explain their interpretations of a written work, supporting
it with evidence from the work and from their own knowledge
and experience;
decide on a specific purpose for reading, and select
the material that they need from a variety of appropriate
sources;
understand the vocabulary and language structures appropriate
for this grade level;
use conventions of written materials to help them understand
and use the materials.
Expectations in Specific Areas
Reasoning and Critical Thinking
explain how various elements in a story function in relation
to each other (e.g., ways in which setting and plot development
are interrelated);
identify the main ideas in information materials, and explain
how the details support the main ideas;
make judgements and draw conclusions about ideas in written
materials on the basis of evidence;
plan a research project and carry out the research;
Knowledge of Language Structures
use their knowledge of the elements of grammar and the structure
of words and sentences to understand what they read;
Vocabulary Building
use a variety of strategies to determine the meaning of unfamiliar
words (e.g., use word-analysis techniques; use knowledge of
word origins and derivations; consult dictionaries);
use a thesaurus to expand their vocabulary;
use the special terminology in a particular area of
study, as necessary;
Understanding Form and Style
identify some stylistic devices in literary works and explain
their use (e.g., foreshadowing, personification, simile)
Writing
Overall Expectations
produce pieces of writing using a variety
of forms (e.g., descriptive, narrative, and expository
compositions),
techniques
and resources
appropriate to the form and purpose, and materials
from other media (e.g., diagrams, illustrations);
revise and edit their work, focusing on content and
elements of style (e.g., diction), independently and in
collaboration
with others;
proofread and correct their final drafts,
focusing on grammar, punctuation, spelling, and conventions
of style;
use and spell correctly the vocabulary appropriate for
this grade level
Expectations in Specific Areas
Word use and Vocabulary Building
give evidence of an expanding vocabulary in their writing;
show a growing awareness of the expressiveness of words
in their word choice
Oral and Visual Communication
Overall Expectations
use instructions and explanations to plan and
organize work;
ask questions and discuss different aspects of ideas
in order to clarify their thinking;
contribute and work constructively in groups
Expectations in
Specific Areas
Use of Words and Oral Language Structures
regularly incorporate new vocabulary into discussions
and presentations