PA CorePA Common Core: English Language Arts (2013)
Reading Informational Text: Students read, understand, and respond to informational text – with emphasis on comprehension, making connections among ideas and between texts with focus on textual evidence.
GRADE 7
Determine two or more central ideas in a text and analyze their development over the course of the text; provide an objective summary of the text. (1.2.7.A)Cite several pieces of textual evidence to support analysis of what the text says explicitly as well as inferences, conclusions, and/or generalizations drawn from the text. (1.2.7.B)Analyze the interactions between individuals,events, and ideas in a text. (1.2.7.C)Determine an author’s point of view or purpose in a text and analyze how the author distinguishes his or her position from that of others. (1.2.7.D)Determine the meaning of words and phrases as they are used in grade level reading and content, including interpretation of figurative, connotative, and technical meanings. (1.2.7.F)Compare and contrast a text to an audio, video, or multimedia version of the text, analyzing each medium’s portrayal of the subject (e.g. how the delivery of a speech affects the impact of the words). (1.2.7.G)Analyze how two or more authors present and interpret facts on the same topic. (1.2.7.I)Acquire and use accurately grade-appropriate general academic and domain-specific words and phrases; gather vocabulary knowledge when considering a word or phrase important to comprehension or expression. (1.2.7.J)Determine or clarify the meaning of unknown and multiple-meaning words and phrases based on grade level reading and content, choosing flexibly from a range of strategies and tools. (1.2.7.K)Read and comprehend literary non-fiction and informational text on grade level, reading independently and proficiently. (1.2.7.L)Reading Literature: Students read and respond to works of literature - with emphasis on comprehension, making connections among ideas and between texts with focus on textual evidence.
GRADE 7
Analyze how particular elements of a story or drama interact and how setting shapes the characters or plot. (1.3.7.A)Determine a theme or central idea of a text and analyze its development over the course of the text; provide an objective summary of the text. (1.3.7.B)Cite several pieces of textual evidence to support analysis of what the text says explicitly as well as inferences, conclusions, and/or generalizations drawn from the text. (1.3.7.C)Determine an author’s point of view or purpose in a text and analyze how the author distinguishes his or her position from that of others. (1.3.7.D)Analyze the development of the meaning through the overall structure of the text. (1.3.7.E)Determine the meaning of words and phrases as they are used in grade level reading and content, including interpretation of figurative, connotative meanings. (1.3.7.F)Compare and contrast a written story, drama, or poem to its audio, filmed, staged, or multimedia version, analyzing the effects of techniques unique to each medium (e.g. lighting, sound, color, or camera focus and angles in a film). (1.3.7.G)Compare and contrast a fictional portrayal of a time, place, or character and a historical account of the same period as a means of understanding how authors of fiction use or alter history. (1.3.7.H)Determine or clarify the meaning of unknown and multiple-meaning words and phrases based on grade 7 reading and content, choosing flexibly from a range of strategies and tools. (1.3.7.I)Acquire and use accurately grade-appropriate general academic and domain-specific words and phrases; gather vocabulary knowledge when considering a word or phrase important to comprehension or expression. (1.3.7.J)Read and comprehend literary fiction on grade level, reading independently and proficiently. (1.3.7.K)Writing: Students write for different purposes and audiences. Students write clear and focused text to convey a well-defined perspective and appropriate content.
