ELA Standards Overview

LAFS.4.RL.1.1 Refer to details and examples in a text when explaining what the text says explicitly and when drawing inferences from the text. (DOK 2)

• Explain what a text says explicitly, referring to details and examples in a text.
• Draw inferences from a text, referring to details and examples in a text.

LAFS.4.RL.1.2 Determine a theme of a story, drama, or poem from details in the text; summarize the text. (DOK 3)

• Determine a theme of a story, drama, or poem from details in the text.
• Summarize a story, drama, or poem. 

LAFS.4.RL.1.3 Describe in depth a character, setting, or event in a story or drama, drawing on specific details in the text (e.g., a character’s thoughts, words, or actions). (DOK 2)

• Describe in depth a character in a story or drama, drawing on specific details in the text.
• Describe in depth the setting in a story or drama, drawing on specific details in the text.
• Describe in depth an event in a story or drama, drawing on specific details in the text.

LAFS.4.RI.1.1 Refer to details and examples in a text when explaining what the text says explicitly and when drawing inferences from the text. (DOK 2) 

• Explain what the text says explicitly, referring to details and examples in the text. 
• Draw inferences from the text, referring to details and examples in the text. 

LAFS.4.RI.1.2 Determine the main idea of a text and explain how it is supported by key details; summarize the text. (DOK 2) 

• Determine the main idea of a text.
• Explain how key details in a text support the main idea.  
• Summarize a text. 

LAFS.4.RI.1.3 Explain events, procedures, ideas, or concepts in a historical, scientific, or technical text, including what happened and why, based on specific information in the text. (DOK 3)

• Explain events in a historical, scientific, or technical text, including what happened and why, based on specific information in the text.
• Explain procedures in a historical, scientific, or technical text, including what happened and why, based on specific information in the text.
• Explain ideas or concepts in a historical, scientific, or technical text, including what happened and why, based on specific information in the text.

LAFS.4.W.1.3 Write narratives to develop real or imagined experiences or events using effective technique, descriptive details, and clear event sequences. (DOK 3)

1. Orient the reader by establishing a situation and introducing a narrator and/or characters; organize an event sequence that unfolds naturally. 
2. Use dialogue and description to develop experiences and events or show the responses of characters to situations.
3. Use a variety of transitional words or phrases to manage the sequence of events.
4. Use concrete words and phrases and sensory details to convey experiences and events precisely.
5. Provide a conclusion that follows from the narrated experiences or events.

• Establish a situation. (4.W.1.3a)
• Introduce a narrator and/or characters. (4.W.1.3a)
• Organize an event sequence that unfolds naturally (4.W.1.3a)
• Use dialogue to develop experiences and events or show the responses of characters to situations. (4.W.1.3b)
• Use description to develop experiences and events or show the responses of characters to situations. (4.W.1.3b)
• Use a variety of transitional words and phrases to manage the sequence of events. (4.W.1.3c)
• Use concrete words and phrases to convey experiences and events precisely. (4.W.1.3d)
• Use sensory details to convey experiences and events precisely. (4.W.1.3d)
• Provide a conclusion that follows from the narrated experiences or events. (4.W.1.3e)

LAFS.4.W.2.5 With guidance and support from peers and adults, develop and strengthen writing as needed by planning, revising, and editing. (DOK 3)

• Develop writing by planning.
• Strengthen writing by revising and editing.

LAFS.4.W.3.8 Recall relevant information from experiences or gather relevant information from print and digital sources; take notes and categorize information, and provide a list of sources. (DOK 3)

• Recall relevant information from experiences.
• Gather relevant information from print and digital sources.
• Take notes from print and digital sources.
• Categorize information.
• Provide a list of sources. 

LAFS.4.RL.2.4 Determine the meaning of words and phrases as they are used in a text, including those that allude to significant characters found in mythology (e.g., Herculean). (DOK 2) 

• Determine the meaning of words and phrases as they are used in a text.
• Identify and explain multiple meaning words using context clues. 
• Recognize and determine the meaning of words and phrases that refer to characters found in mythology. 

LAFS.4.RL.2.5 Explain major differences between poems, drama, and prose, and refer to the structural elements of poems (e.g., verse, rhythm, meter) and drama (e.g., casts of characters, settings, descriptions, dialogue, stage directions) when writing or speaking about a text. (DOK 3) 

• Explain the differences between poems, drama, and prose.
• Refer to the structural elements of poems when writing or speaking about a text. 
• Refer to the structural elements of drama when writing or speaking about a text. 
• Refer to the structural elements of prose when writing or speaking about a text. 

