English Language Arts, grade 3
63 things Texas expects by the end of grade 3, in the state's own words and ours.
Talking so you are understood, and listening so you understand.
- 3.1.A Listen actively, ask questions, and comment Close
3.1.A · Grade 3
Listen actively, ask questions, and comment
listen actively, ask relevant questions to clarify information, and make pertinent comments;
Part of the speaking and listening topic
- 3.1.B Follow, restate, give sequenced instructions Close
3.1.B · Grade 3
Follow, restate, give sequenced instructions
follow, restate, and give oral instructions that involve a series of related sequences of action;
- 3.1.C Speak coherently using delivery conventions Close
3.1.C · Grade 3
Speak coherently using delivery conventions
speak coherently about the topic under discussion, employing eye contact, speaking rate, volume, enunciation, and the conventions of language to communicate ideas effectively;
Part of the speaking and listening topic
- 3.1.D Collaborate under agreed-upon expectations Close
3.1.D · Grade 3
Collaborate under agreed-upon expectations
work collaboratively with others by following agreed-upon rules, norms, and protocols; and
- 3.1.E Develop polite social communication Close
3.1.E · Grade 3
Develop polite social communication
develop social communication such as conversing politely in all situations.
19 TAC §110.5 · the rule text · archived · verified 2026-08-05
Sounding words out, and seeing how they are built.
- 3.2.A Apply and demonstrate phonetic knowledge Close
3.2.A · Grade 3
Apply and demonstrate phonetic knowledge
demonstrate and apply phonetic knowledge by:
- decoding multisyllabic words with multiple sound-spelling patterns such as eigh, ough, and en;
- decoding multisyllabic words with closed syllables; open syllables; VCe syllables; vowel teams, including digraphs and diphthongs; r-controlled syllables; and final stable syllables;
- decoding compound words, contractions, and abbreviations;
- decoding words using knowledge of syllable division patterns such as VCCV, VCV, and VCCCV with accent shifts;
- decoding words using knowledge of prefixes;
- decoding words using knowledge of suffixes, including how they can change base words such as dropping e, changing y to i, and doubling final consonants; and
- identifying and reading high-frequency words from a research-based list;
Part of the phonics and sounds topic
- 3.2.B Apply and demonstrate spelling knowledge Close
3.2.B · Grade 3
Apply and demonstrate spelling knowledge
demonstrate and apply spelling knowledge by:
- spelling multisyllabic words with closed syllables; open syllables; VCe syllables; vowel teams, including digraphs and diphthongs; r-controlled syllables; and final stable syllables;
- spelling homophones;
- spelling compound words, contractions, and abbreviations;
- spelling multisyllabic words with multiple sound-spelling patterns;
- spelling words using knowledge of syllable division patterns such as VCCV, VCV, and VCCCV;
- spelling words using knowledge of prefixes; and
- spelling words using knowledge of suffixes, including how they can change base words such as dropping e, changing y to i, and doubling final consonants;
Part of the phonics and sounds topic
- 3.2.C Alphabetize words through the third letter Close
3.2.C · Grade 3
Alphabetize words through the third letter
alphabetize a series of words to the third letter; and
- 3.2.D Write legibly in cursive with spacing Close
3.2.D · Grade 3
Write legibly in cursive with spacing
write complete words, thoughts, and answers legibly in cursive leaving appropriate spaces between words.
Part of the handwriting topic
19 TAC §110.5 · the rule text · archived · verified 2026-08-05
Actually using a word after you have learned it.
- 3.3.A Look up meaning, syllabication, pronunciation Close
3.3.A · Grade 3
Look up meaning, syllabication, pronunciation
use print or digital resources to determine meaning, syllabication, and pronunciation;
Part of the phonics and sounds topic
- 3.3.B Use context inside and outside the sentence Close
3.3.B · Grade 3
Use context inside and outside the sentence
use context within and beyond a sentence to determine the meaning of unfamiliar words and multiple-meaning words;
Part of the vocabulary topic
- 3.3.C Identify affix meanings and use them Close
3.3.C · Grade 3
Identify affix meanings and use them
identify the meaning of and use words with affixes such as im- (into), non-, dis-, in- (not, non), pre-, -ness, -y, and -ful; and
Part of the vocabulary topic
- 3.3.D Identify, use, and explain word relationships Close
3.3.D · Grade 3
Identify, use, and explain word relationships
identify, use, and explain the meaning of antonyms, synonyms, idioms, homophones, and homographs in a text.