GRADE 7
Write informative/ explanatory texts to examine a topic and convey ideas, concepts, and information clearly. (1.4.7.A)Identify and introduce the topic clearly, including a preview of what is to follow. (1.4.7.B)Develop and analyze the topic with relevant facts, definitions, concrete details, quotations, or other information and examples; include graphics and multimedia when useful to aiding comprehension. (1.4.7.C)Organize ideas, concepts, and information using strategies such as definition, classification, comparison/contrast, and cause/effect; use appropriate transitions to create cohesion and clarify the relationships among ideas and concepts;provide a concluding statement or section; include formatting when useful to aiding comprehension. (1.4.7.D)Demonstrate a grade appropriate command of the conventions of standard English grammar and spelling. (1.4.7.E)Write with an awareness of the stylistic aspects of composition.-Use precise language and domain-specific vocabulary to inform about or explain the topic.-Use sentences of varying lengths and complexities-Use precise language.-Develop and maintain a consistent voice.-Establish and maintain a formal style. (1.4.7.F)Write arguments to support claims. (1.4.7.G)Introduce and state an opinion on a topic. (1.4.7.H)Acknowledge alternate or opposing claims and support claim with logical reasoning and relevant evidence, using accurate, credible sources and demonstrating an understanding of the topic. (1.4.7.I)Organize the claim(s) with clear reasons and evidence clearly; clarify relationships among claim(s) and reasons byusing words, phrases, and clauses to create cohesion; provide a concluding statement or section that follows from and supports the argument presented. (1.4.7.J)Write with an awareness of the stylistic aspects of composition.-Use precise language and domain-specific vocabulary to inform about or explain the topic.-Use sentences of varying lengths and complexities.-Use precise language.-Develop and maintain a consistent voice.-Establish and maintain a formal style. (1.4.7.K)Demonstrate a grade appropriate command of the conventions of standard English grammar and spelling. (1.4.7.L)Write narratives to develop real or imagined experiences or events. (1.4.7.M)Engage and orient the reader by establishing a context and point of view and introducing a narrator and/or characters. (1.4.7.N)Use narrative techniques such as dialogue, description, and pacing, to develop experiences, events, and/or characters; use precise words and phrases, relevant descriptive details, and sensory language to capture the action and convey experiences and events. (1.4.7.O)Organize an event sequence that unfolds naturally and logically, using a variety of transition words, phrases, and clauses to convey sequence and signal shifts from one time frame or setting to another; provide a conclusion that follows from and reflects on the narrated experiences and events. (1.4.7.P)Write with an awareness of the stylistic aspects of writing.-Choose language that expresses ideas precisely and concisely, recognizing and eliminating wordiness and redundancy.-Use sentences of varying lengths and complexities-Use precise language.-Develop and maintain a consistent voice. (1.4.7.Q)Demonstrate a grade appropriate command of the conventions of standard English grammar and spelling. (1.4.7.R)Draw evidence from literary or informational texts to support analysis, reflection, and research, applying grade level reading standards for literature and literary non-fiction. (1.4.7.S)With some guidance and support from peers and adults, develop and strengthen writing as needed by planning, revising, editing, rewriting, or trying a new approach, focusing on how well purpose and audience have been addressed. (1.4.7.T)Use technology, including the Internet, to produce and publish writing and link to and cite sources as well as to interact and collaborate with others, including linking to and citing sources. (1.4.7.U)Conduct short research projects to answer a question, drawing on several sources and generating additional related, focused questions for further research and investigation. (1.4.7.V)Gather relevant information from multiple print and digital sources, using search terms effectively; assess the credibility and accuracy of each source; and quote or paraphrase the data and conclusions of others while avoiding plagiarism and following a standard format for citation. (1.4.7.W)Write routinely over extended time frames (time for research, reflection, and revision) and shorter time frames (a single sitting or a day or two) for a range of discipline-specific tasks, purposes and audiences. (1.4.7.X)Speaking and Listening: Students present appropriately in formal speaking situations, listen critically, and respond intelligently as individuals or in group discussions.
GRADE 7
Engage effectively in a range of collaborative discussions, on grade level topics, texts, and issues, building on others’ ideas and expressing their own clearly. (1.5.7.A)Analyze the main ideas and supporting details presented in diverse media formats (e.g. visually, quantitatively, orally) and explain how the ideas clarify a topic, text, or issue under study. (1.5.7.B)Delineate a speaker’s argument and specific claims, evaluating the soundness of the reasoning and the relevance and sufficiency of the evidence. (1.5.7.C)Present claims and findings, emphasizing salient points in a focused, coherent manner with pertinent descriptions, facts, details, and examples; use appropriate eye contact, adequate volume, and clear pronunciation. (1.5.7.D)Include multimedia components and visual displays in presentations to clarify claims and findings and emphasize salient points. (1.5.7.E)Adapt speech to a variety of contexts and tasks. (1.5.7.F)Demonstrate command of the conventions of standard English when speaking based on grade 7 level and content. (1.5.7.G)PSSA AnchorsEnglish Language Arts: Assessment Anchors and Eligible Content (2014/2017)
Grade 7
Literature Text
Key Ideas and Details
Demonstrate understanding of key ideas and details in literature.
Cite several pieces of textual evidence to support analysis of what the text says explicitly as well as inferences, conclusions, and/or generalizations drawn from the text. (E07.A-K.1.1.1)Determine a theme or central idea of a text and analyze its development over the course of the text; provide an objective summary of the text. (E07.A-K.1.1.2)Analyze how particular elements of a story, drama, or poem interact (e.g., how setting shapes the characters or plot). (E07.A-K.1.1.3)
Demonstrate understanding of craft and structure in literature. (E07.A-C.2.1)Analyze how an author develops and contrasts the points of view of different characters or narrators in a text. (E07.A-C.2.1.1)Analyze how a dramaÃÂs or poemÃÂs form or structure (e.g., soliloquy, sonnet) contributes to its meaning. (E07.A-C.2.1.2)Determine how the author uses the meaning of words or phrases, including figurative and connotative meanings, in a text; analyze the impact of rhymes and other repetitions of sounds (e.g., alliteration) on a specific verse or stanza of a poem or section of a story or drama. (E07.A-C.2.1.3)Integration of Knowledge and Ideas
Demonstrate understanding of connections within, between, and/or among texts. (E07.A-C.3.1)Compare and contrast a fictional portrayal of a time, place, or character and a historical account of the same period as a means of understanding how authors of fiction use or alter history. (E07.A-C.3.1.1)Vocabulary Acquisition and Use
Demonstrate understanding of vocabulary and figurative language in literature.
