Students should demonstrate an ability to learn new words. They should know how certain vocabulary words relate to one another and understand figurative language. For instance, a student should know that ample and plenty are synonyms, that metaphors and idioms are examples of figurative language, and they should be able to explain how to use figurative language.
Students should demonstrate an ability to comprehend nonfictional prose. They should be able to identify a text's main purpose and evidence that supports the main point. Student should also be able to how effectively an author makes her point. They should also be able to identify persuasive techniques that the author uses, such as emphasis and bias.
Students should demonstrate an ability to comprehend fictional prose. Students should be able to identify literary techniques and explain how they work in a story. For instance, a student should recognize symbolism and foreshadowing in a work of fiction. They should also be able to explain how an author develops mood and tone with these elements.
By the eighth grade, students should be able to demonstrate reading ability by utilizing strategies learned in earlier grades. These include summarizing, predicting, comparing and contrasting. Students should be able to apply these strategies to texts on different subjects. Students are also expected to know how to combine separate ideas into a single concept. They should also be able to evaluate characters and events in a story in order to assess a story's overall effectiveness.