North Carolina Standard Course of Study: Grade 3
Skills available for North Carolina third-grade language arts standards
Section
Print skill plan
RL
Reading: Literature
Key Ideas and Evidence
RL.3.1 Ask and answer questions to demonstrate understanding of a text, referring explicitly to the text as the basis for the answers.
Inference
Story elements
Decodable texts
Literary texts: level 1
Literary texts: level 2
RL.3.1 Ask and answer questions to demonstrate understanding of a text, referring explicitly to the text as the basis for the answers.
Inference
Story elements
Decodable texts
Literary texts: level 1
Literary texts: level 2
RL.3.2 Recount stories, including fables, folktales, and myths from diverse cultures; determine the central message, lesson, or moral and explain how it is conveyed through key details in the text.
RL.3.2 Recount stories, including fables, folktales, and myths from diverse cultures; determine the central message, lesson, or moral and explain how it is conveyed through key details in the text.
RL.3.3 Describe characters in a story and explain how their actions contribute to the sequence of events.
RL.3.3 Describe characters in a story and explain how their actions contribute to the sequence of events.
Craft and Structure
RL.3.4 Determine the meaning of words and phrases as they are used in a text, identifying words that impact the meaning in a text.
Vocabulary in context
Multiple-meaning words
Figurative language
RL.3.4 Determine the meaning of words and phrases as they are used in a text, identifying words that impact the meaning in a text.
Vocabulary in context
Multiple-meaning words
Figurative language
RL.3.5 Refer to parts of stories, dramas, and poems when writing or speaking about a text, using terms such as chapter, scene, and stanza; describe how each successive part builds on earlier sections.
RL.3.5 Refer to parts of stories, dramas, and poems when writing or speaking about a text, using terms such as chapter, scene, and stanza; describe how each successive part builds on earlier sections.
RL.3.6 Distinguish their own point of view from that of the narrator or those of the characters.
RL.3.6 Distinguish their own point of view from that of the narrator or those of the characters.
Integration of Ideas and Analysis
RL.3.7 Explain how specific aspects of a text's illustrations contribute to what is conveyed by the words in a story.
RL.3.7 Explain how specific aspects of a text's illustrations contribute to what is conveyed by the words in a story.
RL.3.9 Compare and contrast the themes, settings, and plots of stories written by the same author about the same or similar characters.
RL.3.9 Compare and contrast the themes, settings, and plots of stories written by the same author about the same or similar characters.
Range of Reading and Level of Complexity
RL.3.10 By the end of grade 3, read and understand literature at the high end of the 2-3 text complexity band proficiently and independently for sustained periods of time. Connect prior knowledge and experiences to text.
Story elements
Character analysis
Theme
Decodable texts
Literary texts: level 1
Literary texts: level 2
RL.3.10 By the end of grade 3, read and understand literature at the high end of the 2-3 text complexity band proficiently and independently for sustained periods of time. Connect prior knowledge and experiences to text.
Story elements
Character analysis
Theme
Decodable texts
Literary texts: level 1
Literary texts: level 2
RI
Reading: Informational Text
Key Ideas and Evidence
RI.3.1 Ask and answer questions to demonstrate understanding of a text, referring explicitly to the text as the basis for the answers.
Author's purpose
Text relationships
Compare texts
Informational texts: level 1
Informational texts: level 2
RI.3.1 Ask and answer questions to demonstrate understanding of a text, referring explicitly to the text as the basis for the answers.
Author's purpose
Text relationships
Compare texts
Informational texts: level 1
Informational texts: level 2
RI.3.2 Determine the main idea of a text; recount the key details and explain how they support the main idea.
RI.3.2 Determine the main idea of a text; recount the key details and explain how they support the main idea.
RI.3.3 Describe the relationship between a series of historical events, scientific ideas or concepts, or steps in technical procedures in a text, using language that pertains to time, sequence, and cause/effect.
RI.3.3 Describe the relationship between a series of historical events, scientific ideas or concepts, or steps in technical procedures in a text, using language that pertains to time, sequence, and cause/effect.
Craft and Structure
RI.3.4 Determine the meaning of general academic and domain-specific words and phrases in a text relevant to a grade 3 topic or subject area.
Academic vocabulary
Vocabulary in context
Informational texts: level 1
Informational texts: level 2
RI.3.4 Determine the meaning of general academic and domain-specific words and phrases in a text relevant to a grade 3 topic or subject area.
Academic vocabulary
Vocabulary in context
Informational texts: level 1
Informational texts: level 2
RI.3.5 Use text features and search tools to locate information relevant to a given topic efficiently.
RI.3.5 Use text features and search tools to locate information relevant to a given topic efficiently.
RI.3.6 Distinguish their own point of view from that of the author of a text.
RI.3.6 Distinguish their own point of view from that of the author of a text.
