Unpacked
L 4.5 a
Standard:
L 4.5 Demonstrate understanding of figurative language, word relationships, and
nuances in word meanings.
a. Explain the meaning of simple similes and metaphors (e.g., as pretty as a picture)
in context.
Unpacked Standard:
In this standard students look at the authors word choices, particularly the use of figurative
language to illustrate meaning in the text. Students should be able to identify simple similes and
metaphors and discuss how this language contributes to the author’s tone, purpose and central
ideas. Figurative language often helps evoke strong emotions, images, and helps refine ideas in
the text.
What students need to know:
What students need to do:
 What is a simile?
 Identify similes and metaphors in text.
 What is a metaphor?
 Discuss the meaning of figurative
language and why the author choose to
 How does figurative language
use it.
contribute to the meaning of the text?
 Notice places in the text that evoke
 Why did the author select figurative
strong emotions, or images.
language? How did it evoke strong
emotions, images, or help the reader
 Make connections to figurative
refine ideas in the text?
language and the author’s tone,
purpose, and central ideas.
Level 1
Entering
Level 2
Emerging
Level 3
Developing
Level 4
Expanding
Level 5
Bridging
Explain the
meaning of
simple similes
and
metaphors
by using
think-pairshare and a
sentence
frame with
pictures (as
brave as a lion
means _____.)
Literal
meaning with
support.
ELD Standard:
Explain the
meaning of
simple similes
and
metaphors
by using
think-pairshare and a
sentence
frame with
pictures (as
brave as a lion
means _____.)
Literal
meaning
Explain the
meaning of
simple similes
and
metaphors
by using
think-pairshare and a
sentence
frame with
pictures (as
brave as a lion
means _____.)
Moving
towards
Figurative
meaning with
support.
Explain the
meaning of
simple similes
and
metaphors
by using
think-pairshare and a
sentence
frame with
pictures (as
brave as a lion
means _____.)
Literal and
Figurative
meaning
Explain the
meaning of
simple similes
and
metaphors
by using
think-pairshare and a
sentence
frame with
pictures (as
brave as a lion
means _____.)
Connections
between
Literal and
Figurative
meaning
Level 6 Reaching
Domain Speaking
Unpacked
L 4.5 a