LAFS.4.RL.2.6 Compare and contrast the point of view from which different stories are narrated, including the difference between first- and third-person narrations. (DOK 3)

• Recognize and explain the difference between first- and third-person narrations. 
• Identify point of view (including first- and third-person narrations). 
• Compare the points of view (including first- and third-person narrations). 
• Contrast the points of view (including first- and third-person narrations).

LAFS.4.RI.2.4 Determine the meaning of general academic and domain-specific words or phrases in a text relevant to a grade 4 topic or subject area. (DOK 2) 

• Determine the meaning of academic words or phrases relevant to a grade 4 topic in a text.  
• Determine the meaning of domain-specific words or phrases relevant to a grade 4 topic in a text. 

LAFS.4.RI.2.5 Describe the overall structure (e.g., chronology, comparison, cause/effect, problem/solution) of events, ideas, concepts, or information in a text or part of a text. (DOK 3) 

• Describe the overall structure of events in a text or part of a text.
• Describe the overall structure of ideas or concepts in a text or part of a text.
• Describe the overall structure of information in a text or part of a text. 

LAFS.4.RI.2.6 Compare and contrast a firsthand and secondhand account of the same event or topic; describe the differences in focus and the information provided. (DOK 3)

• Compare firsthand and secondhand accounts of the same event or topic.
• Contrast firsthand and secondhand accounts of the same event or topic.
• Describe differences in focus and information between firsthand and secondhand accounts. 

LAFS.4.W.1.2 Write informative/explanatory texts to examine a topic and convey ideas and information clearly. (DOK 2)

a. Introduce a topic clearly and group related information in paragraphs and sections; include formatting (e.g., headings), illustrations, and multimedia when useful to aiding comprehension.

b.   Develop the topic with facts, definitions, concrete details, quotations, or other information and examples related to the topic.

c.    Link ideas within categories of information using words and phrases (e.g., another, for example, also, because).

d.    Use precise language and domain-specific vocabulary to inform about or explain the topic.

e.    Provide a concluding statement or section related to the information or explanation presented.

• Introduce a topic clearly. (4.W.1.2a)
• Group related information in paragraphs and sections. (4.W.1.2a)
• Include formatting, illustrations, and multimedia. (4.W.1.2a)
• Develop the topic with relevant facts or details. (4.W.1.2b)
• Develop the topic with relevant quotations. (4.W.1.2b)
• Link ideas within categories using words and phrases. (4.W.1.2c)
• Use precise language and domain-specific vocabulary to inform about or explain the topic. (4.W.1.2d)
• Provide a concluding statement or section related to the information presented. (4.W.1.2e)

LAFS.4.W.2.5 With guidance and support from peers and adults, develop and strengthen writing as needed by planning, revising, and editing. (DOK 3)

• Develop writing by planning.
• Strengthen writing by revising and editing.

LAFS.4.W.3.8 Recall relevant information from experiences or gather relevant information from print and digital sources; take notes and categorize information, and provide a list of sources. (DOK 3)

• Recall relevant information from experiences.
• Gather relevant information from print and digital sources.
• Take notes from print and digital sources.
• Categorize information.
• Provide a list of sources. 

LAFS.4.RL.3.7 Make connections between the text of a story or drama and a visual or oral presentation of the text, identifying where each version reflects specific descriptions and directions in the text. (DOK 2)  

• Make connections between the text of a story or drama and a visual or oral presentation of the text.
• Identify where the visual or oral presentation reflects specific descriptions and directions in the text.

LAFS.4.RL.3.9 Compare and contrast the treatment of similar themes and topics (e.g., opposition of good and evil) and patterns of events (e.g., the quest) in stories, myths, and traditional literature from different cultures. (DOK 3) 

• Compare the treatment of similar themes and topics and patterns of events in stories, myths, and traditional literature from different cultures.
• Contrast the treatment of similar themes and topics and patterns of events in stories, myths, and traditional literature from different cultures.

LAFS.4.RI.3.7 Interpret information presented visually, orally, or quantitatively (e.g., in charts, graphs, diagrams, time lines, animations, or interactive elements on Web pages) and explain how the information contributes to an understanding of the text in which it appears. (DOK 3) 

• Interpret information presented visually and explain how the information contributes to an understanding of the text in which it appears.
• Interpret information presented orally and explain how the information contributes to an understanding of the text in which it appears.
• Interpret information presented quantitatively and explain how the information contributes to an understanding of the text in which it appears. 

