English Language Arts Standards
Determine both what the text says explicitly and what can be inferred logically from the text.
see evidence
Support or challenge assertions about the text by citing evidence in the text explicitly and accurately.
see evidence
Discern the most important ideas, events, or information, and summarize them accurately and concisely.
see evidence
Delineate the main ideas or themes in the text and the details that elaborate and support them.
see evidence
Determine when, where, and why events unfold in the text, and explain how they relate to one another.
see evidence
Analyze the traits, motivations, and thoughts of individuals in fiction and nonfiction based on how they are described,
what they say and do, and how they interact.
see evidence
Determine what is meant by words and phrases in context, including connotative meanings and figurative language.
see evidence
Analyze how specific word choices shape the meaning and tone of the text.
see evidence
Analyze how the text’s organizational structure presents the argument, explanation, or narrative.
see evidence
Analyze how specific details and larger portions of the text contribute to the meaning of the text.
see evidence
Synthesize data, diagrams, maps, and other visual elements with words in the text to further comprehension.
see evidence
Extract key information efficiently in print and online using text features and search techniques.
see evidence
Ascertain the origin, credibility, and accuracy of print and online sources.
see evidence
Evaluate the reasoning and rhetoric that support an argument or explanation, including assessing whether the
evidence provided is relevant and sufficient.
see evidence
Analyze how two or more texts with different styles, points of view, or arguments address similar topics or themes.
see evidence
Draw upon relevant prior knowledge to enhance comprehension, and note when the text expands on or challenges
that knowledge.
see evidence
Apply knowledge and concepts gained through reading to build a more coherent understanding of a subject, inform
reading of additional texts, and to solve problems.
see evidence
Demonstrate facility with the specific reading demands of texts drawn from different disciplines, including history,
literature, science, and mathematics.
see evidence
Establish and refine a topic or thesis that addresses the specific task and audience.
see evidence
Gather the information needed to build an argument, provide an explanation, or address a research question.
see evidence
Sustain focus on a specific topic or argument.
see evidence
Support and illustrate arguments and explanations with relevant details, examples, and evidence.
see evidence
Create a logical progression of ideas or events, and convey the relationships among them.
see evidence
Choose words and phrases to express ideas precisely and concisely.
see evidence
Use varied sentence structures to engage the reader and achieve cohesion between sentences.
see evidence
Develop and maintain a style and tone appropriate to the task, purpose, and audience.
see evidence
Demonstrate command of the conventions of standard written English, including grammar, usage, and mechanics.
see evidence
Represent and cite accurately the data, conclusions, and opinions of others, effectively incorporating them into one's
own work while avoiding plagiarism.
see evidence
Assess the quality of one's own writing, and, when necessary, strengthen it through revision.
see evidence
Use technology as a tool to produce, edit, and distribute writing.
see evidence
When writing to inform or explain, students
must also do the following:
Synthesize information from multiple relevant
sources, including graphics and quantitative
information when appropriate, to provide an
accurate picture of that information.
see evidence
Convey complex information clearly and
coherently to the audience through
purposeful selection and organization of
content.
see evidence
Demonstrate understanding of content by
reporting facts accurately and anticipating
reader misconceptions.
see evidence
When writing arguments, students must also do the following:
Establish a substantive claim, distinguishing it from
alternate or opposing claims.
see evidence
Link claims and evidence with clear reasons, and
ensure that the evidence is relevant and sufficient
to support the claims.
see evidence
Acknowledge competing arguments or information,
defending or qualifying the initial claim as
appropriate.
see evidence
Select and use a format, organization, and style appropriate to the topic, purpose, and audience.
see evidence
Present information, findings, and supporting evidence clearly and concisely.
see evidence
Make strategic use of multimedia elements and visual displays of data to gain audience attention and enhance
understanding.
see evidence
Demonstrate command of formal Standard English when appropriate to task and audience.
see evidence
Listen to complex information, and discern the main ideas, the significant details, and the relationships among them.
see evidence
Follow the progression of the speaker's message, and evaluate the speaker's point of view, reasoning, and use of
evidence and rhetoric.
see evidence
Ask relevant questions to clarify points and challenge ideas.
see evidence
Respond constructively to advance a discussion and build on the input of others.
see evidence