • Response Mechanisms :
    The Enhanced Item Descriptions section on page 3 provides a list of Response Mechanisms that may be used to assess thisstandard (excluding the Editing Task Choice item type). The Sample Response Mechanisms may include, but are not limited to, the examples below.
  • Task Demand and Sample Response Mechanisms :

    Task Demand

    Determine the meaning of words or phrases by using context clues that are either explicitly or implicitly stated in the text.

    Sample Response Mechanisms

    Selectable Text

    • Requires the student to select words or phrases from the text that show the meaning of words used in the text.
    • Requires the student to select words or phrases from two sections of text that show the meanings of words as determined using context clues. 

    EBSR

    • Requires the student to select the meaning of a word or phrase and then to select words or phrases from the text that show the meaning. 
    Multiple Choice
    • Requires the student to select the meaning of words used in the text. 
    Multiselect
    • Requires the student to select multiple words or phrases from the text that act as context clues when determining another word’s meaning.
    Task Demand

    Analyze the impact of the author’s word choice on meaning or tone.

    Sample Response Mechaisms

    Selectable Text

    • Requires the student to select words or phrases from the text that show the impact of word choice on a text’s meaning or tone.
    • Requires the student to select words or phrases from two sections of text that show the impact of the author’sword choice on meaning or tone. 
    EBSR
    • Requires the student to select an inference about the impact of the author’s word choice on meaning or tone and then to select words or phrases from the passage that support that inference. 
    Multiple Choice
    • Requires the student to select the impact of word choice on a text’s meaning or tone. 
    Multiselect
    • Requires the student to select multiple ways a particular word adds to an analysis of the text and its tone.
    Task Demand

    Determine the meaning of an unknown or multiple-meaning word or phrase by using context, such as a word’s position or the overall meaning of a sentence or paragraph.

    Sample Response Mechanisms

    Selectable Text

    • Requires the student to select words or phrases from the text that provide context clues to the meaning of a word or phrase.
    • Requires the student to select words or phrases from two sections of text that provide context clues to the meaning of a word or phrase. 
    EBSR
    • Requires the student to select the meaning of a word and then to select words or phrases from the text that act as context clues to support that meaning. 
    Multiple Choice
    • Requires the student to select the meaning of anunknown or multiple-meaning word.
    Task Demand

    Determine the meaning of a word using common, grade-appropriate Greek or Latin affixes or roots.

    Sample Response Mechanisms

    Selectable Text

    • Requires the student to select words or phrases from the text that contain Greek or Latin affixes or roots that provide clues to the meaning of a word or phrase.
    • Requires the student to select words or phrases from two sections of text that contain Greek or Latin affixes or roots that provide clues to the meaning of a word or phrase. 

    EBSR

    • Requires the student to select the meaning of a word and then to select words or phrases with Greek or Latin affixes or roots from the text to support that meaning. 
    Multiple Choice
    • Requires the student to select the meaning of a word that contains a Greek or Latin affix or root.
    Task Demand

    Interpret figures of speech in the context of the text.

    Sample Response Mechanisms

    Selectable Text

    • Requires the student to select words or phrases from the text that provide context clues to the meaning of a figure of speech.
    • Requires the student to select words or phrases from two sections of text that provide context clues to the meaning of a figure of speech. 
    EBSR
    • Requires the student to interpret the meaning of a figure of speech and then to select words or phrases from the text that support that meaning.
    Multiple Choice
    • Requires the student to select the meaning of a figure of speech in the context of the text.
    Task Demand

    Use relationships, such as cause and effect or part and whole, between specific words to help interpret their meaning.

    Sample Response Mechanisms

    Selectable Text

    • Requires the student to select words or phrases from the text that provide support for the interpretation of a word’s meaning.
    • Requires the student to select words or phrases from two sections of text that show the meanings of words as determined using word relationships. 
    EBSR
    • Requires the student to select the meaning of a word and then to select words or phrases from the text that support that meaning. 
    Multiple Choice
    • Requires the student to select the meaning of a word in the context of the text or word relationship.
    Task Demand

    Distinguish among the connotations of words with similar definitions.

    Sample Response Mechanisms

    Selectable Text

    • Requires the student to select words or phrases from the text that provide support for the connotation of a word.
    • Requires the student to select words or phrases from two sections of text that help to determine which connotation of a word is being used.
    EBSR
    • Requires the student to select the correct connotation of a word and then to select words or phrases from the text that support that meaning. 

    Multiple Choice

    • Requires the student to select the correct connotation or synonym of a word found in the text.

