CCSS.ELA-Literacy.RL.9-10.4
Description:
Craft and Structure
Determine the meaning of words and phrases as they are used in the text, including figurative and connotative meanings; analyze the cumulative impact of specific word choices on meaning and tone (e.g., how the language evokes a sense of time and place; how it sets a formal or informal tone).
Maps to Reading Plus skills:
4A, 4B, 5C, 6A
Exemplars
4A: Interpreting Word Meaning
4A: Interpreting Word Meaning
Description:
Interpreting Word Meaning
SeeReader
✓ standard met
Selection:
J-17
J-17
Grade level: 10
Word count: 2251 words
Author: Guy de Maupassant
Synopsis: Simple actions may sometimes lead to unexpected, dire consequences.
Excerpt:
He passed on, buttonholed by everyone, himself buttonholing his acquaintances, beginning over and over again his tale and his protestations, showing his pockets turned inside out to prove that he had nothing in them.
Question:
What do the terms "buttonholed" and "buttonholing" mean in this part of the selection?
- hold for comment or conversation
- work in a hasty or impatient manner
- inadequate in quantity or volume
- substitute for a lesser quality
Writing
✓ standard met
Writing prompt:
Explain how a character's actions or attitude can change the meaning of a word or phrase.
Evaluator
Organization:
Certica Solutions
4B: Interpreting Analogies
4B: Interpreting Analogies
Description:
Interpreting Analogies
SeeReader
✓ standard met
Selection:
J-11
J-11
Grade level: 10
Word count: 2199 words
Author: Diane Lang
Synopsis: Skylar and Jason's relationship is already strained when they're paired together for a class project. Will their "no-technology" challenge make them, or break them?
Excerpt:
"But getting back to this notion of living independently," he continued, "there's a little Walden-inspired experiment you'll be conducting over the next few weeks."
Ignoring the grumblings, Mr. Crawford continued, "Working in pairs, you'll each choose a meaningful passage to absorb, understand, and live by. I don't care which quotation you choose -- use the 'close your eyes and open the book' method if you want -- but I expect you to discuss it with your partner, live your life accordingly for two weeks, and we'll check-in periodically."
Ignoring the grumblings, Mr. Crawford continued, "Working in pairs, you'll each choose a meaningful passage to absorb, understand, and live by. I don't care which quotation you choose -- use the 'close your eyes and open the book' method if you want -- but I expect you to discuss it with your partner, live your life accordingly for two weeks, and we'll check-in periodically."
Question:
Mr. Crawford uses the phrase "Walden-inspired experiment" to mean an activity in which the students
- focus on living in thoughtful and significant ways.
- work toward improving individual literacy goals.
- research endangered plant and animal life.
- develop ecologically based community programs.
Writing
✓ standard met
Writing prompt:
Describe how an author can use figurative language to create suspense and give an example from a selection.
Evaluator
Organization:
Certica Solutions
5C: Examining Genre
5C: Examining Genre
Description:
Examining Genre
SeeReader
✓ standard met
Selection:
J-11
J-11
Grade level: 10
Word count: 2199 words
Author: Diane Lang
Synopsis: Skylar and Jason's relationship is already strained when they're paired together for a class project. Will their "no-technology" challenge make them, or break them?
Excerpt:
No excerpt is available for this question.
Question:
This selection can best be described as
- contemporary fiction.
- historical fiction.
- rhetorical argument.
- political memoir.
Writing
✓ standard met
Writing prompt:
Choose a narrative text. Describe how the author uses language and dialogue to relay information about characters and events.
Evaluator
Organization:
Certica Solutions
6A: Recognizing Author's Intent
6A: Recognizing Author's Intent
Description:
Recognizing Author's Purpose
SeeReader
✓ standard met
Selection:
J-37
J-37
Grade level: 10
Word count: 2283 words
Author: Diane Lang
Synopsis: A mentee turns his life around and eventually becomes a mentor to help others find their passion in life.
Excerpt:
In the studio that day, James rapped out the uttermost parts of his heart and soul, the background music giving him the impetus to express his songs fully and without restraint. For that period of time, James was so swept up in his music and the meaning of his words that the rest of the world faded away, and I saw a young man transformed by passion, beauty, meaning, and hope. In James, I saw the faces of thousands of kids who also could be transformed by that same euphoric rush of passion, that same door opening up to a bright future.
Question:
What is the author's purpose in writing this selection?
- to inspire others to become mentors for troubled kids
- to demonstrate how tough it is for kids in the inner city
- to highlight the beauty and the magic of the arts
- to persuade educators to teach in a more creative way
Writing
✓ standard met
Writing prompt:
Assess the value or importance of an author's choice of prose, setting, or characterization in a selection.
Evaluator
Organization:
Certica Solutions