RL.4.1 — Refer to Details and Examples in Literature
Refer to details and examples in a text when explaining what the text says explicitly and when drawing inferences from the text.
What students need to learn
Find explicit details in literary text
FoundationalStudents identify information the text states directly, such as events, character actions, settings, and important details. This builds the habit of grounding answers in what is clearly written rather than in guesses or personal opinions.
Use examples from the text to explain ideas
CoreStudents support their explanations with specific examples from the story, poem, or drama. They learn to move beyond short answers by showing exactly which parts of the text support their thinking.
Explain what the text says explicitly
CoreStudents clearly describe the literal meaning of the text using accurate details and examples. This includes retelling or explaining ideas without changing the meaning of what the author directly states.
Draw inferences from literary text
CoreStudents use clues in the text plus their thinking to figure out ideas the author suggests but does not directly say. This may include inferring character traits, motivations, themes, or causes of events.
Support inferences with textual evidence
ExtensionStudents justify their inferences by pointing to details and examples from the text. This strengthens reading comprehension and teaches them to defend interpretations with evidence rather than assumption.
I can use details and examples from a story, poem, or drama to explain what the text says and to make inferences.
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