9th Grade ELA (Georgia's K-12 ELA Standards)

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

• Grade 9 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

• 9.L.GC.2.a Use knowledge of syntax, including parallel structure, to understand and judge texts.
• 9.L.GC.2.b Vary sentence structure for effect while keeping tense, aspect and mood consistent.
• 9.L.GC.2.c Keep active voice through a whole text for clear, concise writing.
• 9.L.GC.2.d Add detail and description to develop ideas for purpose and engagement.
• 9.L.GC.2.e Use parallel structure within a sentence to show balanced, matching ideas.

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

• 9-12.L.V.1.a Build a wide vocabulary from varied grade-level reading and media in all subjects (applies grades 9–12).
• 9-12.L.V.1.b Use grade-level words precisely and adapt style to the setting (applies grades 9–12).
• 9-12.L.V.2.a Break down unfamiliar words using word origins, Greek and Latin roots and affixes (grades 9–12).
• 9-12.L.V.2.b Work out meanings of words and phrases from context by looking at their grammatical role (grades 9–12).
• 9-12.L.V.2.c Build new words from Greek and Latin roots and affixes and use them correctly (grades 9–12).
• 9-12.L.V.2.d Use knowledge of parts of speech to choose precise, effective words (applies grades 9–12).
• 9-12.L.V.3.b Study word relationships to reveal literal and connotative meanings in different contexts (grades 9–12).
• 9-12.L.V.3.c Compare the connotations of synonyms that share a basic meaning (applies grades 9–12).
• 9-12.L.V.3.d Use dictionaries, style guides and digital tools to check unclear meanings (applies grades 9–12).
• 9-12.L.V.3.e Choose words deliberately by weighing small differences between related terms (applies grades 9–12).

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

• 9.T.C.1.a Recognize a text's subject-area, personal or technical purpose to understand it better.
• 9.T.C.1.b Judge how context and wording affect how an audience receives a text.
• 9.T.C.1.c Create and critique multimedia works that serve several purposes for one audience.

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

• 9.T.C.2.a Contrast viewpoints on one topic across texts and how they influence beliefs.
• 9.T.C.2.b Identify how a speaker's credibility affects a text.
• 9.T.C.2.c Explain why views on a subject change over time and how that changes writing.
• 9.T.C.2.d Combine information from reliable sources to answer personal and academic research questions.

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

• 9.T.SS.1.a Judge whether a text's organization meets its audience's needs and expectations.
• 9.T.SS.1.b Organize writing with structures suited to its mode, genre, purpose and readers.
• 9.T.SS.1.c Use transitions between ideas and paragraphs to guide readers and build cohesion.
• 9.T.SS.1.d Write coherent texts with a focused opening, supported points and a memorable ending.

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

• 9.T.SS.2.a Explain how figurative and persuasive language builds meaning, tone and mood.
• 9.T.SS.2.b Use devices and persuasive appeals to create effects suited to purpose and audience.
• 9.T.SS.2.c Choose a formal or informal tone to suit readers, purpose and situation.

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

• 9.T.T.1.a Explain how archetypes, shifting perspectives, plot and symbols interact, citing evidence.
• 9.T.T.1.b Examine how an author's purpose shapes plot, conflict, devices and word choice.
• 9.T.T.1.c Trace how a theme develops and why it matters socially, citing passages.
• 9.T.T.1.d Examine how works reuse older themes, plot patterns or character types.
• 9.T.T.1.e Use narrative techniques to build changing characters, mood from setting and engaging themes.

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

• 9.T.T.2.a Judge how expository methods and organizational patterns work and affect readers.
• 9.T.T.2.b Compare sources with conflicting facts or views to find where they disagree.
• 9.T.T.2.d Write cohesive expository texts with clear links, varied details and a suitable tone.

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

• 9.T.T.3.a Critique texts by weighing persuasive methods and their effect on central ideas.
• 9.T.T.3.b Identify and analyze appeals to credibility, logic and emotion in different texts.
• 9.T.T.3.c Use persuasive techniques on purpose to strengthen writing and engage readers.
• 9.T.T.3.d Use rhetorical devices and appeals when drafting and revising.

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

• 9.T.T.4.a Judge how poetic techniques shape meaning and theme.
• 9.T.T.4.b Write poems using a range of techniques and conventions for a set purpose.

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

• 9.T.RA.1.a Ask questions that guide research, reveal links, narrow the focus and improve drafts.
• 9.T.RA.1.b Support a research question or thesis with findings and correct citations.
• 9.T.RA.1.c Work paraphrases, summaries and quotations into writing with MLA citations.

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

• 9.T.RA.2.a Find relevant information in reliable print, digital and academic database sources.
• 9.T.RA.2.b Check sources for misconceptions, bias and conflicts, and for accuracy and relevance.
• 9.T.RA.2.c Follow MLA rules for evidence and list sources on a works cited page.

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

• 9.T.PM.1.a Trace one archetypal story or figure across two or more historical periods.
• 9.T.PM.1.b Discuss authors, works, themes and styles from one English or American literary period.