Part of the vocabulary topic
19 TAC §110.5 · the rule text · archived · verified 2026-08-05
Reading smoothly enough that you are following the sense rather than the letters.
- 3.4 Read grade-level text fluently Close
3.4 · Grade 3
Read grade-level text fluently
The student reads grade-level text with fluency and comprehension. The student is expected to use appropriate fluency (rate, accuracy, and prosody) when reading grade-level text.
Part of the comprehension topic
19 TAC §110.5 · the rule text · archived · verified 2026-08-05
Picking something to read, and staying with it for a real stretch.
- 3.5 Sustain independent reading of chosen texts Close
3.5 · Grade 3
Sustain independent reading of chosen texts
The student reads grade-appropriate texts independently. The student is expected to self-select text and read independently for a sustained period of time.
19 TAC §110.5 · the rule text · archived · verified 2026-08-05
Watching your own reading: asking, predicting, picturing it, and noticing when you have stopped understanding.
- 3.6.A Set purpose for assigned and chosen texts Close
3.6.A · Grade 3
Set purpose for assigned and chosen texts
establish purpose for reading assigned and self-selected texts;
- 3.6.B Ask questions before, during, after reading Close
3.6.B · Grade 3
Ask questions before, during, after reading
generate questions about text before, during, and after reading to deepen understanding and gain information;
- 3.6.C Make and confirm or correct predictions Close
3.6.C · Grade 3
Make and confirm or correct predictions
make and correct or confirm predictions using text features, characteristics of genre, and structures;
Part of the comprehension topic
- 3.6.D Create mental images for understanding Close
3.6.D · Grade 3
Create mental images for understanding
create mental images to deepen understanding;
- 3.6.E Connect to experience, texts, and society Close
3.6.E · Grade 3
Connect to experience, texts, and society
make connections to personal experiences, ideas in other texts, and society;
- 3.6.F Make inferences supported by evidence Close
3.6.F · Grade 3
Make inferences supported by evidence
make inferences and use evidence to support understanding;
Part of the comprehension topic
- 3.6.G Evaluate details to determine main ideas Close
3.6.G · Grade 3
Evaluate details to determine main ideas
evaluate details read to determine key ideas;
- 3.6.H Synthesize information into new understanding Close
3.6.H · Grade 3
Synthesize information into new understanding
synthesize information to create new understanding; and
- 3.6.I Monitor comprehension and adjust when stuck Close
3.6.I · Grade 3
Monitor comprehension and adjust when stuck
monitor comprehension and make adjustments such as re-reading, using background knowledge, asking questions, and annotating when understanding breaks down.
Part of the comprehension topic
19 TAC §110.5 · the rule text · archived · verified 2026-08-05
Having something to say back about what you read, heard, or watched.
- 3.7.A Describe personal connections to many sources
- 3.7.B Write a response showing text understanding Close
3.7.B · Grade 3
Write a response showing text understanding
write a response to a literary or informational text that demonstrates an understanding of a text;
Part of the informational text topic
- 3.7.C Support a response with text evidence Close
3.7.C · Grade 3
Support a response with text evidence
use text evidence to support an appropriate response;
- 3.7.D Retell and paraphrase, keeping meaning, order Close
3.7.D · Grade 3
Retell and paraphrase, keeping meaning, order
retell and paraphrase texts in ways that maintain meaning and logical order;
Part of the comprehension topic
- 3.7.E Take notes, annotate, freewrite, illustrate
- 3.7.F Use new vocabulary when responding Close
3.7.F · Grade 3
Use new vocabulary when responding
respond using newly acquired vocabulary as appropriate; and
Part of the vocabulary topic
- 3.7.G Discuss ideas important to the meaning Close
3.7.G · Grade 3
Discuss ideas important to the meaning
discuss specific ideas in the text that are important to the meaning.
