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IL ELA Standards (Grade 7)

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📌 Language Standards (L): Conventions of Standard English 7 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 and clauses, correcting 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 a 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.
📌 Language Standards (L): Knowledge of Language 2 standards
L.7.3 Use knowledge of language and its conventions 1 sub-part
Use knowledge of language and its conventions when writing, speaking, reading, or listening.
L.7.3a
Choose language that expresses ideas precisely and concisely
Choose language that expresses ideas precisely and concisely, recognizing and eliminating wordiness and redundancy.*
📌 Language Standards (L): Vocabulary Acquisition and Use 10 standards
L.7.4 Determine meaning of unknown and 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 or 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 for pronunciation and meaning
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.
L.7.4d
Verify preliminary determination of 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 better 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 words with similar denotations
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 domain-specific words
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): Craft and Structure 3 standards
RI.7.4
Analyze impact of specific word choice on meaning and tone
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.
RI.7.5
Analyze the structure an author uses to organize a text
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.7.6
Analyze how author distinguishes position from others
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.
📌 Reading Standards for Informational Text (RI): Integration of Knowledge and Ideas 3 standards
RI.7.7
Compare a text to its 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 and evaluate argument, assessing reasoning and 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 of key information
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.
📌 Reading Standards for Informational Text (RI): Key Ideas and Details 3 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 and analyze development
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, and 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).
📌 Reading Standards for Informational Text (RI): Range of Reading and Level of Text Complexity 1 standard
RI.7.10
Read and comprehend literary nonfiction in grades 6-8 band
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): Craft and Structure 3 standards
RL.7.4
Analyze impact of rhymes and repetitions of sound
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.
RL.7.5
Analyze how form or 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 develops and contrasts points of view
Analyze how an author develops and contrasts the points of view of different characters or narrators in a text.
📌 Reading Standards for Literature (RL): Integration of Knowledge and Ideas 3 standards
RL.7.7
Compare written text to its audio/filmed/staged 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.7.8
Not applicable to literature
(Not applicable to literature)
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.
📌 Reading Standards for Literature (RL): Key Ideas and Details 3 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 and analyze its development
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 elements of a story or drama interact
Analyze how particular elements of a story or drama interact (e.g., how setting shapes the characters or plot).
📌 Reading Standards for Literature (RL): Range of Reading and Level of Text Complexity 1 standard
RL.7.10
Read and comprehend literature in grades 6-8 band
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): Comprehension and Collaboration 7 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, drawing on evidence
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 rules, track progress toward goals and deadlines
Follow rules for collegial discussions, track progress toward specific goals and deadlines, and define individual roles as needed.
SL.7.1c
Pose questions that elicit elaboration
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 and modify views
Acknowledge new information expressed by others and, when warranted, modify their own views.
SL.7.2
Analyze main ideas and supporting 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 a speaker's argument, evaluating soundness
Delineate a speaker's argument and specific claims, evaluating the soundness of the reasoning and the relevance and sufficiency of the evidence.
📌 Speaking and Listening Standards (SL): Presentation of Knowledge and Ideas 3 standards
SL.7.4
Present claims and findings emphasizing salient points
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.
SL.7.5
Include multimedia and visual displays to clarify claims
Include multimedia components and visual displays in presentations to clarify claims and findings and emphasize salient points.
SL.7.6
Adapt speech using formal English when appropriate
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 on page 52 for specific expectations.)
📌 Writing Standards (W): Production and Distribution of Writing 3 standards
W.7.4
Produce clear and coherent writing appropriate to task
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
Strengthen writing focusing on purpose and 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 on page 52.)
W.7.6
Use technology to produce, publish, link to and 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.
📌 Writing Standards (W): Range of Writing 1 standard
W.7.10
Write routinely over varied time frames
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.
📌 Writing Standards (W): Research to Build and Present Knowledge 5 standards
W.7.7
Conduct short research projects, generating further 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 using effective search terms and citation
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").
📌 Writing Standards (W): Text Types and Purposes 19 standards
W.7.1 Write arguments with clear reasons and relevant evidence 5 sub-parts
Write arguments to support claims with clear reasons and relevant evidence.
W.7.1a
Introduce claims, acknowledge opposing claims logically
Introduce claim(s), acknowledge alternate or opposing claims, and organize the reasons and evidence logically.
W.7.1b
Support claims with logical reasoning and credible sources
Support claim(s) with logical reasoning and relevant evidence, using accurate, credible sources and demonstrating an understanding of the topic or text.
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 concluding statement that supports argument
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 clearly, previewing what is to follow
Introduce a topic 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.
W.7.2b
Develop the topic with relevant facts and quotations
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 and 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 concluding statement that supports information
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 and orient reader, introduce narrator/characters
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 and events
Use narrative techniques, such as dialogue, pacing, and description, to develop experiences, events, and/or characters.
W.7.3c
Use transition words/phrases/clauses 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 and sensory language to capture action
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 that reflects on the narrative
Provide a conclusion that follows from and reflects on the narrated experiences or events.