12th Grade ELA (Georgia's K-12 ELA Standards)

9-12.L.GC.1 Grammar: use standard grammar, usage and mechanics

• Grade 12 grammar, usage and mechanics skills are set out in the state's GUM chart, which has no separate codes.

9-12.L.GC.2 Grammar: use syntax to understand texts and craft sentences

• 12.L.GC.2.a Analyze and judge syntax, including parallel structure, across a range of texts.
• 12.L.GC.2.b Vary sentences for style while keeping verb tense and mood consistent.
• 12.L.GC.2.c Keep voice, active or passive, consistent to suit purpose, audience and subject.
• 12.L.GC.2.d Add detail and description to enrich ideas for purpose and engagement.
• 12.L.GC.2.e Use and revise parallel structure across paragraphs or sections for balance.

9-12.L.V.1–3 Vocabulary: general and subject words, word analysis, shades of meaning

• Vocabulary expectations for grades 9–12 carry band codes (9-12.L.V.1.a to 9-12.L.V.3.e) and are listed on the Grade 9 page.

9-12.T.C.1 Context: how purpose and audience shape texts

• 12.T.C.1.a Use a text's subject-area, personal or technical purpose to understand it.
• 12.T.C.1.b Judge how voice and tone affect how an audience receives a text.
• 12.T.C.1.c Create and self-assess multimodal works that serve several purposes for one audience.

9-12.T.C.2 Context: how author and speaker perspectives shape texts

• 12.T.C.2.a Compare different perspectives on one topic and how texts shape beliefs.
• 12.T.C.2.b Trace doubtful content back to its original source to judge credibility.
• 12.T.C.2.c Judge how historical or personal views shape authors' style and themes.
• 12.T.C.2.d Combine credible sources to answer academic or personal questions.

9-12.T.SS.1 Structure and style: organizational structures across genres

• 12.T.SS.1.a Judge how well a text's structure meets the audience's needs or purpose.
• 12.T.SS.1.b Combine several organizational structures to strengthen a central message.
• 12.T.SS.1.c Use varied transitions to guide audiences through multimodal texts.
• 12.T.SS.1.d Write persuasive texts with a viewpoint-led introduction, strategic support and a conclusion.

9-12.T.SS.2 Structure and style: language crafted for effect

• 12.T.SS.2.a Judge how figurative and rhetorical language shape meaning, tone and mood.
• 12.T.SS.2.b Use devices and appeals for effects suited to purpose and audience.
• 12.T.SS.2.c Build credibility with a consistent, formal, authoritative tone.

9-12.T.T.1 Techniques: narrative

• 12.T.T.1.a Judge how different authors use narrative techniques such as archetypes and symbolism.
• 12.T.T.1.b Weigh how several authors' craft choices affect audiences and purpose.
• 12.T.T.1.c Compare how different authors develop a similar theme, with evidence.
• 12.T.T.1.d Analyze how works reuse older themes, patterns or character types.
• 12.T.T.1.e Use metaphor, symbolism and setting to build changing characters and themes.

9-12.T.T.2 Techniques: expository and conflicting information

• 12.T.T.2.a Critique expository techniques, patterns and how clear and effective the information is.
• 12.T.T.2.b Find where conflicting texts disagree on facts or interpretations.
• 12.T.T.2.d Write cohesive expository texts with several structures and a tailored tone.

9-12.T.T.3 Techniques: argument and rhetorical appeals

• 12.T.T.3.a Critique the argument techniques of different texts and their effect on meaning.
• 12.T.T.3.b Critique rhetorical language across a range of texts.
• 12.T.T.3.c Use argument techniques strategically to strengthen writing and engage readers.
• 12.T.T.3.d Combine several rhetorical devices or appeals strategically.

9-12.T.T.4 Techniques: poetry

• 12.T.T.4.a Critique poetic techniques and their effect on meaning or theme.
• 12.T.T.4.b Use poetic techniques and conventions to write purposeful poetry.

9-12.T.RA.1 Research: questions, synthesis and citation

• 12.T.RA.1.a Ask questions that guide research, link complex topics and refine work.
• 12.T.RA.1.b Combine credible sources to support a central thesis with correct citations.
• 12.T.RA.1.c Blend paraphrase, summary and quotation, citing in MLA or APA style.

9-12.T.RA.2 Research: find, judge and cite credible sources

• 12.T.RA.2.a Use credible print, digital and database sources to find relevant information.
• 12.T.RA.2.b Check sources for misconceptions, bias and conflicts and confirm accuracy.
• 12.T.RA.2.c Follow MLA or APA citation rules and list every source.

9-12.T.PM.1 Periods and movements: themes, genres and styles of literary periods

• 12.T.PM.1.a Compare writers and artists within one literary movement and period.
• 12.T.PM.1.b Compare key authors and works across three English and American literary periods.