Fifth Grade ELA Critical Concepts

Analyzing Text Organization and Structure

• I can explain the relationship between specific parts of a nonfiction text and the overall organization structure of the text.
• I can explain the relationship between specific parts of a drama or story and the overall organizational structure of the text.
• I can explain the relationship between specific parts of a poem and the overall organizational structure of the text.

Analyzing Ideas and Themes

• I can summarize a text by explaining how multiple details work together to communicate the main idea.
• I can identify details in a text that develop a theme.

Analyzing Claims, Evidence, And Reasoning

• I can identify the claims presented in a text.
• I can explain how a claim in a text is supported by reasons and evidence.

Analyzing Narratives

• I can compare characters, settings, or events in a narrative text.
• I can describe relationships between events in a narrative text.

Analyzing Point of View

• I can explain how the narrator's point of view influences descriptions of events in a text.

Comparing Texts

• I can compare multiple accounts of the same event or topic.
• I can compare how two texts from the same genre approach similar themes and topics.
• I can compare English registers or dialects in one or more texts.

Analyzing Language

• I can determine the meaning of unknown words and phrases.
• I can describe the meaning of common idioms, adages, or proverbs.
• I can identify symbolism, metaphors, and imagery in a text.

Generating Text Organization and Structure

• I can introduce a topic in an introductory paragraph.
• I can use headings and images to signal logical groupings of information.
• I can link reasons and evidence or details to main ideas using words, phrases, and clauses.
• I can provide a concluding section or paragraph at the end of a text.

Generating Claims, Evidence, and Reasoning

• I can state clear claims about a topic or text.
• I can provide reasons for the claims that are supported by evidence.

Sources and Research

• I can gather information using multiple print and digital sources.
• I can integrate information from multiple sources into a text.

Generating Narratives

• I can create event sequences that illustrate a clear causal relationship.
• I can use descriptive details to develop settings, experiences, character, and events.
• I can use dialogue to develop character personality and reactions.

Audience, Purpose, and Task

• I can write for the purpose and task described by a prompt.
• I can write for the audience identified by a prompt.

Revision

• I can delete content that does not relate to the thesis or main idea of a draft.
• I can separate run-on sentences in a draft.

Parts of Speech

• I can use perfect verb tenses and simple verb tenses consistently and accurately.
• I can demonstrate the purpose of a variety of conjunctions, including correlative conjunctions.
• I can demonstrate the purpose and use of interjections and prepositions.

Editing

• I can edit for subject/verb agreement and inappropriate shifts in verb tense.
• I can edit for correct capitalization.
• I can use italics, quotation marks, and underlining to indicate the titles of works.
• I can use commas to set off elements of a sentence and to form lists.
• I can edit for spelling.