College-
and Career-Ready Standards for English Language Arts Grade 12
Reading-Literary Text Standards (RL)
Principles of Reading
1. Demonstrate understanding of the organization and basic features of print
2. Demonstrate understanding of spoken words, syllables, and sounds
3. Know and apply grade-level phonics and word analysis in decoding words
4. Read with sufficient accuracy and fluency to support comprehension
1. Read grade-level text with purpose and understanding
2. Read grade-level prose and poetry orally with accuracy, appropriate rate, expression, intonation, and phrasing
3. Use context to confirm or self-correct word recognition and understanding, rereading as necessary
Meaning and Context
5. Determine meaning and develop logical interpretations by making predictions, inferring, drawing conclusions, analyzing, synthesizing, providing evidence, and investigating multiple interpretations
1. Cite strong and thorough textual evidence to support analysis of what the text says explicitly as well as inferences drawn from the text including determining where the text leaves matters uncertain; investigate multiple supported academic interpretations.
6. Summarize key details and ideas to support analysis of thematic development
1. Analyze the development of related themes across a variety of texts citing evidence to support analysis; provide an objective summary
7. Analyze the relationship among ideas, themes, or topics in multiple media, formats, and in visual, auditory, and kinesthetic modalities
1. Analyze the development of theme across diverse media, modality, and format
2. Analyze how literary texts and related media allude to themes and archetypes from historical and cultural traditions
8. Analyze characters, settings, events, and ideas as they develop and interact within a particular context
1. Analyze a complex set of ideas or sequence of events and explain how specific character, ideas, or events develop and interact within a particular context
Language, Craft, and Structure
9. Interpret and analyze the author’s use of words, phrases, and conventions, and how their relationships shape meaning and tone in print and multimedia texts
1. Evaluate the impact of the author’s use of diction, conventions, figurative language, and / or language that is particularly fresh, engaging, or beautiful on meaning and tone
10. Apply a range of strategies to determine and deepen the meaning of known, unknown, and multiple-meaning words, phrases, and jargon; acquire and use general academic and domain-specific vocabulary
11. Analyze and provide evidence of how the author’s choice of point of view, perspective, and purpose shape content, meaning, and style
1. Analyze how point of view and author’s perspective and purpose shape content, meaning, and style; supports rhetorical and aesthetic purposes; and conveys cultural experiences
12. Analyze and critique how the author uses structures in print and multimedia texts to shape meaning and impact the reader
1. Evaluate various texts to formulate a theory regarding the author’s use of structure, plot, and manipulation of time citing support from the texts
2. Critique how an author’s choices concerning how to structure texts, order events within the text, and manipulate time create different effects
Range and Complexity
13. Read independently and comprehend a variety of texts for the purposes of reading for enjoyment, acquiring new learning, and building stamina; reflect on and respond to increasingly complex text over time
1. Engage in whole and small group reading with purpose and understanding
2. Read independently for sustained periods of time to build stamina
3. Read and respond to grade level text as self-directed, critical readers and thinkers
Reading-Informational Text Standards (RI)
Principals of Reading
1. Demonstrate understanding of the organization and basic features of print
2. Demonstrate understanding of spoken words, syllables, and sounds
3. Know and apply grade-level phonics and word analysis in decoding words
4. Read with sufficient accuracy and fluency to support comprehension
1. Read grade-level text with purpose and understanding
2. Read grade-level prose and poetry orally with accuracy, appropriate rate, expression, intonation, and phrasing
3. Use context to confirm or self-correct word recognition and understanding, rereading as necessary
Meaning and Context
5. Determine meaning and develop logical interpretations by making predictions, inferring, drawing conclusions, analyzing, synthesizing, providing evidence, and investigating multiple interpretations
1. Cite significant textual evidence to support synthesis of explicit and inferred meaning and /or in areas the text leaves indeterminate; investigate multiple supported interpretations
6. Summarize key details and ideas to support analysis of central ideas
1. Determine two or more central ideas of a text and analyze their development over the course of a text including how they interact and build on one another to provide a complex analysis of the topic; provide an objective summary of the text
7. Research events, topic, ideas, or concepts through multiple media, formats, and in visual, auditory, and kinesthetic modalities
1. Evaluate how the use of different mediums, modalities, or formats impact the reader’s understanding of events, topics, concepts, and ideas in argument or informative texts
Language, Craft, and Structure
8. Interpret and analyze the author’s use of words, phrases, text features, conventions, and structure, and how their relationships shape meaning and tone in print and multimedia texts
1. Determine the figurative, connotative, and technical meaning of words and phrases; compare and contrast how authors use and refine words or phrases
