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CA ELA Standards (Grade 7)

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📌 Language Standards (L) 19 standards
L.7.1 Demonstrate command of grammar and usage 3 sub-parts
Demonstrate command of the conventions of standard English grammar and usage when writing or speaking.
L.7.1a
Explain function of phrases and clauses
Explain the function of phrases and clauses in general and their function in specific sentences.
L.7.1b
Choose among sentence types to signal relationships
Choose among simple, compound, complex, and compound-complex sentences to signal differing relationships among ideas.
L.7.1c
Place phrases/clauses, correct misplaced modifiers
Place phrases and clauses within a sentence, recognizing and correcting misplaced and dangling modifiers.*
L.7.2 Demonstrate command of capitalization/punctuation/spelling 2 sub-parts
Demonstrate command of the conventions of standard English capitalization, punctuation, and spelling when writing.
L.7.2a
Use comma to separate coordinate adjectives
Use a comma to separate coordinate adjectives (e.g., It was a fascinating, enjoyable movie but not He wore an old[,] green shirt).
L.7.2b
Spell correctly
Spell correctly.
L.7.3 Use knowledge of language and conventions 1 sub-part
Use knowledge of language and its conventions when writing, speaking, reading, or listening.
L.7.3a
Choose language precisely, eliminate wordiness
Choose language that expresses ideas precisely and concisely, recognizing and eliminating wordiness and redundancy.*
L.7.4 Determine meaning of unknown/multiple-meaning words 4 sub-parts
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.
L.7.4a
Use context as a clue to meaning
Use context (e.g., the overall meaning of a sentence or paragraph; a word's position or function in a sentence) as a clue to the meaning of a word or phrase.
L.7.4b
Use Greek/Latin affixes and roots as clues
Use common, grade-appropriate Greek or Latin affixes and roots as clues to the meaning of a word (e.g., belligerent, bellicose, rebel).
L.7.4c
Consult reference materials, trace etymology
Consult general and specialized reference materials (e.g., dictionaries, glossaries, thesauruses), both print and digital, to find the pronunciation of a word or determine or clarify its precise meaning or its part of speech or trace the etymology of words. CA
L.7.4d
Verify preliminary determination of word meaning
Verify the preliminary determination of the meaning of a word or phrase (e.g., by checking the inferred meaning in context or in a dictionary).
L.7.5 Demonstrate understanding of figurative language 3 sub-parts
Demonstrate understanding of figurative language, word relationships, and nuances in word meanings.
L.7.5a
Interpret figures of speech in context
Interpret figures of speech (e.g., literary, biblical, and mythological allusions) in context.
L.7.5b
Use word relationships to understand words
Use the relationship between particular words (e.g., synonym/antonym, analogy) to better understand each of the words.
L.7.5c
Distinguish connotations of similar words
Distinguish among the connotations (associations) of words with similar denotations (definitions) (e.g., refined, respectful, polite, diplomatic, condescending).
L.7.6
Acquire and use grade-appropriate vocabulary
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.
📌 Reading Standards for Informational Text (RI) 11 standards
RI.7.1
Cite several pieces of textual evidence
Cite several pieces of textual evidence to support analysis of what the text says explicitly as well as inferences drawn from the text.
RI.7.2
Determine two or more central ideas
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.
RI.7.3
Analyze interactions between individuals/events/ideas
Analyze the interactions between individuals, events, and ideas in a text (e.g., how ideas influence individuals or events, or how individuals influence ideas or events).
RI.7.4
Determine meaning, analyze impact of word choice
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. (See grade 7 Language standards 4-6 for additional expectations.) CA
RI.7.5 Analyze structure author uses to organize text 1 sub-part
Analyze the structure an author uses to organize a text, including how the major sections contribute to the whole and to the development of the ideas.
RI.7.5a
Analyze use of text features in public documents
Analyze the use of text features (e.g., graphics, headers, captions) in public documents. CA
RI.7.6
Determine author's point of view/purpose
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.