Related Courses

This benchmark is part of these courses.
1000000: M/J Intensive Language Arts (MC) (Specifically in versions: 2014 - 2015, 2015 - 2018, 2018 - 2022 (course terminated))
1000010: M/J Intensive Reading 1 (Specifically in versions: 2014 - 2015, 2015 - 2021, 2021 - 2024, 2024 and beyond (current))
1000020: M/J Intensive Reading and Career Planning (Specifically in versions: 2014 - 2015, 2015 - 2019, 2019 - 2021, 2021 - 2024, 2024 and beyond (current))
1001010: M/J Language Arts 1 (Specifically in versions: 2014 - 2015, 2015 - 2022, 2022 - 2024, 2024 and beyond (current))
1001020: M/J Language Arts 1 Advanced (Specifically in versions: 2014 - 2015, 2015 - 2022, 2022 - 2024, 2024 and beyond (current))
1002000: M/J Language Arts 1 Through ESOL (Specifically in versions: 2014 - 2015, 2015 - 2022, 2022 and beyond (current))
1002180: M/J English Language Development (MC) (Specifically in versions: 2014 - 2015, 2015 - 2018, 2018 - 2022, 2022 and beyond (current))
1006000: M/J Journalism 1 (Specifically in versions: 2014 - 2015, 2015 - 2021, 2021 - 2024, 2024 and beyond (current))
1007000: M/J Speech and Debate 1 (Specifically in versions: 2014 - 2015, 2015 - 2019, 2019 - 2021, 2021 - 2024, 2024 and beyond (current))
1008010: M/J Reading 1 (Specifically in versions: 2014 - 2015, 2015 - 2021 (course terminated))
1008020: M/J Reading 1, Advanced (Specifically in versions: 2014 - 2015, 2015 - 2021 (course terminated))
1009000: M/J Creative Writing 1 (Specifically in versions: 2014 - 2015, 2015 - 2022, 2022 - 2024, 2024 and beyond (current))
7810011: Access M/J Language Arts 1  (Specifically in versions: 2013 - 2015, 2015 - 2018, 2018 - 2022, 2022 and beyond (current))
1002181: M/J Developmental Language Arts Through ESOL (Reading) (Specifically in versions: 2014 - 2015, 2015 - 2022, 2022 and beyond (current))
1007025: M/J Speech and Debate (Specifically in versions: 2015 - 2019, 2019 - 2022, 2022 - 2024, 2024 and beyond (current))
1009025: M/J Creative Writing (Specifically in versions: 2015 - 2021, 2021 - 2024, 2024 and beyond (current))

Related Access Points

Alternate version of this benchmark for students with significant cognitive disabilities.

Related Resources

Vetted resources educators can use to teach the concepts and skills in this benchmark.

Lesson Plans

Views on Freedom: Part 1 of 3:

This lesson is the first in a series of three focusing on the importance of freedom. In this lesson, students begin with a journal entry about freedom. Students then read the poem - "Sympathy" by Paul Laurence Dunbar - analyzing the poem according to literary and poetic elements. Text questions, a poetry chart, sample answer keys, and a PowerPoint are included.

Type: Lesson Plan

A Close Reading: An Excerpt from A Corner of the Universe:

In this lesson, students will read an excerpt from A Corner of the Universe by Ann M. Martin. Students will explore how a character's point of view can influence how events are described and shape a text. Upon completion of the close reading activities, students will practice their narrative writing skills by creating an original dialogue between the main character and her mother.

Type: Lesson Plan

Figurative Language - Similes and Metaphors:

Students will review the meanings of similes and metaphors. The teacher will share multiple examples from different types of media. During the lesson, students will practice identifying and explaining the meaning of similes and metaphors in selected songs. Students will complete a graphic organizer with examples from song lyrics of their own choosing. Students will then be asked to create a presentation about how the figurative language expresses the speaker’s attitude along with visuals to illustrate the examples from their song.

Type: Lesson Plan

Reciprocal Teaching Strategies in Poetry: "The Copper Kettle Sweetheart":

In this lesson, students will use the four core reading strategies of predicting, clarifying, questioning and summarizing to develop comprehension skills through the use of poetry.

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The Rise of the Mongoose: Analyzing Character Confrontations in "Rikki-Tikki-Tavi":

In this lesson, students will study the short story "Rikki-Tikki-Tavi" by Rudyard Kipling. Students will analyze the confrontations that drive the story's plot, noting what happens and who is involved, how Rikki's character is developed through each confrontation, and how each confrontation helps develop the plot. A copy of the story is included with the lesson, as well as a text discussion guide for teachers, comprehension questions, a vocabulary key, a graphic organizer and key, and an optional rubric for the summative assessment. 

Type: Lesson Plan

Views on Freedom: Part 2 of 3:

In this second part of a three-part unit, students will read and analyze the folktale "The People Could Fly" for its use of figurative language and literary elements using a chart similar to the poetry chart from Lesson #1 (resource ID 43909). Short answer questions have also been included. In the closure activity students will compare and contrast the folktale with a poem they read in the first lesson in the unit as to how each text approaches the topic of freedom.

Type: Lesson Plan

Original Student Tutorials

Denotation and Connotation in "Fire and Ice":

Explore the poem "Fire and Ice" by Robert Frost and learn about denotation and connotation. In this interactive tutorial, you will examine the impact of word choice on the meaning of a poem. 

Type: Original Student Tutorial

A Mighty Man Analyzing Metaphors, Similes, and Tone:

Practice identifying the use of similes and metaphors in Henry Wadsworth Longfellow's poem "The Village Blacksmith." In this interactive tutorial, you'll analyze Longfellow's tone and how it's conveyed through the use of similes and metaphors.