LAFS.4.RI.3.8 Explain how an author uses reasons and evidence to support particular points in a text. (DOK 3) 

• Explain how an author uses reasons to support particular points in a text.
• Explain how an author uses evidence to support particular points in a text.

LAFS.4.RI.3.9 Integrate information from two texts on the same topic in order to write or speak about the subject knowledgeably. (DOK 3)

• Integrate information from two texts on the same topic in order to write about the subject knowledgeably.
• Integrate information from two texts on the same topic in order to speak about the subject knowledgeably.

LAFS.4.W.1.1 Write opinion pieces on topics or texts, supporting a point of view with reasons and information.  (DOK 3)

1. Introduce a topic or text clearly, state an opinion, and create an organizational structure in which related ideas are grouped to support the writer’s purpose.
2. Provide reasons that are supported by facts and details.
3. Link opinion and reasons using words and phrases (e.g., for instance, in order to, in addition).
4. Provide a concluding statement or section related to the opinion presented.

• Introduce a topic clearly. (4.W.1.1a)
• State an opinion. (4.W.1.1a)
• Create an organizational structure in which related ideas are grouped to support the writer’s purpose. (4.W.1.1a)
• Provide reasons. (4.W.1.1b)
• Support reasons with facts and details. (4.W.1.1b)
• Link opinion and reasons using words and phrases. (4.W.1.1c)
• Provide a concluding statement or section related to the opinion presented. (4.W.1.1d)

LAFS.4.W.2.5 With guidance and support from peers and adults, develop and strengthen writing as needed by planning, revising, and editing. (DOK 3)

• Develop writing by planning.
• Strengthen writing by revising and editing.

LAFS.4.W.3.8 Recall relevant information from experiences or gather relevant information from print and digital sources; take notes and categorize information, and provide a list of sources. (DOK 3)

• Recall relevant information from experiences.
• Gather relevant information from print and digital sources.
• Take notes from print and digital sources.
• Categorize information.
• Provide a list of sources. 

Integrating several standards within a unit will enable students to apply multiple skills and strategies to gain a deeper understanding of grade level texts.

LAFS.4.RL.1.1 Refer to details and examples in a text when explaining what the text says explicitly and when drawing inferences from the text. (DOK 2)

• Explain what a text says explicitly, referring to details and examples in a text.
• Draw inferences from a text, referring to details and examples in a text.

LAFS.4.RL.1.2 Determine a theme of a story, drama, or poem from details in the text; summarize the text. (DOK 3)

• Determine a theme of a story, drama, or poem from details in the text.
• Summarize a story, drama, or poem. 

LAFS.4.RL.1.3 Describe in depth a character, setting, or event in a story or drama, drawing on specific details in the text (e.g., a character’s thoughts, words, or actions). (DOK 2)

• Describe in depth a character in a story or drama, drawing on specific details in the text.
• Describe in depth the setting in a story or drama, drawing on specific details in the text.
• Describe in depth an event in a story or drama, drawing on specific details in the text.

LAFS.4.RL.2.4 Determine the meaning of words and phrases as they are used in a text, including those that allude to significant characters found in mythology (e.g., Herculean). (DOK 2) 

• Determine the meaning of words and phrases as they are used in a text.
• Identify and explain multiple meaning words using context clues. 
• Recognize and determine the meaning of words and phrases that refer to characters found in mythology. 

LAFS.4.RL.2.5 Explain major differences between poems, drama, and prose, and refer to the structural elements of poems (e.g., verse, rhythm, meter) and drama (e.g., casts of characters, settings, descriptions, dialogue, stage directions) when writing or speaking about a text. (DOK 3) 

• Explain the differences between poems, drama, and prose.
• Refer to the structural elements of poems when writing or speaking about a text. 
• Refer to the structural elements of drama when writing or speaking about a text. 
• Refer to the structural elements of prose when writing or speaking about a text. 

LAFS.4.RL.2.6 Compare and contrast the point of view from which different stories are narrated, including the difference between first- and third-person narrations. (DOK 3)

• Recognize and explain the difference between first- and third-person narrations. 
• Identify point of view. 
• Compare the points of view. 
• Contrast the points of view.

Integrating several standards within a unit will enable students to apply multiple skills and strategies to gain a deeper understanding of grade level texts.

LAFS.4.RI.1.1

• This standard should be considered when planning all informational instructional units.
• This standard should be combined with other informational standards and not taught in isolation.

