Topic: Standards for Language and Vocabulary, Grade 4.

Summary.

Language: Progressive verbs, walking, etc. Comparatives and superlatives. Avoid run-ons and fragments. Quotation marks. Spelling, checked by references. Punctuation for effect. Consistency and style and tone. Precise words and phrases.

Vocabulary: Unknown and multiple-meaning words. Context. Root words. Similes and metaphors. Paraphrase idioms, adages and proverbs. Distinguish between words with similar meanings. Specialized vocabulary in social studies and science.

Source:  “CCSSI (Common Core State Standards Initiative) for English Language Arts and Literacy in History/Social Studies and Science.” March 10, 2010, p. 12, 13. You will find the standards at http://www.corestandards.org/.