Integration of Ideas and Analysis
RI.3.7 Use information gained from illustrations and the words in a text to demonstrate understanding of the text.
RI.3.7 Use information gained from illustrations and the words in a text to demonstrate understanding of the text.
RI.3.8 Describe how the author connects ideas between sentences and paragraphs to support specific points in a text.
Sequence
Compare and contrast
Cause and effect
Problem and solution
RI.3.8 Describe how the author connects ideas between sentences and paragraphs to support specific points in a text.
Sequence
Compare and contrast
Cause and effect
Problem and solution
RI.3.9 Compare and contrast the most important points and key details presented in two texts on the same topic.
RI.3.9 Compare and contrast the most important points and key details presented in two texts on the same topic.
Range of Reading and Level of Complexity
RI.3.10 By the end of grade 3, read and understand informational texts at the high end of the 2-3 text complexity band proficiently and independently for sustained periods of time. Connect prior knowledge and experiences to text.
Author's purpose
Main idea
Text structure
Informational texts: level 1
Informational texts: level 2
RI.3.10 By the end of grade 3, read and understand informational texts at the high end of the 2-3 text complexity band proficiently and independently for sustained periods of time. Connect prior knowledge and experiences to text.
Author's purpose
Main idea
Text structure
Informational texts: level 1
Informational texts: level 2
RF
Reading: Foundational Skills
Handwriting
RF.3.2 Create readable documents with legible handwriting (manuscript and cursive).
RF.3.2 Create readable documents with legible handwriting (manuscript and cursive).
Phonics and Word Recognition
RF.3.4 Know and apply grade-level phonics and word analysis skills in decoding words.
Short and long vowels
Decodable texts
RF.3.4 Know and apply grade-level phonics and word analysis skills in decoding words.
Short and long vowels
Decodable texts
RF.3.4.a: Identify and know the meaning of the most common prefixes and derivational suffixes.
Prefixes
Suffixes
Prefixes and suffixes
RF.3.4.a: Identify and know the meaning of the most common prefixes and derivational suffixes.
Prefixes
Suffixes
Prefixes and suffixes
RF.3.4.b: Decode words with common Latin suffixes.
RF.3.4.b: Decode words with common Latin suffixes.
RF.3.4.c: Decode multisyllabic words.
Multisyllabic words
Spelling
Decodable texts
Prefixes and suffixes
RF.3.4.c: Decode multisyllabic words.
Multisyllabic words
Spelling
Decodable texts
Prefixes and suffixes
RF.3.4.d: Read grade-appropriate irregularly spelled words.
RF.3.4.d: Read grade-appropriate irregularly spelled words.
Fluency
RF.3.5 Read with sufficient accuracy and fluency to support comprehension.
RF.3.5 Read with sufficient accuracy and fluency to support comprehension.
RF.3.5.a: Read on-level text with purpose and understanding.
Literary texts: level 1
Decodable texts
Literary texts: level 2
Informational texts: level 1
Informational texts: level 2
RF.3.5.a: Read on-level text with purpose and understanding.
Literary texts: level 1
Decodable texts
Literary texts: level 2
Informational texts: level 1
Informational texts: level 2
RF.3.5.b: Read on-level prose and poetry orally with accuracy, appropriate rate, and expression on successive readings.
RF.3.5.b: Read on-level prose and poetry orally with accuracy, appropriate rate, and expression on successive readings.
RF.3.5.c: Use context to confirm or self-correct word recognition and understanding, rereading as necessary.
Vocabulary in context
Multiple-meaning words
Idioms
RF.3.5.c: Use context to confirm or self-correct word recognition and understanding, rereading as necessary.
Vocabulary in context
Multiple-meaning words
Idioms
W
Writing
Text Types, Purposes, and Publishing
W.3.1 Write opinion pieces on topics or texts, supporting a point of view with reasons.
W.3.1 Write opinion pieces on topics or texts, supporting a point of view with reasons.
W.3.1.a: Organize information and ideas around a topic to plan and prepare to write.
Organization
Main idea
Topic sentences
Opinions, reasons, and examples
W.3.1.a: Organize information and ideas around a topic to plan and prepare to write.
Organization
Main idea
Topic sentences
Opinions, reasons, and examples
W.3.1.b: Introduce the topic or text they are writing about, state an opinion, and create an organizational structure that lists reasons.
W.3.1.b: Introduce the topic or text they are writing about, state an opinion, and create an organizational structure that lists reasons.
W.3.1.c: Provide reasons that support the opinion.
W.3.1.c: Provide reasons that support the opinion.
W.3.1.d: Use linking words and phrases to connect opinion and reasons.
W.3.1.d: Use linking words and phrases to connect opinion and reasons.
W.3.1.e: Provide a concluding statement or section.
W.3.1.e: Provide a concluding statement or section.