Type: Original Student Tutorial

Unit/Lesson Sequences

A Study of "America Street: A Multicultural Anthology of Stories":

This is a sixth grade unit using the collection of short stories in "America Street: A Multicultural Anthology of Stories" by Anne Mazer. Students will examine point of view, multiple perspectives, character development, and setting in these varied texts. This unit includes a complete packet with graphic organizers, a pacing guide, and an assessment with answer key and possible student responses.

Type: Unit/Lesson Sequence

Investigating a Mystery in "Chasing Vermeer":

This sixth grade unit is based on the mystery novel Chasing Vermeer by Blue Balliett. Students will analyze clues and motives, study plot, and make predictions while learning about the artist Johannes Vermeer. It includes a complete packet with creative activities, graphic organizers, a pacing guide, and an assessment with answer key and possible student responses.

Type: Unit/Lesson Sequence

A Study of Science and Fantasy Fiction in A Wrinkle in Time:

This is a sixth grade unit on the sci-fi novel A Wrinkle in Time by Madeline L'Engle. Students will examine the characteristics of scientific and futuristic fiction including vocabulary, setting, and plot development. This unit includes a complete packet with graphic organizers, a pacing guide, and an assessment with answer key and possible student responses.

Type: Unit/Lesson Sequence

Exploring Verse Novels with "Keeping the Night Watch" and "Chess Rumble" :

This is a sixth grade unit on the verse novels Keeping the Night Watch by Hope Anita Smith and Chess Rumble by G. Neri. This unit explores narrative and lyric poetry, figurative language, author's purpose, voice, and symbolism. It includes games, graphic organizers, and a complete student packet, and includes a pacing guide and assessment with sample student answers.

Type: Unit/Lesson Sequence

Figurative Language in "Home of the Brave" by Katherine Applegate:

This is a sixth grade unit on the verse novel Home of the Brave by Katherine Applegate. This unit explores narrative and lyric poetry, figurative language, author's purpose, voice, and symbolism. It is rich with games, graphic organizers, and a complete student packet and includes a pacing guide and assessment with sample student answers.

Type: Unit/Lesson Sequence

Drawing Conclusions and Solving Mysteries in “Sammy Keyes and the Hollywood Mummy”:

This is a sixth grade unit on the mystery novel Sammy Keyes and the Hollywood Mummy by Wendelin Van Draanen. Students will analyze characters, study the plot, make predictions, and draw conclusions to solve a mystery in this forensic-themed unit. This unit includes a complete packet with graphic organizers, a pacing guide, and an assessment with answer key and possible student responses.

Type: Unit/Lesson Sequence

Analyzing Characters and Making Predictions in "Sammy Keyes and the Hotel Thief":

This is a sixth grade unit on the mystery novel Sammy Keyes and the Hotel Thief by Wendelin Van Draanen. Students will analyze characters, study the plot, and make predictions in this forensic-themed unit. This unit includes a complete packet with graphic organizers, a pacing guide, and an assessment with answer key and possible student responses.

Type: Unit/Lesson Sequence

"The House on Mango Street": A Short Story Unit Examining Point of View, Perspective, and Plot:

This is a sixth grade unit using the short stories in The House on Mango Street by Sandra Cisneros to identify point of view, interpret a character's perspective, and utilize plot elements to retell a story. This unit includes several graphic organizers, an assessment, and an answer key with sample responses.

Type: Unit/Lesson Sequence

Analyzing the Mystery Novel "The Westing Game" by Ellen Raskin:

This is a sixth grade unit on the mystery novel "The Westing Game" by Ellen Raskin. Students will analyze the character's motives, identify clues to solve the mystery, make predictions about the conclusion, and identify 'red herrings'. This unit on detective fiction includes a complete packet with graphic organizers, a pacing guide, and an assessment with answer key.

Type: Unit/Lesson Sequence

Original Student Tutorials for Language Arts - Grades 6-12

A Mighty Man Analyzing Metaphors, Similes, and Tone:

Practice identifying the use of similes and metaphors in Henry Wadsworth Longfellow's poem "The Village Blacksmith." In this interactive tutorial, you'll analyze Longfellow's tone and how it's conveyed through the use of similes and metaphors.

Denotation and Connotation in "Fire and Ice":

Explore the poem "Fire and Ice" by Robert Frost and learn about denotation and connotation. In this interactive tutorial, you will examine the impact of word choice on the meaning of a poem. 

Student Resources

Vetted resources students can use to learn the concepts and skills in this benchmark.

Original Student Tutorials

Denotation and Connotation in "Fire and Ice":

Explore the poem "Fire and Ice" by Robert Frost and learn about denotation and connotation. In this interactive tutorial, you will examine the impact of word choice on the meaning of a poem. 

Type: Original Student Tutorial

A Mighty Man Analyzing Metaphors, Similes, and Tone:

Practice identifying the use of similes and metaphors in Henry Wadsworth Longfellow's poem "The Village Blacksmith." In this interactive tutorial, you'll analyze Longfellow's tone and how it's conveyed through the use of similes and metaphors.

Type: Original Student Tutorial

Parent Resources

Vetted resources caregivers can use to help students learn the concepts and skills in this benchmark.