Determine or clarify the meaning of unknown and multiple-meaning words and phrases based on grade 7 reading and content, choosing flexibly from a range of strategies.a. Use context (e.g., the overall meaning of a sentence or paragraph; a wordÃÂs position or function in a sentence) as a clue to the meaning of a word or phrase.b. Use common, grade-appropriate Greek or Latin affixes and roots as clues to the meaning of a word (e.g., belligerent, bellicose, rebel). (E07.A-V.4.1.1)Demonstrate understanding of figurative language, word relationships, and nuances in word meanings.a. Interpret figures of speech (e.g., literary and mythological allusions) in context.b. Use the relationship between particular words (e.g., synonym/antonym, analogy) to better understand each of the words.c. Distinguish among the connotations (associations) of words with similar denotations (definitions) (e.g., refined, respectful, polite, diplomatic, condescending). (E07.A-V.4.1.2)Informational Text
Key Ideas and Details
Demonstrate understanding of key ideas and details in informational texts. (E07.B-K.1.1)Cite several pieces of textual evidence to support analysis of what the text says explicitly as well as inferences, conclusions, and/or generalizations drawn from the text. (E07.B-K.1.1.1)Determine two or more central ideas in a text and analyze their development over the course of the text; provide an objective summary of the text. (E07.B-K.1.1.2)Analyze the interactions between individuals, events, and ideas in a text (e.g., how ideas influence individuals or events; how individuals influence ideas or events). (E07.B-K.1.1.3)Craft and Structure
Demonstrate understanding of craft and structure in informational texts.
Determine an authorÃÂs point of view or purpose in a text and analyze how the author distinguishes his or her position from that of others. (E07.B-C.2.1.1)Analyze the structure an author uses to organize a text, including how major sections and text features contribute to the whole and to the development of the ideas. (E07.B-C.2.1.2)Determine how the author uses the meaning of words or phrases, including figurative, connotative, or technical meanings, in a text; analyze the impact of a specific word choice on meaning and tone. (E07.B-C.2.1.3)Integration of Knowledge and Ideas
Demonstrate understanding of connections within, between, and/or among informational texts.
Trace and evaluate the argument and specific claims in a text, assessing whether the reasoning is sound and the evidence is relevant and sufficient to support the claims. (E07.B-C.3.1.1)Analyze how two or more authors writing about the same topic shape their presentations of key information by emphasizing different evidence or advancing different interpretations of facts. (E07.B-C.3.1.2)Vocabulary Acquisition and Use
Demonstrate understanding of vocabulary and figurative language in informational texts.
Determine or clarify the meaning of unknown and multiple-meaning words and phrases based on grade 7 reading and content, choosing flexibly from a range of strategies.a. Use context (e.g., the overall meaning of a sentence or paragraph; a wordÃÂs position or function in a sentence) as a clue to the meaning of a word or phrase.b. Use common, grade-appropriate Greek or Latin affixes and roots as clues to the meaning of a word (e.g., belligerent, bellicose, rebel).c. Determine the meaning of technical words and phrases used in a text. (E07.B-V.4.1.1)Demonstrate understanding of figurative language, word relationships, and nuances in word meanings.a. Interpret figures of speech (e.g., literary and mythological allusions) in context.b. Use the relationship between particular words (e.g., synonym/antonym, analogy) to better understand each of the words.c. Distinguish among the connotations (associations) of words with similar denotations (definitions) (e.g., refined, respectful, polite, diplomatic, condescending). (E07.B-V.4.1.2)Writing
Text Types and Purposes
Write arguments to support claims with clear reasons and relevant evidence.
