Writing Reading Objectives: A Step-by-Step Guide for Teachers
This page will guide you through writing effective English Language Arts (ELA) objectives for lessons and units. You will find clear explanations, practical examples, and objective samples aligned to Bloom’s Taxonomy.
This page is designed as a printable reference teachers can keep handy when planning lessons.
Be sure to also review the Content and Language Objectives resources.
Table of Contents
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Writing ELA Objectives in 3 Easy Steps
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Step 1: Create a Stem
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Step 2: Add a Verb
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Step 3: Determine the Product or Outcome
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ELA Objective Samples by Bloom’s Taxonomy
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Knowledge
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Comprehension
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Application
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Analysis
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Synthesis
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Evaluation
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1. Why Writing Clear ELA Objectives Matters
Well-written ELA objectives clarify what students are expected to know, understand, and do as a result of instruction. Strong objectives guide lesson planning, assessment, and student outcomes.
2. Key Question to Ask Before Writing Objectives
Ask yourself:
What do I want my students to learn as a result of this lesson or unit?
This question anchors objectives to meaningful learning outcomes.
3. Helpful Resources for Writing Objectives
The following resources can support objective writing:
4. Writing ELA Objectives in 3 Easy Steps
Step 1: Create a Stem
Start with a consistent, student-focused stem. Examples include:
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After completing the lesson, students will be able to…
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After completing this unit, students will…
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By completing the activities, students will…
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During this lesson, students will…
Tip: Make stems kid-friendly whenever possible.
Step 2: Add a Verb
Use clear, measurable verbs aligned to Bloom’s Taxonomy.
Examples:
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predict
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distinguish
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construct
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defend
Sample:
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After completing the lesson, students will be able to predict…
Step 3: Determine the Product, Process, or Outcome
Specify what students will create, do, or demonstrate to show learning.
5. ELA Objective Samples by Bloom’s Taxonomy
The following objective examples progress from lower-level to higher-level thinking skills. Aim to teach toward the upper levels of Bloom’s Taxonomy when appropriate.
Knowledge
The student will:
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Draw scenes from a chapter and describe what is happening
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Use a story map to show events
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Create a cartoon strip showing beginning, middle, and end
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List main events or facts
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Make a timeline or facts chart
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Create an acrostic
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Recite a poem
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Complete a chart showing information
Comprehension
The student will:
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Draw and write a summary of a chapter
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Summarize a chapter in one or two paragraphs
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Illustrate the main idea
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Retell the story
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Describe a favorite part in detail
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Prepare a flowchart of events
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Write and perform a play based on the text
Application
The student will:
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Change the story’s ending as a new character
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Act out an alternative ending
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Construct a model to demonstrate understanding
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Create a diorama or scrapbook
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Design a puzzle or game inspired by the text
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Create a mural or clay model
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Design a product or marketing strategy
Analysis
The student will:
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Make text-to-self, text-to-text, or text-to-world connections
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Design a questionnaire
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Create a flowchart of critical stages
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Analyze illustrations
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Create graphs or puzzles
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Write a biography
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Analyze relationships using a family tree
Synthesis
The student will:
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Propose solutions to a character’s problem
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Write dialogue with a character
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Role-play problem-solving
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Invent a machine or product
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Design a building or magazine cover
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Compose music or poetry
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Create a language code
Evaluation
The student will:
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Use evidence to evaluate a character
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Complete a T-chart and write an opinion paragraph
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Develop criteria to judge a text
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Conduct a debate or panel discussion
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Write persuasive letters or arguments
6. Language Arts Objective Examples
After completing the lesson, students will be able to:
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Record understanding through pictures
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Use vocabulary to describe objects
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Explain word meanings
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Generate ideas using brainstorming strategies
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Draft and edit writing
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Compare and contrast characters
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Identify literary elements and terms
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Retell or summarize texts
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Make inferences
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Support opinions with evidence
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Compare multiple versions of a story
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Write narratives aligned to the genre
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Analyze historical and literary texts
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Produce effective essays and persuasive writing
7. Reading Comprehension Objective Examples
Students will:
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Generate questions while reading
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Draw conclusions with textual evidence
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Answer questions about meaning
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Summarize passages
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Cite text to support ideas
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Use context clues to determine word meaning
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Read with purpose and take notes
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Apply critical reading strategies with measurable mastery
8. Critical Thinking Objectives
Students will:
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Generate focused ideas
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Support ideas with evidence
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Respond to peer perspectives
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Engage in structured debates
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Present logical and persuasive writing
9. Listening and Speaking Objectives
Students will:
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Demonstrate comprehension during read-alouds
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Listen actively and retell others’ ideas
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Participate in group discussions and respond to peers
10. Writing Content and Language Objectives
Writing content and language objectives helps clarify what students learn and how they use language to demonstrate learning.
Recommended resources:
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Content and Language Objective Verbs (PDF)
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Step-by-step guides with examples
Optional Editable Version
For an optional editable document of this Writing Reading Objectives page, please visit Instant Downloads.
This page was last updated on January 4, 2026.