ELA.6.L.3

Working out what words mean, and using academic vocabulary precisely.

Not yet reviewed by a teacher

Builds on

Where to go for intervention

ELA.6.L.3

Priority

Students determine the meaning of and use new and multiple-meaning words and phrases acquired through conversations, reading, and viewing.

  1. a.Determine the meaning of words and phrases by using context, roots, affixes, and reference materials strategically.
  2. b.Use discipline-specific and academic vocabulary accurately across contexts.
  3. c.Distinguish among related words and phrases to communicate precise meaning.

Common Core: RL.6.4 RI.6.4 L.6.1 L.6.3 L.6.4 L.6.4a L.6.4b L.6.4c L.6.4d L.6.6

ResourcesWIDAOSPI

WIDA language connections1

Inform · Interpretivelistening, reading and viewing

ELD-LA.6-8.Inform.Interpretive · Language for Language Arts, Grades 6-8

Interpret informational texts in language arts by…

  • Analyzing observations and descriptions in textual evidence for key attributes, qualities, characteristics, activities, and behaviors
  • Evaluating the impact of author’s key word choices over the course of a text

OSPI's example connections to the WIDA ELD Standards Framework. How to read these

From OSPI

Smarter Balanced interim assessment

  • Word Meanings and Language Use (Literary)
    • Target 3, items 1, 2, 3, 6
  • Language and Vocabulary Use
    • Writing Target 8, items 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10, 11, 12, 13, 14, 15
  • Editing
    • Writing Target 9, item 14
  • Word Meanings and Language Use (Informational)
    • Target 10, items 3, 7, 8, 9

On the SBA

PRISM's read

One of the most visible standards OSPI connects to the test: word meanings in both reading blocks, the language and vocabulary block, and one editing item.

OSPI's interim connections

  • Word Meanings and Language Use (Literary)
    • Claim 1: Reading, Target 3: Word Meanings, items 1, 2, 3, 6
  • Language and Vocabulary Use
    • Claim 2: Writing, Target 8: Language and Vocabulary Use, items 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10, 11, 12, 13, 14, 15
  • Editing
    • Claim 2: Writing, Target 9: Edit, item 14
  • Word Meanings and Language Use (Informational)
    • Claim 1: Reading, Target 10: Word Meanings, items 3, 7, 8, 9

Smarter Balanced publishes its claims and targets in its content specifications, written to the Common Core. A 2026 standard reaches them through OSPI's crosswalk. Check them before anything official.

Builds to

Where it goes next

Connects to

Taught alongside it, including its supporting standards.

ELA.6.R.3PriorityBoth use roots and affixes: R.3 to read a word, L.3 to work out what it means.Students read grade-level texts with accuracy, appropriate rate, and expression to support understanding.ELA.6.R.4PriorityKnowing what a word means comes before explaining how the author's language shapes meaning.Students comprehend and interpret texts using a variety of strategies.ELA.6.L.4Word relationships and nuances in meaning, in conversation, reading and writing.Students demonstrate understanding of figurative language, word relationships, nuances in word meaning in the context of conversations, reading, and writing about experiences, events, and ideas.

Standards text, priority flags, the Common Core crosswalk and the linked resources are published by the Washington Office of Superintendent of Public Instruction (OSPI). PRISM is an independent tool, not affiliated with or endorsed by OSPI. The Standards for Mathematical Practice text is from the Common Core State Standards.

Check OSPI's documents before anything official. Back to the standards hub