W.3.1.f: With guidance and support from peers and adults, develop and strengthen writing as needed by revising and editing, with consideration to task and purpose.
Author's purpose
Tone
Complete sentences
Organization
Editing
Commas
Revision
Capitalization
Formatting
Sentence variety
W.3.1.f: With guidance and support from peers and adults, develop and strengthen writing as needed by revising and editing, with consideration to task and purpose.
Author's purpose
Tone
Complete sentences
Organization
Editing
Commas
Revision
Capitalization
Formatting
Sentence variety
W.3.2 Write informative /explanatory texts to examine a topic and convey ideas and information clearly.
W.3.2 Write informative /explanatory texts to examine a topic and convey ideas and information clearly.
W.3.2.a: Organize information and ideas around a topic to plan and prepare to write.
Organization
Main idea
Topic sentences
W.3.2.a: Organize information and ideas around a topic to plan and prepare to write.
Organization
Main idea
Topic sentences
W.3.2.b: Introduce a topic and group related information together; include illustrations when useful to aiding comprehension.
W.3.2.b: Introduce a topic and group related information together; include illustrations when useful to aiding comprehension.
W.3.2.c: Develop the topic with facts, definitions, and details.
W.3.2.c: Develop the topic with facts, definitions, and details.
W.3.2.d: Use linking words and phrases to connect ideas within categories of information.
Conjunctions
Transitions
W.3.2.d: Use linking words and phrases to connect ideas within categories of information.
Conjunctions
Transitions
W.3.2.e: Provide a concluding statement or section.
W.3.2.e: Provide a concluding statement or section.
W.3.2.f: With guidance and support from peers and adults, develop and strengthen writing as needed by revising and editing, with consideration to task and purpose.
Author's purpose
Tone
Organization
Complete sentences
Editing
Revision
Capitalization
Commas
Formatting
Sentence variety
W.3.2.f: With guidance and support from peers and adults, develop and strengthen writing as needed by revising and editing, with consideration to task and purpose.
Author's purpose
Tone
Organization
Complete sentences
Editing
Revision
Capitalization
Commas
Formatting
Sentence variety
W.3.3 Write narratives to develop real or imagined experiences or events using effective technique, descriptive details, and clear event sequences.
W.3.3 Write narratives to develop real or imagined experiences or events using effective technique, descriptive details, and clear event sequences.
W.3.3.a: Organize information and ideas around a topic to plan and prepare to write.
W.3.3.a: Organize information and ideas around a topic to plan and prepare to write.
W.3.3.b: Establish a situation and introduce a narrator and/or characters; organize an event sequence that unfolds naturally.
W.3.3.b: Establish a situation and introduce a narrator and/or characters; organize an event sequence that unfolds naturally.
W.3.3.c: Use dialogue and descriptions of actions, thoughts, and feelings to develop experiences and events or show the response of characters to situations.
W.3.3.c: Use dialogue and descriptions of actions, thoughts, and feelings to develop experiences and events or show the response of characters to situations.
W.3.3.d: Use temporal transition words and phrases to signal event order.
W.3.3.d: Use temporal transition words and phrases to signal event order.
W.3.3.e: Provide a sense of closure.
W.3.3.e: Provide a sense of closure.
W.3.3.f: With guidance and support from peers and adults, develop and strengthen writing as needed by revising and editing, with consideration to task and purpose.
Transitions
Homophones
Complete sentences
Pronouns
Plural and possessive nouns
Capitalization
Descriptive details
Revision
Punctuation
Sentence structure
W.3.3.f: With guidance and support from peers and adults, develop and strengthen writing as needed by revising and editing, with consideration to task and purpose.
Transitions
Homophones
Complete sentences
Pronouns
Plural and possessive nouns
Capitalization
Descriptive details
Revision
Punctuation
Sentence structure
W.3.4 With guidance and support from adults, use digital tools and resources to produce and publish writing (using word processing skills) as well as to interact and collaborate with others.
Author's purpose
Organization
Introductions
Development and support
W.3.4 With guidance and support from adults, use digital tools and resources to produce and publish writing (using word processing skills) as well as to interact and collaborate with others.
Author's purpose
Organization
Introductions
Development and support
Research
W.3.5 Conduct short research projects that build knowledge about a topic.
W.3.5 Conduct short research projects that build knowledge about a topic.
W.3.6 Recall information from experiences or gather information from print and digital sources; take brief notes on sources and sort evidence into provided categories.
W.3.6 Recall information from experiences or gather information from print and digital sources; take brief notes on sources and sort evidence into provided categories.
L
Language
Conventions of Standard English
L.3.1 Demonstrate command of the conventions of standard English grammar and usage when writing or speaking; demonstrate proficiency within the 2-3 grammar continuum.