2. Analyze and evaluate the effectiveness of the text features and structure an author uses to shape meaning and tone
9. Apply a range of strategies to determine the meaning of known, unknown, and multiple meaning words, phrases, and jargon; acquire and use general academic and domain-specific vocabulary
10. Analyze and provide evidence of how the author’s choice of purpose and perspective shapes content, meaning, and style
1. Determine an author’s point of view or purpose in a text in which the rhetoric is particularly effective, analyzing how style and content contribute to the power, persuasiveness, or beauty of the text
11. Analyze and critique how the author uses structures in print and multimedia texts to craft informational and argument writing
1. Compare and contrast the effectiveness of authors’ uses of text features and structures to support similar claims
2. Analyze and critique the reasoning in historical, scientific, technical, cultural, and influential argument writing
Range and Complexity
12. Read independently and comprehend a variety of texts for the purposes of reading for enjoyment, acquiring new learning, and building stamina; reflect on and respond to increasingly complex text over time
1. Engage in whole and small group reading with purpose and understanding through teacher modeling and gradual release of responsibility
2. Read independently for a sustained period of time
3. Read and respond to grade level text to become self-directed, critical readers and thinkers
Writing Standards (W)
Meaning, Context, and Craft
1. Write arguments to support claims with clear reasons and relevant evidence
1. Write arguments that:
a. introduce a clearly articulated and well-informed claim, establish the significance of the claim and differentiate between the claim and counterclaims
b. use relevant information from multiple print and multimedia sources
c. assess the credibility and accuracy of each source
d. create an organizational structure that logically sequences claims, counterclaims, reasons, warrants, and evidence
e. develop claim and counterclaims fairly and thoroughly, supplying the most relevant evidence for each while pointing out the strengths and limitations of both in a manner that anticipates the audience’s knowledge level, concerns, values, and possible biases
f. use words, phrases, and clauses as well as varied syntax to link the major sections of the text, create cohesion, and clarify the relationships between claims and reasons, between reasons and evidence, and between claims and counterclaims
g. establish and maintain a formal style and objective tone while attending to the norms and conventions of the discipline
h. quote or paraphrase the data and conclusions of others while avoiding plagiarism and following a standard format for citation
i. avoid logical fallacies and demonstrate an understanding of objectivity and subjectivity
j. provide a concluding statement or section that follows from and supports the argument presented
k. include a call to action
2. Write informative / explanatory texts to examine and convey complex ideas and information clearly and accurately through the effective selection, organization and analysis of content
1. Write informative / explanatory texts that:
a. introduce a topic
b. use relevant information from multiple print and multimedia sources
c. organize complex ideas, concepts, and information so that each new element build on that which precedes it to create a unified whole
d. assess the credibility and accuracy of each source
e. include formatting, graphics, and multimedia to aid as needed
f. develop the topic thoroughly by selecting significant and relevant facts, extended definitions, concrete details, quotations, or other information and examples appropriate to the audience’s knowledge of the topic
g. quote or paraphrase the data and conclusions of others while avoiding plagiarism and following a standard format for citation
h. use appropriate and varied transitions and syntax to link the major sections of the text, create cohesion and clarify the relationships among complex ideas and concepts
i. use precise language, domain-specific vocabulary, and techniques such as metaphor, simile, and analogy to manage the complexity of the topic
j. establish and maintain a consistent style and objective tone while attending to the norms and conventions of the discipline
k. provide a concluding statement or section that follows from and supports the information or explanation presented
3. Write narratives to develop real or imagined experiences or events using effective techniques, well-chosen details, and well-structured event sequence
1. Gather ideas from texts, multimedia, and personal experience to write narratives that:
a. develop real or imagined experiences or events using effective techniques, well-chosen details, and well-structured event sequences
b. engage and orient the reader by setting out a problem, situation, or observation and its significance, establishing one or multiple points of view, and introducing a narrator and / or characters
c. create a smooth progression of experiences or events
d. use the narrative techniques of dialogue, pacing, description, reflection, and multiple plot lines, to develop experiences, events, and / or characters
e. use a variety of techniques to sequence events so that they build on one another to create a coherent whole and build toward a particular tone and outcome
f. use precise words and phrases, telling details, and sensory language to convey a vivid picture of the experiences, events, setting, and /or characters
