Determine the meaning of words and phrases as they are used in a text, including figurative, connotative, and technical meanings; analyze the impact of a specific word choice on meaning and tone.

This Common Core Standard is almost exactly the same as the sixth grade version of its Reading: Literature counterpart, so check out that description for more information. Keep in mind that the description on the Literature standard is for fiction, while students will be working with non-fiction with this standard, not that it matters too much—any sort of writing will always have to deal with questions of word choice.