Common nouns
Possessive nouns
Plural nouns
Singular or plural nouns
Personal pronouns
Personal and reflexive pronouns
Possessive pronouns
Pronoun-verb agreement
Adjectives
Adverbs
Adjectives and adverbs
Articles
Prepositions
Verbs
Regular past tense
Irregular past tense
Future tense
Past, present, and future tenses
Conjunctions
Sentence type
Sentence structure
Complete sentences
Subjects and predicates
Subject-verb agreement
Compound sentences
Common errors
Homophones
L.3.1 Demonstrate command of the conventions of standard English grammar and usage when writing or speaking; demonstrate proficiency within the 2-3 grammar continuum.
Common nouns
Possessive nouns
Plural nouns
Singular or plural nouns
Personal pronouns
Personal and reflexive pronouns
Possessive pronouns
Pronoun-verb agreement
Adjectives
Adverbs
Adjectives and adverbs
Articles
Prepositions
Verbs
Regular past tense
Irregular past tense
Future tense
Past, present, and future tenses
Conjunctions
Sentence type
Sentence structure
Complete sentences
Subjects and predicates
Subject-verb agreement
Compound sentences
Common errors
Homophones
L.3.2 Demonstrate command of the conventions of standard English capitalization, punctuation, and spelling when writing; demonstrate proficiency within the 2-3 conventions continuum.
Capitalization
Formatting
Apostrophes
Correct common errors
Complete sentences
Homophones
Plurals and possessives
Compound words
Adjectives
Short vowel words
Long vowel words
Silent letter words
Consonant blends
Digraphs
R-controlled vowels
Soft g and c
Diphthongs
Open and closed syllables
Variant vowels
L.3.2 Demonstrate command of the conventions of standard English capitalization, punctuation, and spelling when writing; demonstrate proficiency within the 2-3 conventions continuum.
Capitalization
Formatting
Apostrophes
Correct common errors
Complete sentences
Homophones
Plurals and possessives
Compound words
Adjectives
Short vowel words
Long vowel words
Silent letter words
Consonant blends
Digraphs
R-controlled vowels
Soft g and c
Diphthongs
Open and closed syllables
Variant vowels
Knowledge of Language
L.3.3 Use knowledge of language and its conventions when writing, speaking, reading, or listening.
L.3.3 Use knowledge of language and its conventions when writing, speaking, reading, or listening.
L.3.3.a: Choose words and phrases for effect.
Synonyms and antonyms
Shades of meaning
Descriptive details
L.3.3.a: Choose words and phrases for effect.
Synonyms and antonyms
Shades of meaning
Descriptive details
L.3.3.b: Recognize and observe differences between the conventions of spoken and written standard English.
L.3.3.b: Recognize and observe differences between the conventions of spoken and written standard English.
Vocabulary Acquisition and Use
L.3.4 Determine and/or clarify the meaning of unknown and multiple-meaning words and phrases based on grade 3 reading and content, choosing flexibly from a range of strategies: context clues, word parts, word relationships, and reference materials.
Synonyms
Antonyms
Multiple-meaning words
Shades of meaning
Homophones
Vocabulary in context
Domain-specific vocabulary
Figurative language
Prefixes
Suffixes
Idioms
Prefixes and suffixes
Greek and Latin roots
Word patterns
Categories
Reference materials
Reference skills
L.3.4 Determine and/or clarify the meaning of unknown and multiple-meaning words and phrases based on grade 3 reading and content, choosing flexibly from a range of strategies: context clues, word parts, word relationships, and reference materials.
Synonyms
Antonyms
Multiple-meaning words
Shades of meaning
Homophones
Vocabulary in context
Domain-specific vocabulary
Figurative language
Prefixes
Suffixes
Idioms
Prefixes and suffixes
Greek and Latin roots
Word patterns
Categories
Reference materials
Reference skills
L.3.5 Demonstrate understanding of nuances in word meanings.
L.3.5 Demonstrate understanding of nuances in word meanings.
L.3.5.a: Distinguish the literal and nonliteral meanings of words and phrases in context.
L.3.5.a: Distinguish the literal and nonliteral meanings of words and phrases in context.
L.3.5.b: Distinguish shades of meaning among related words that describe states of mind or degrees of certainty.
L.3.5.b: Distinguish shades of meaning among related words that describe states of mind or degrees of certainty.
L.3.6 Acquire and use accurately grade-appropriate conversational, general academic, and domain-specific words and phrases, including those that signal spatial and temporal relationships.
Vocabulary in context
Academic vocabulary
Descriptive details
Shades of meaning
Time-order words
Conjunctions
Prepositions
L.3.6 Acquire and use accurately grade-appropriate conversational, general academic, and domain-specific words and phrases, including those that signal spatial and temporal relationships.
Vocabulary in context
Academic vocabulary
Descriptive details
Shades of meaning
Time-order words
Conjunctions
Prepositions