g. provide a conclusion that follows from and reflects on what is experienced, observed, or resolved over the course of the narrative
Language
4. Demonstrate command of the conventions of Standard English grammar and usage when writing or speaking
1. When writing:
a. apply the understanding that usage is a matter of convention, can change over time, and is sometimes contested
b. resolve issues of complex or contested usage, consulting references as needed
5. Demonstrate command of the conventions of Standard English capitalization, punctuation, and spelling when writing
1. Demonstrate command of the conventions of Standard English capitalization, punctuation, and spelling
6. Write independently, legibly, and routinely for a variety of tasks, purposes, and audiences over short and extended time frames
1. Write routinely and persevere in writing tasks over short and extended time frames, for a range of domain-specific tasks, and for a variety of purposes and audiences
2. Demonstrate effective keyboarding skills
Communication Standards (C)
Meaning and Context
1. Interact with others to explore ideas and concepts, communicate meaning, and develop logical interpretations through collaborative conversations; build upon the ideas of others to clearly express one’s own views while respecting diverse perspectives
1. Gather information from print and multimedia sources to prepare for discussions; draw of evidence that supports the topic, text, or issue being discussed; develop logical interpretations of new findings; and restate new interpretations
2. Initiate and participate effectively in a range of collaborative discussions with diverse partners; build on the ideas of others and express own ideas clearly and persuasively
3. Develop, apply, and adjust reciprocal communication skills and techniques with other students and adults
4. Engage in dialogue with peers and adults to explore meaning and interaction of ideas, concepts, and elements of text, reflecting, constructing, and articulating new understandings
5. Synthesize areas of agreement and disagreement including justification for personal perspective; revise conclusions based on new evidence
6. Utilize various modes of communication to present a clear, unique interpretation of diverse perspectives using facts and details
2. Articulate ideas, claims, and perspectives in a logical sequence using information, findings, and credible evidence from sources
1. Present information and findings from multiple authoritative sources; assess the strengths and limitations of each source, citing supporting evidence clearly, concisely, and logically such that listeners can follow the line of reasoning, and the organization, development, substance, and style are appropriate to purpose, audience, and task
2. Distinguish between credible and non-credible sources of information
3. Quote or paraphrase the data and conclusions of others while avoiding plagiarism and following a standard format for citation
4. Adapt speech to a variety of context and tasks, using Standard English when indicated or appropriate
3. Communicate information through strategic use of multiple modalities and multimedia to enrich understanding when presenting ideas and information
1. Analyze how context influences choice of communication, and employ the appropriate mode for presenting ideas in a given situation
2. Construct engaging visual and / or multimedia presentations using a variety of media forms to enhance understanding of findings, reasoning, and evidence for diverse audiences
Language, Craft, and Structure
4. Critique how a speaker addresses content and uses craft techniques that stylistically and structurally inform, engage, and impact audience and convey messages
1. Evaluate a speaker’s point of view, reasoning, and use of evidence and rhetoric, addressing the stance, premise, links among ideas, word choice, points of emphasis, and tone used
2. Evaluate the speaker’s delivery of messages that present an apparent and logical perspective on the subject and support the central idea with well-chosen and well-organized facts and details
3. Evaluate the effectiveness of the speaker’s use of repetition, rhetorical questions, and delivery style to convey the message and impact the audience
5. Incorporate craft techniques to engage and impact audience and convey messages
1. Give extemporaneous and planned presentations that are engaging and well-crafted
2. Deliver messages that present an apparent and logical perspective on the subject and support the central idea with well-chosen and well-organized facts and details
3. Develop messages that use logical, emotional, and ethical applea
Reading-Literary Text Standards (RL)
Principles of Reading
1. Demonstrate understanding of the organization and basic features of print
2. Demonstrate understanding of spoken words, syllables, and sounds
3. Know and apply grade-level phonics and word analysis in decoding words
4. Read with sufficient accuracy and fluency to support comprehension
1. Read grade-level text with purpose and understanding
2. Read grade-level prose and poetry orally with accuracy, appropriate rate, expression, intonation, and phrasing
3. Use context to confirm or self-correct word recognition and understanding, rereading as necessary
Meaning and Context
5. Determine meaning and develop logical interpretations by making predictions, inferring, drawing conclusions, analyzing, synthesizing, providing evidence, and investigating multiple interpretations
1. Cite strong and thorough textual evidence to support analysis of what the text says explicitly as well as inferences drawn from the text including determining where the text leaves matters uncertain; investigate multiple supported academic interpretations.
