Middle School English Language Arts Instructional Guide

Standard: Reading 8

Learning Intentions and Success Criteria

Learning Intentions: ●​ Students will understand how to determine the meaning of words and phrases, including figurative language and connotative meanings. ●​ Students will learn to analyze the impact of specific word choices on the meaning and tone of a text. Success Criteria: ●​ I can determine the meaning of words and phrases, including figurative language and connotative meanings. ●​ I can analyze the impact of specific word choices on the meaning and tone of a text.

Determine the meaning of words and phrases, including figurative language, connotative meanings, and figures of speech . Analyze the impact of specific word choices on meaning and tone, including words with multiple meanings within a text. (RL & RI)

Nouns (Know)

Verbs (Do)

●​ Words ●​ Phrases ●​ Figurative language ●​ Connotative meanings ●​ Figures of speech ●​ Meaning

●​ Determine ●​ Analyze

●​ Tone ●​ Text

Sample Question Stems and Prompts for Assessment

Word Meaning: ●​ "What is the meaning of the word [word] in this context?" ●​ "How does the author use figurative language to convey meaning in this sentence?" ●​ "What connotations does the word [word] carry in this passage?"

Word Impact on Meaning and Tone: ●​ "How does the author's choice of words impact the tone of this paragraph?" ●​ "Explain how the use of figurative language in this stanza affects the reader's interpretation of the text." ●​ "What is the effect of using a word with multiple meanings in this sentence?" ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​

Sample Formative Assessments

Figurative Language Identification Worksheet: ●​ Activity: Students read a passage from a literary (RL) or informational (RI) text and identify instances of figurative language. They must explain the meaning of each example and discuss how it contributes to the overall tone or message of the text.

Last Updated September 23rd, 2024 Middle School ELA, Page 98