3rd Grade LAFS Template
LAFS.3.RL.2.4
Essential Skills/Concept
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Distinguish between
words, phrases, and
sentences
Determine word and
phrase meaning through
context
Distinguish between literal
and non-literal language
Standard: Determine the meaning of words
Assessment Limits: Items may ask the student to use
and phrases as they are used in a text,
distinguishing literal from non-literal language
the text to determine the meanings of words and phrases.
Items should ask the student to consider literal and
figurative meanings of words. Items may also ask the
student to determine the meaning of unknown words and
phrases or words and phrases with multiple meanings.
Academic Vocabulary/Cognates
Teaching Notes and Strategies
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determine
phrases
non-literal
literal
context clues
distinguish
determinar
frases
literal
*Refer to Grade 3 ELA Item Specifications on page 8
to view the following standard:

LAFS.3.L.3.5 (a & c)
distinguir
Sample FSA Question Stem to be modified based on selected text.
 What does the word ________ mean in the passage?
 Choose the correct meaning of the word ________ as the author uses it in the
passage. (Part A)
Select the words from the passage that help the reader understand what
_______ means. (Part B)
 What does the author mean by the phrase __________? (Part A)
How does the author illustrate this phrase in the passage? (Part B)
 What does ________ mean as it is used the passage?
 What does the author suggest by the phrase “_________?”
LAFS.2.RL.2.4: Describe how words and phrases (e.g., regular
LAFS.4.RL.2.4: Determine the meaning of words and phrases as they are
beats, alliteration, rhymes, repeated lines) supply rhythm and meaning
in a story, poem, or song.
used in a text, including those that allude to significant characters found in
mythology (e.g., Herculean).