6. Summarize key details and ideas to support analysis of thematic development
1. Analyze the development of related themes across a variety of texts citing evidence to support analysis; provide an objective summary
7. Analyze the relationship among ideas, themes, or topics in multiple media, formats, and in visual, auditory, and kinesthetic modalities
1. Analyze the development of theme across diverse media, modality, and format
2. Analyze how literary texts and related media allude to themes and archetypes from historical and cultural traditions
8. Analyze characters, settings, events, and ideas as they develop and interact within a particular context
1. Analyze a complex set of ideas or sequence of events and explain how specific character, ideas, or events develop and interact within a particular context
Language, Craft, and Structure
9. Interpret and analyze the author’s use of words, phrases, and conventions, and how their relationships shape meaning and tone in print and multimedia texts
1. Evaluate the impact of the author’s use of diction, conventions, figurative language, and / or language that is particularly fresh, engaging, or beautiful on meaning and tone
10. Apply a range of strategies to determine and deepen the meaning of known, unknown, and multiple-meaning words, phrases, and jargon; acquire and use general academic and domain-specific vocabulary
11. Analyze and provide evidence of how the author’s choice of point of view, perspective, and purpose shape content, meaning, and style
1. Analyze how point of view and author’s perspective and purpose shape content, meaning, and style; supports rhetorical and aesthetic purposes; and conveys cultural experiences
12. Analyze and critique how the author uses structures in print and multimedia texts to shape meaning and impact the reader
1. Evaluate various texts to formulate a theory regarding the author’s use of structure, plot, and manipulation of time citing support from the texts
2. Critique how an author’s choices concerning how to structure texts, order events within the text, and manipulate time create different effects
Range and Complexity
13. Read independently and comprehend a variety of texts for the purposes of reading for enjoyment, acquiring new learning, and building stamina; reflect on and respond to increasingly complex text over time
1. Engage in whole and small group reading with purpose and understanding
2. Read independently for sustained periods of time to build stamina
3. Read and respond to grade level text as self-directed, critical readers and thinkers
Reading-Informational Text Standards (RI)
Principals of Reading
1. Demonstrate understanding of the organization and basic features of print
2. Demonstrate understanding of spoken words, syllables, and sounds
3. Know and apply grade-level phonics and word analysis in decoding words
4. Read with sufficient accuracy and fluency to support comprehension
1. Read grade-level text with purpose and understanding
2. Read grade-level prose and poetry orally with accuracy, appropriate rate, expression, intonation, and phrasing
3. Use context to confirm or self-correct word recognition and understanding, rereading as necessary
Meaning and Context
5. Determine meaning and develop logical interpretations by making predictions, inferring, drawing conclusions, analyzing, synthesizing, providing evidence, and investigating multiple interpretations
1. Cite significant textual evidence to support synthesis of explicit and inferred meaning and /or in areas the text leaves indeterminate; investigate multiple supported interpretations
6. Summarize key details and ideas to support analysis of central ideas
1. Determine two or more central ideas of a text and analyze their development over the course of a text including how they interact and build on one another to provide a complex analysis of the topic; provide an objective summary of the text
7. Research events, topic, ideas, or concepts through multiple media, formats, and in visual, auditory, and kinesthetic modalities
1. Evaluate how the use of different mediums, modalities, or formats impact the reader’s understanding of events, topics, concepts, and ideas in argument or informative texts
Language, Craft, and Structure
8. Interpret and analyze the author’s use of words, phrases, text features, conventions, and structure, and how their relationships shape meaning and tone in print and multimedia texts
1. Determine the figurative, connotative, and technical meaning of words and phrases; compare and contrast how authors use and refine words or phrases
2. Analyze and evaluate the effectiveness of the text features and structure an author uses to shape meaning and tone
9. Apply a range of strategies to determine the meaning of known, unknown, and multiple meaning words, phrases, and jargon; acquire and use general academic and domain-specific vocabulary