Introduce claim(s) for the intended audience, acknowledge alternate or opposing claims, and support the writer's purpose by logically organizing the reasons and evidence. (E07.C.1.1.1)Support claim(s) with logical reasoning and relevant evidence, using accurate, credible sources and demonstrating an understanding of the topic or text. (E07.C.1.1.2)Use words, phrases, and clauses to create cohesion and clarify the relationships among claim(s), reasons, and evidence. (E07.C.1.1.3)Establish and maintain a formal style. (E07.C.1.1.4)Provide a concluding section that reinforces the claims and reasons presented. (E07.C.1.1.5)Write informative/explanatory texts to examine a topic and convey ideas, concepts, and information through the selection, organization, and analysis of relevant content.
Introduce a topic for the intended audience and preview what is to follow; organize ideas, concepts, and information using strategies such as definition, classification, comparison/contrast, and cause/effect to support the writer's purpose. (E07.C.1.2.1)Develop the topic with relevant facts, definitions, concrete details, quotations, or other information and examples. (E07.C.1.2.2)Use appropriate transitions to create cohesion and clarify the relationships among ideas and concepts. (E07.C.1.2.3)Use precise language and domain-specific vocabulary to inform about or explain the topic. (E07.C.1.2.4)Establish and maintain a formal style. (E07.C.1.2.5)Provide a concluding section that follows from and supports the information or explanation presented. (E07.C.1.2.6)Write narratives to develop real or imagined experiences or events using effective techniques, relevant descriptive details, and well-structured event sequences.
Engage and orient the reader by establishing a context and point of view and introducing a narrator and/or characters; organize an event sequence that unfolds naturally and logically to support the writer's purpose; maintain a controlling point. (E07.C.1.3.1)Use narrative techniques, such as dialogue, pacing, and description, to develop experiences, events, and/or characters. (E07.C.1.3.2)Use a variety of transitional words, phrases, and clauses to convey sequence and to signal shifts from one time frame or setting to another. (E07.C.1.3.3)Use precise words and phrases, relevant descriptive details, and sensory language to capture the action and convey experiences and events. (E07.C.1.3.4)Provide a conclusion that follows from and reflects on the narrated experiences or events. (E07.C.1.3.5)Language
Conventions of Standard English
Demonstrate command of the conventions of standard English grammar and usage.
Explain the function of phrases and clauses in general and their function in specific sentences. (E07.D.1.1.1)Choose among simple, compound, complex, and compound-complex sentences to signal differing relationships among ideas. (E07.D.1.1.2)Place phrases and clauses within a sentence, recognizing and correcting misplaced and dangling modifiers. (E07.D.1.1.3)Recognize and correct inappropriate shifts in pronoun number and person. (E07.D.1.1.4)Recognize and correct vague pronouns (i.e., ones with unclear or ambiguous antecedents). (E07.D.1.1.5)Recognize and correct inappropriate shifts in verb tense. (E07.D.1.1.6)Produce complete sentences, recognizing and correcting inappropriate fragments and run-on sentences. (E07.D.1.1.7)Correctly use frequently confused words (e.g., to, too, two; there, their, theyÃÂre). (E07.D.1.1.8)Ensure subject-verb and pronoun-antecedent agreement. (E07.D.1.1.9)Demonstrate command of the conventions of standard English capitalization, punctuation, and spelling.
Use a comma to separate coordinate adjectives (e.g., It was a fascinating, enjoyable movie but not He wore an old[,] green shirt). (E07.D.1.2.1)Spell correctly. (E07.D.1.2.2)Use punctuation (commas, parentheses, dashes) to set off nonrestrictive/parenthetical elements. (E07.D.1.2.3)Use punctuation to separate items in a series. (E07.D.1.2.4)Knowledge of Language
Use knowledge of language and its conventions.
Choose language that expresses ideas precisely and concisely, recognizing and eliminating wordiness and redundancy. (E07.D.2.1.1)Vary sentence patterns for meaning, reader/listener interest, and style. (E07.D.2.1.2)Maintain consistency in style and tone. (E07.D.2.1.3)Choose punctuation for effect. (E07.D.2.1.4)Choose words and phrases for effect. (E07.D.2.1.5)Text-Dependent Analysis
Evidence-Based Analysis of Text
Draw evidence from literary or informational texts to support analysis, reflection, and research.
Introduce text(s) for the intended audience, state a topic, and create an organizational structure in which ideas are logically grouped to support the writer's purpose. (E07.E.1.1.1)Develop the analysis using relevant evidence from text(s) to support claims, opinions, and inferences and demonstrating an understanding of the text(s). (E07.E.1.1.2)Use appropriate transitions to create cohesion and clarify the relationships among ideas and concepts. (E07.E.1.1.3)Use precise language and domain-specific vocabulary to inform about or explain the topic. (E07.E.1.1.4)Establish and maintain a formal style. (E07.E.1.1.5)Provide a concluding section that follows from and supports the analysis presented. (E07.E.1.1.6)