LAFS.4.RI.1.2

• This standard can be taught in conjunction with LAFS.4.RI.1.1, LAFS.4.RI.1.3, LAFS.4.RI.2.4, LAFS.4.RI.3.7, and LAFS.4.RI.3.8.
• A main idea must have two parts: the topic and the point that the author is making about that topic.
• The main idea may be directly stated or implied.

LAFS.4.RI.1.3

• This standard can be taught in conjunction with LAFS.4.RI.1.1, LAFS.4.RI.1.2, LAFS.4.RI.2.4, LAFS.4.RI.2.5, and LAFS.4.RI.2.6.

LAFS.4.RI.2.4

• This standard will be taught in conjunction with LAFS.4.L.3.4, LAFS.4.L.3.5, or LAFS.4.L.3.6 based on text selection.
• This standard will be embedded in all informational instructional units and directly connects to the language standards for vocabulary acquisition and use. 

LAFS.4.RI.2.5

• This standard can be taught in conjunction with LAFS.4.RI.1.1, LAFS.4.RI.1.2, LAFS.4.RI.1.3,  and LAFS.4.RI.2.4.
• Test item specifications state:  
  • Students may be asked to refer to particular structural elements (chronology, comparison, cause/effect, problem/solution) when explaining events, ideas, concepts, or information in a text.
  • Items may ask the student to identify and describe the particular structure used in the text or part of a text. 

LAFS.4.RI.2.6

• This standard can be taught in conjunction with LAFS.4.RI.1.1, LAFS.4.RI.1.2, LAFS.4.RI.1.3, LAFS.4.RI.2.4, LAFS.4.RI.2.5, and LAFS.4.RI.3.7.

LAFS.4.W.1.2 Write informative/explanatory texts to examine a topic and convey ideas and information clearly. (DOK 2)

a. Introduce a topic clearly and group related information in paragraphs and sections; include formatting (e.g., headings), illustrations, and multimedia when useful to aiding comprehension.

b. Develop the topic with facts, definitions, concrete details, quotations, or other information and examples related to the topic.

c. Link ideas within categories of information using words and phrases (e.g., another, for example, also, because).

d. Use precise language and domain-specific vocabulary to inform about or explain the topic.

e. Provide a concluding statement or section related to the information or explanation presented.

• Introduce a topic clearly. (4.W.1.2a)
• Group related information in paragraphs and sections. (4.W.1.2a)
• Include formatting, illustrations, and multimedia. (4.W.1.2a)
• Develop the topic with relevant facts or details. (4.W.1.2b)
• Develop the topic with relevant quotations. (4.W.1.2b)
• Link ideas within categories using words and phrases. (4.W.1.2c)
• Use precise language and domain-specific vocabulary to inform about or explain the topic. (4.W.1.2d)
• Provide a concluding statement or section related to the information presented. (4.W.1.2e)

LAFS.4.W.2.4 Produce clear and coherent writing in which the development and organization are appropriate to task, purpose and audience. (DOK 3) 

• Develop writing as needed by appropriately organizing writing to task, purpose, and audience.

LAFS.4.W.2.5 With guidance and support from peers and adults, develop and strengthen writing as needed by planning, revising, and editing. (DOK 3)

• Develop writing by planning.
• Strengthen writing by revising and editing.

LAFS.4.W.2.6 With some guidance and support from adults, use technology, including the Internet, to produce and publish writing as well as to interact and collaborate with others; demonstrate sufficient command of keyboarding skills to type a minimum of one page in a single sitting. (DOK 2)

• Use technology to produce writing.
• Use technology to collaborate with others.
• Demonstrate a command of keyboarding skills.
• Use technology to publish writing.

LAFS.4.W.3.7 Conduct short research projects that build knowledge through investigation of different aspects of a topic. (DOK 4)

• Investigate different aspects of a topic.
• Conduct short research projects that build knowledge about a topic.

LAFS.4.W.3.8 Recall relevant information from experiences or gather relevant information from print and digital sources; take notes and categorize information, and provide a list of sources. (DOK 3)

• Recall relevant information from experiences.
• Gather relevant information from print and digital sources.
• Take notes from print and digital sources.
• Categorize information.
• Provide a list of sources. 

LAFS.4.W.3.9 Draw evidence from literary or informational texts to support analysis, reflection, and research. (DOK 3)

• Draw evidence from literary or informational texts to support analysis.
• Draw evidence from literary or informational texts to support reflection.
• Draw evidence from literary or informational texts to support research.