10. Analyze and provide evidence of how the author’s choice of purpose and perspective shapes content, meaning, and style
1. Determine an author’s point of view or purpose in a text in which the rhetoric is particularly effective, analyzing how style and content contribute to the power, persuasiveness, or beauty of the text
11. Analyze and critique how the author uses structures in print and multimedia texts to craft informational and argument writing
1. Compare and contrast the effectiveness of authors’ uses of text features and structures to support similar claims
2. Analyze and critique the reasoning in historical, scientific, technical, cultural, and influential argument writing
Range and Complexity
12. Read independently and comprehend a variety of texts for the purposes of reading for enjoyment, acquiring new learning, and building stamina; reflect on and respond to increasingly complex text over time
1. Engage in whole and small group reading with purpose and understanding through teacher modeling and gradual release of responsibility
2. Read independently for a sustained period of time
3. Read and respond to grade level text to become self-directed, critical readers and thinkers
Writing Standards (W)
Meaning, Context, and Craft
1. Write arguments to support claims with clear reasons and relevant evidence
1. Write arguments that:
a. introduce a clearly articulated and well-informed claim, establish the significance of the claim and differentiate between the claim and counterclaims
b. use relevant information from multiple print and multimedia sources
c. assess the credibility and accuracy of each source
d. create an organizational structure that logically sequences claims, counterclaims, reasons, warrants, and evidence
e. develop claim and counterclaims fairly and thoroughly, supplying the most relevant evidence for each while pointing out the strengths and limitations of both in a manner that anticipates the audience’s knowledge level, concerns, values, and possible biases
f. use words, phrases, and clauses as well as varied syntax to link the major sections of the text, create cohesion, and clarify the relationships between claims and reasons, between reasons and evidence, and between claims and counterclaims
g. establish and maintain a formal style and objective tone while attending to the norms and conventions of the discipline
h. quote or paraphrase the data and conclusions of others while avoiding plagiarism and following a standard format for citation
i. avoid logical fallacies and demonstrate an understanding of objectivity and subjectivity
j. provide a concluding statement or section that follows from and supports the argument presented
k. include a call to action
2. Write informative / explanatory texts to examine and convey complex ideas and information clearly and accurately through the effective selection, organization and analysis of content
1. Write informative / explanatory texts that:
a. introduce a topic
b. use relevant information from multiple print and multimedia sources
c. organize complex ideas, concepts, and information so that each new element build on that which precedes it to create a unified whole
d. assess the credibility and accuracy of each source
e. include formatting, graphics, and multimedia to aid as needed
f. develop the topic thoroughly by selecting significant and relevant facts, extended definitions, concrete details, quotations, or other information and examples appropriate to the audience’s knowledge of the topic
g. quote or paraphrase the data and conclusions of others while avoiding plagiarism and following a standard format for citation
h. use appropriate and varied transitions and syntax to link the major sections of the text, create cohesion and clarify the relationships among complex ideas and concepts
i. use precise language, domain-specific vocabulary, and techniques such as metaphor, simile, and analogy to manage the complexity of the topic
j. establish and maintain a consistent style and objective tone while attending to the norms and conventions of the discipline
k. provide a concluding statement or section that follows from and supports the information or explanation presented
3. Write narratives to develop real or imagined experiences or events using effective techniques, well-chosen details, and well-structured event sequence
1. Gather ideas from texts, multimedia, and personal experience to write narratives that:
a. develop real or imagined experiences or events using effective techniques, well-chosen details, and well-structured event sequences
b. engage and orient the reader by setting out a problem, situation, or observation and its significance, establishing one or multiple points of view, and introducing a narrator and / or characters
c. create a smooth progression of experiences or events
d. use the narrative techniques of dialogue, pacing, description, reflection, and multiple plot lines, to develop experiences, events, and / or characters
