Standard 5: Language

Students will apply knowledge of grammar and rhetorical style to reading and writing.

9.5.R.3  Students will recognize and correct inappropriate shifts in verb tense.

Student Actions 

Teacher Actions 

• Students will determine whether verb shifts are appropriate for the context.

• Teachers remind students about verb shifts and how to use them effectively.
• Teachers offer opportunities for students to analyze tense/s within a text's context.

• Students will correct errors in verb tense.

• Teachers provide opportunities for students to correct errors in verb tense.
• Teachers provide opportunities for students to receive feedback regarding their ability to correct verb tense errors.

Supporting Resources 

Teacher Insights

• Verbs can be past, present, or future tense, signifying the time that something happens.

• Verbs can also be categorized as “perfect” and/or “progressive” within each tense, signifying a state or condition in which something happens. ELA OAS Support Documents/verb tense pg 17-19.

• As a general rule, students should not shift from one tense to another if the time frame for each action or state is the same. Authors will shift in verb tense for various reasons, usually to tell a story that took place in the past or to explain future plans or ideas.

• Inappropriate shifts in verb tense occur when a writer unintentionally switches the tense of a verb.

• There are occasions when this can and should be done; however, it should always be done with intentionality.

• It is important to note that it is appropriate to shift verb tenses in dialogue or quotations.

Due to recursive nature of the standards, it is essential that teachers are aware of how all objectives within and between strands work together for optimal instruction.