RI.7.7
Compare text to audio/video/multimedia version
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).
RI.7.8
Trace/evaluate argument, assess reasoning/evidence
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.
RI.7.9
Analyze how authors shape presentations
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.
RI.7.10
Read and comprehend literary nonfiction
By the end of the year, read and comprehend literary nonfiction in the grades 6-8 text complexity band proficiently, with scaffolding as needed at the high end of the range.
📌 Reading Standards for Literature (RL) 9 standards
RL.7.1
Cite several pieces of textual evidence
Cite several pieces of textual evidence to support analysis of what the text says explicitly as well as inferences drawn from the text.
RL.7.2
Determine theme, analyze development, summarize
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.
RL.7.3
Analyze how story elements interact
Analyze how particular elements of a story or drama interact (e.g., how setting shapes the characters or plot).
RL.7.4
Determine meaning, analyze impact of sound repetition
Determine the meaning of words and phrases as they are used in a text, including figurative and connotative meanings; 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. (See grade 7 Language standards 4-6 for additional expectations.) CA
RL.7.5
Analyze how form/structure contributes to meaning
Analyze how a drama's or poem's form or structure (e.g., soliloquy, sonnet) contributes to its meaning.
RL.7.6
Analyze how author contrasts points of view
Analyze how an author develops and contrasts the points of view of different characters or narrators in a text.
RL.7.7
Compare written text to audio/filmed version
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).
RL.7.9
Compare fictional portrayal to historical account
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.
RL.7.10
Read and comprehend literature proficiently
By the end of the year, read and comprehend literature, including stories, dramas, and poems, in the grades 6-8 text complexity band proficiently, with scaffolding as needed at the high end of the range.
📌 Speaking and Listening Standards (SL) 11 standards
SL.7.1 Engage effectively in collaborative discussions 4 sub-parts
Engage effectively in a range of collaborative discussions (one-on-one, in groups, and teacher-led) with diverse partners on grade 7 topics, texts, and issues, building on others' ideas and expressing their own clearly.
SL.7.1a
Come to discussions prepared
Come to discussions prepared, having read or researched material under study; explicitly draw on that preparation by referring to evidence on the topic, text, or issue to probe and reflect on ideas under discussion.
SL.7.1b
Follow discussion rules, track progress on goals
Follow rules for collegial discussions, track progress toward specific goals and deadlines, and define individual roles as needed.
SL.7.1c
Pose questions, respond with relevant observations
Pose questions that elicit elaboration and respond to others' questions and comments with relevant observations and ideas that bring the discussion back on topic as needed.
SL.7.1d
Acknowledge new information, modify views
Acknowledge new information expressed by others and, when warranted, modify their own views.
SL.7.2
Analyze main ideas/details from diverse media
Analyze the main ideas and supporting details presented in diverse media and formats (e.g., visually, quantitatively, orally) and explain how the ideas clarify a topic, text, or issue under study.
SL.7.3
Delineate speaker's argument, evaluate reasoning
Delineate a speaker's argument and specific claims, and attitude toward the subject, evaluating the soundness of the reasoning and the relevance and sufficiency of the evidence. CA
SL.7.4 Present claims/findings emphasizing salient points 1 sub-part
Present claims and findings (e.g., argument, narrative, summary presentations), emphasizing salient points in a focused, coherent manner with pertinent descriptions, facts, details, and examples; use appropriate eye contact, adequate volume, and clear pronunciation. CA
SL.7.4a
Plan and present an argument
Plan and present an argument that: supports a claim, acknowledges counterarguments, organizes evidence logically, uses words and phrases to create cohesion, and provides a concluding statement that supports the argument presented. CA
SL.7.5
Include multimedia to clarify claims/findings
Include multimedia components and visual displays in presentations to clarify claims and findings and emphasize salient points.
SL.7.6
Adapt speech, demonstrate formal English
Adapt speech to a variety of contexts and tasks, demonstrating command of formal English when indicated or appropriate. (See grade 7 Language standards 1 and 3 for specific expectations.)