e. use a variety of techniques to sequence events so that they build on one another to create a coherent whole and build toward a particular tone and outcome
f. use precise words and phrases, telling details, and sensory language to convey a vivid picture of the experiences, events, setting, and /or characters
g. provide a conclusion that follows from and reflects on what is experienced, observed, or resolved over the course of the narrative
Language
4. Demonstrate command of the conventions of Standard English grammar and usage when writing or speaking
1. When writing:
a. apply the understanding that usage is a matter of convention, can change over time, and is sometimes contested
b. resolve issues of complex or contested usage, consulting references as needed
5. Demonstrate command of the conventions of Standard English capitalization, punctuation, and spelling when writing
1. Demonstrate command of the conventions of Standard English capitalization, punctuation, and spelling
6. Write independently, legibly, and routinely for a variety of tasks, purposes, and audiences over short and extended time frames
1. Write routinely and persevere in writing tasks over short and extended time frames, for a range of domain-specific tasks, and for a variety of purposes and audiences
2. Demonstrate effective keyboarding skills
Communication Standards (C)
Meaning and Context
1. Interact with others to explore ideas and concepts, communicate meaning, and develop logical interpretations through collaborative conversations; build upon the ideas of others to clearly express one’s own views while respecting diverse perspectives
1. Gather information from print and multimedia sources to prepare for discussions; draw of evidence that supports the topic, text, or issue being discussed; develop logical interpretations of new findings; and restate new interpretations
2. Initiate and participate effectively in a range of collaborative discussions with diverse partners; build on the ideas of others and express own ideas clearly and persuasively
3. Develop, apply, and adjust reciprocal communication skills and techniques with other students and adults
4. Engage in dialogue with peers and adults to explore meaning and interaction of ideas, concepts, and elements of text, reflecting, constructing, and articulating new understandings
5. Synthesize areas of agreement and disagreement including justification for personal perspective; revise conclusions based on new evidence
6. Utilize various modes of communication to present a clear, unique interpretation of diverse perspectives using facts and details
2. Articulate ideas, claims, and perspectives in a logical sequence using information, findings, and credible evidence from sources
1. Present information and findings from multiple authoritative sources; assess the strengths and limitations of each source, citing supporting evidence clearly, concisely, and logically such that listeners can follow the line of reasoning, and the organization, development, substance, and style are appropriate to purpose, audience, and task
2. Distinguish between credible and non-credible sources of information
3. Quote or paraphrase the data and conclusions of others while avoiding plagiarism and following a standard format for citation
4. Adapt speech to a variety of context and tasks, using Standard English when indicated or appropriate
3. Communicate information through strategic use of multiple modalities and multimedia to enrich understanding when presenting ideas and information
1. Analyze how context influences choice of communication, and employ the appropriate mode for presenting ideas in a given situation
2. Construct engaging visual and / or multimedia presentations using a variety of media forms to enhance understanding of findings, reasoning, and evidence for diverse audiences
Language, Craft, and Structure
4. Critique how a speaker addresses content and uses craft techniques that stylistically and structurally inform, engage, and impact audience and convey messages
1. Evaluate a speaker’s point of view, reasoning, and use of evidence and rhetoric, addressing the stance, premise, links among ideas, word choice, points of emphasis, and tone used
2. Evaluate the speaker’s delivery of messages that present an apparent and logical perspective on the subject and support the central idea with well-chosen and well-organized facts and details
3. Evaluate the effectiveness of the speaker’s use of repetition, rhetorical questions, and delivery style to convey the message and impact the audience
5. Incorporate craft techniques to engage and impact audience and convey messages
1. Give extemporaneous and planned presentations that are engaging and well-crafted
2. Deliver messages that present an apparent and logical perspective on the subject and support the central idea with well-chosen and well-organized facts and details
3. Develop messages that use logical, emotional, and ethical applea