19 TAC §110.5 · the rule text · archived · verified 2026-08-05
Characters, setting, plot: the parts a story is built from.
- 3.8.A Infer theme, distinguishing it from topic Close
3.8.A · Grade 3
Infer theme, distinguishing it from topic
infer the theme of a work, distinguishing theme from topic;
Part of the characters and plot topic
- 3.8.B Explain how major and minor characters relate Close
3.8.B · Grade 3
Explain how major and minor characters relate
explain the relationships among the major and minor characters;
Part of the characters and plot topic
- 3.8.C Analyze sequence, conflict, and resolution Close
3.8.C · Grade 3
Analyze sequence, conflict, and resolution
analyze plot elements, including the sequence of events, the conflict, and the resolution; and
Part of the characters and plot topic
- 3.8.D Explain how setting influences the plot Close
3.8.D · Grade 3
Explain how setting influences the plot
explain the influence of the setting on the plot.
Part of the characters and plot topic
19 TAC §110.5 · the rule text · archived · verified 2026-08-05
Telling a poem from a report, and knowing why each one is shaped the way it is.
- 3.9.A Know traits of familiar children's genres Close
3.9.A · Grade 3
Know traits of familiar children's genres
demonstrate knowledge of distinguishing characteristics of well-known children's literature such as folktales, fables, fairy tales, legends, and myths;
- 3.9.B Explain sound devices, rhyme scheme, stanzas Close
3.9.B · Grade 3
Explain sound devices, rhyme scheme, stanzas
explain rhyme scheme, sound devices, and structural elements such as stanzas in a variety of poems;
Part of the phonics and sounds topic
- 3.9.C Discuss the elements of drama Close
3.9.C · Grade 3
Discuss the elements of drama
discuss elements of drama such as characters, dialogue, setting, and acts;
Part of the characters and plot topic
- 3.9.D Traits and structure of informational text Close
3.9.D · Grade 3
Traits and structure of informational text
recognize characteristics and structures of informational text, including:
- the central idea with supporting evidence;
- features such as sections, tables, graphs, timelines, bullets, numbers, and bold and italicized font to support understanding; and
- organizational patterns such as cause and effect and problem and solution;
Part of the informational text topic
- 3.9.E Argumentative text traits and structure Close
3.9.E · Grade 3
Argumentative text traits and structure
recognize characteristics and structures of argumentative text by:
- identifying the claim;
- distinguishing facts from opinion; and
- identifying the intended audience or reader; and
Part of the persuasive writing topic
- 3.9.F Recognize multimodal and digital text traits Close
3.9.F · Grade 3
Recognize multimodal and digital text traits
recognize characteristics of multimodal and digital texts.
19 TAC §110.5 · the rule text · archived · verified 2026-08-05
Asking why the writer did it that way, and then borrowing what worked.
- 3.10.A Explain an author's message and purpose Close
3.10.A · Grade 3
Explain an author's message and purpose
explain the author's purpose and message within a text;
- 3.10.B Explain how structure serves author's purpose Close
3.10.B · Grade 3
Explain how structure serves author's purpose
explain how the use of text structure contributes to the author's purpose;
- 3.10.C Why authors use print and graphic features Close
3.10.C · Grade 3
Why authors use print and graphic features
explain the author's use of print and graphic features to achieve specific purposes;
- 3.10.D Describe imagery, language, and sound devices Close
3.10.D · Grade 3
Describe imagery, language, and sound devices
describe how the author's use of imagery, literal and figurative language such as simile, and sound devices such as onomatopoeia achieves specific purposes;
Part of the phonics and sounds topic
- 3.10.E Identify literary devices like point of view Close
3.10.E · Grade 3
Identify literary devices like point of view
identify the use of literary devices, including first- or third-person point of view;
- 3.10.F Discuss how language creates voice Close
3.10.F · Grade 3
Discuss how language creates voice
discuss how the author's use of language contributes to voice; and
- 3.10.G Identify and explain hyperbole Close
3.10.G · Grade 3
Identify and explain hyperbole
identify and explain the use of hyperbole.