📌 Writing Standards (W) 28 standards
W.7.1 Write arguments with clear reasons/evidence 5 sub-parts
Write arguments to support claims with clear reasons and relevant evidence.
W.7.1a
Introduce claims, address opposing claims
Introduce claim(s), acknowledge and address alternate or opposing claims, and organize the reasons and evidence logically. CA
W.7.1b
Support claims/counterarguments with credible sources
Support claim(s) or counterarguments with logical reasoning and relevant evidence, using accurate, credible sources and demonstrating an understanding of the topic or text. CA
W.7.1c
Use words/phrases/clauses to create cohesion
Use words, phrases, and clauses to create cohesion and clarify the relationships among claim(s), reasons, and evidence.
W.7.1d
Establish and maintain a formal style
Establish and maintain a formal style.
W.7.1e
Provide a concluding statement
Provide a concluding statement or section that follows from and supports the argument presented.
W.7.2 Write informative/explanatory texts 6 sub-parts
Write informative/explanatory texts to examine a topic and convey ideas, concepts, and information through the selection, organization, and analysis of relevant content.
W.7.2a
Introduce topic/thesis, preview, organize using strategies
Introduce a topic or thesis statement clearly, previewing what is to follow; organize ideas, concepts, and information, using strategies such as definition, classification, comparison/contrast, and cause/effect; include formatting (e.g., headings), graphics (e.g., charts, tables), and multimedia when useful to aiding comprehension. CA
W.7.2b
Develop topic with relevant facts/details
Develop the topic with relevant facts, definitions, concrete details, quotations, or other information and examples.
W.7.2c
Use transitions to create cohesion
Use appropriate transitions to create cohesion and clarify the relationships among ideas and concepts.
W.7.2d
Use precise language/domain-specific vocabulary
Use precise language and domain-specific vocabulary to inform about or explain the topic.
W.7.2e
Establish and maintain a formal style
Establish and maintain a formal style.
W.7.2f
Provide a concluding statement
Provide a concluding statement or section that follows from and supports the information or explanation presented.
W.7.3 Write narratives with well-structured event sequences 5 sub-parts
Write narratives to develop real or imagined experiences or events using effective technique, relevant descriptive details, and well-structured event sequences.
W.7.3a
Engage/orient reader, establish point of view
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.
W.7.3b
Use narrative techniques to develop experiences
Use narrative techniques, such as dialogue, pacing, and description, to develop experiences, events, and/or characters.
W.7.3c
Use transition words to convey sequence
Use a variety of transition words, phrases, and clauses to convey sequence and signal shifts from one time frame or setting to another.
W.7.3d
Use precise words/sensory language
Use precise words and phrases, relevant descriptive details, and sensory language to capture the action and convey experiences and events.
W.7.3e
Provide a conclusion reflecting on experiences
Provide a conclusion that follows from and reflects on the narrated experiences or events.
W.7.4
Produce clear and coherent writing
Produce clear and coherent writing in which the development, organization, and style are appropriate to task, purpose, and audience. (Grade-specific expectations for writing types are defined in standards 1-3 above.)
W.7.5
Develop/strengthen writing focusing on purpose/audience
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. (Editing for conventions should demonstrate command of Language standards 1-3 up to and including grade 7.)
W.7.6
Use technology to produce/publish, cite sources
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.
W.7.7
Conduct short research projects generating questions
Conduct short research projects to answer a question, drawing on several sources and generating additional related, focused questions for further research and investigation.
W.7.8
Gather information, assess sources, cite properly
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.
W.7.9 Draw evidence from texts to support analysis 2 sub-parts
Draw evidence from literary or informational texts to support analysis, reflection, and research.
W.7.9a
Apply grade 7 Reading standards to literature
Apply grade 7 Reading standards to literature (e.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").
W.7.9b
Apply grade 7 Reading standards to literary nonfiction
Apply grade 7 Reading standards to literary nonfiction (e.g. "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").
W.7.10
Write routinely for various tasks
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.