19 TAC §110.5 · the rule text · archived · verified 2026-08-05
Planning it, drafting it, fixing it, and finishing it.
- 3.11.A Plan a draft: genre, topic, purpose, audience Close
3.11.A · Grade 3
Plan a draft: genre, topic, purpose, audience
plan a first draft by selecting a genre for a particular topic, purpose, and audience using a range of strategies such as brainstorming, freewriting, and mapping;
Part of the writing a draft topic
- 3.11.B Develop focused, structured, coherent drafts Close
3.11.B · Grade 3
Develop focused, structured, coherent drafts
develop drafts into a focused, structured, and coherent piece of writing by:
- organizing with purposeful structure, including an introduction and a conclusion; and
- developing an engaging idea with relevant details;
Part of the writing a draft topic
- 3.11.C Revise word choice and sentence structure Close
3.11.C · Grade 3
Revise word choice and sentence structure
revise drafts to improve sentence structure and word choice by adding, deleting, combining, and rearranging ideas for coherence and clarity;
Part of the writing a draft topic
- 3.11.D Edit drafts for standard English conventions Close
3.11.D · Grade 3
Edit drafts for standard English conventions
edit drafts using standard English conventions, including:
- complete simple and compound sentences with subject-verb agreement;
- past, present, and future verb tense;
- singular, plural, common, and proper nouns;
- adjectives, including their comparative and superlative forms;
- adverbs that convey time and adverbs that convey manner;
- prepositions and prepositional phrases;
- pronouns, including subjective, objective, and possessive cases;
- coordinating conjunctions to form compound subjects, predicates, and sentences;
- capitalization of official titles of people, holidays, and geographical names and places;
- punctuation marks, including apostrophes in contractions and possessives and commas in compound sentences and items in a series; and
- correct spelling of words with grade-appropriate orthographic patterns and rules and high-frequency words; and
Part of the grammar and punctuation topic
- 3.11.E Publish work for the right audience Close
3.11.E · Grade 3
Publish work for the right audience
publish written work for appropriate audiences.
Part of the writing a draft topic
19 TAC §110.5 · the rule text · archived · verified 2026-08-05
Writing the right kind of thing for the job in front of you.
- 3.12.A Compose narratives and poetry with craft
- 3.12.B Write informational texts with a central idea Close
3.12.B · Grade 3
Write informational texts with a central idea
compose informational texts, including brief compositions that convey information about a topic, using a clear central idea and genre characteristics and craft;
Part of the informational text topic
- 3.12.C Compose opinion essays and other arguments Close
3.12.C · Grade 3
Compose opinion essays and other arguments
compose argumentative texts, including opinion essays, using genre characteristics and craft; and
Part of the persuasive writing topic
- 3.12.D Compose correspondence: notes and letters Close
3.12.D · Grade 3
Compose correspondence: notes and letters
compose correspondence such as thank you notes or letters.
19 TAC §110.5 · the rule text · archived · verified 2026-08-05
Asking a question, then going and finding out.
- 3.13.A Pose questions for formal, informal inquiry
- 3.13.B Plan and follow research, with help
- 3.13.C Locate and gather relevant information
- 3.13.D Recognize primary and secondary sources
- 3.13.E Show understanding of gathered information Close
3.13.E · Grade 3
Show understanding of gathered information
demonstrate understanding of information gathered;
- 3.13.F Tell paraphrasing apart from plagiarism
- 3.13.G Build a works cited page
- 3.13.H Choose a mode to present results Close
3.13.H · Grade 3
Choose a mode to present results
use an appropriate mode of delivery, whether written, oral, or multimodal, to present results.
19 TAC §110.5 · the rule text · archived · verified 2026-08-05