11th Grade ELA (Iowa Core)

Reading Literature (RL)

• RL.11-12.1 Analyze and cite strong, thorough evidence for what a text states and implies, including where it is open to interpretation.
• RL.11-12.2 Identify two or more themes or central ideas, analyze how they interact and build a complex account, and summarize objectively.
• RL.11-12.3 Analyze the effect of the author's choices in developing and linking story or drama elements, such as setting and character introduction.
• RL.11-12.4 Work out word and phrase meanings and the effect of word choices on meaning and tone, including especially fresh or striking language.
• RL.11-12.5 Analyze how structural choices for parts of a text, such as where it starts or ends, shape its overall meaning and artistic effect.
• RL.11-12.6 Analyze texts where understanding point of view means separating what is said from what is meant, as in satire or irony.
• RL.11-12.7 Analyze several versions of a story, play or poem, judging how each one interprets the source.
• RL.11-12.9 Know foundational American literature from the 1700s to today, including how works from one period treat similar themes.
• RL.11-12.10 Read grade 11–CCR band literature well with support by end of grade 11, and the top of the band on their own by end of grade 12.

Reading Informational Text (RI)

• RI.11-12.1 Analyze and cite strong, thorough evidence for what a text states and implies, including where it is open to interpretation.
• RI.11-12.2 Identify two or more central ideas, analyze how they interact into a complex analysis, and summarize objectively.
• RI.11-12.3 Analyze a complex set of ideas or events and explain how people, ideas or events interact and develop.
• RI.11-12.4 Work out word meanings and analyze how an author uses and refines a key term across a text.
• RI.11-12.5 Judge how well an author's structure makes an exposition or argument clear, convincing and engaging.
• RI.11-12.6 Identify viewpoint or purpose in a text with strong rhetoric, analyzing how style and content give it force or artistry.
• RI.11-12.7 Combine and judge sources in different media and formats to answer a question or solve a problem.
• RI.11-12.8 Trace and judge reasoning in key U.S. texts, including constitutional principles, legal reasoning and public advocacy.
• RI.11-12.9 Analyze foundational U.S. documents from the 1600s to the 1900s for themes, purposes and rhetorical features.
• RI.11-12.10 Read grade 11–CCR band literary nonfiction well with support by end of grade 11, and the top of the band alone by end of grade 12.

Writing (W)

• W.11-12.1 Write arguments analyzing substantive topics or texts with valid reasoning and enough relevant evidence.
  • a. State precise, informed claims and why they matter, separate them from opposing claims, and sequence claims, counterclaims, reasons and evidence logically.
  • b. Develop claims and counterclaims fairly and fully with the strongest evidence, weighing each against the audience's knowledge, values and biases.
  • c. Use linking words, clauses and varied syntax to join sections, build cohesion and clarify how claims, reasons, evidence and counterclaims relate.
  • d. Keep a formal style and objective tone that respects the norms of the subject.
  • e. Close with a section that supports the argument and sums up its key points.
• W.11-12.2 Write informative pieces that present complex ideas and information clearly and accurately through well-chosen, organized content.
  • a. Introduce the topic and organize ideas so each part builds on the last into a unified whole, adding headings, graphics or media when useful.
  • b. Develop the topic fully with the most significant facts, extended definitions, details, quotations and examples for the audience.
  • c. Use varied transitions and syntax to join sections, build cohesion and clarify links among complex ideas.
  • d. Use precise vocabulary and devices such as metaphor, analogy or text structure to handle the topic's complexity.
  • e. Keep a formal style and objective tone that respects the norms of the subject.
  • f. Close with a section that supports the explanation, e.g. stating implications or significance.
• W.11-12.3 Write narratives of real or imagined events with effective technique, telling detail and a well-built order of events.
  • a. Hook the reader with a problem, situation or observation and its importance, set one or more points of view, and introduce characters.
  • b. Develop events and characters smoothly with dialogue, pacing, description, reflection and more than one plot line.
  • c. Sequence events so they build into a coherent whole and toward a set tone or outcome, such as suspense or resolution.
  • d. Use precise words, telling details and sensory language to paint a vivid picture.
  • e. End with a conclusion that reflects on what was experienced, observed or resolved.
• W.11-12.4 Produce clear, coherent writing whose development, organization and style fit the task, purpose and audience.
• W.11-12.5 Strengthen writing by planning, revising, editing, rewriting or a new approach, focusing on what matters most for purpose and audience.
• W.11-12.6 Use technology to create, publish and revise solo or group writing as feedback comes in.
• W.11-12.7 Do short and longer research projects on a question or problem, narrowing or widening the inquiry and synthesizing sources.
• W.11-12.8 Gather information from credible primary and secondary sources, weigh each one's strengths and limits, and integrate it smoothly without overrelying on one source.
• W.11-12.9 Draw on evidence from literature or informational texts to back up analysis, reflection and research.
  • a. Apply grades 11–12 literature reading standards in writing.
  • b. Apply grades 11–12 literary nonfiction reading standards in writing.
• W.11-12.10 Write regularly over long and short time frames for many tasks, purposes and audiences.

Speaking and Listening (SL)

• SL.11-12.1 Start and take part well in varied discussions on grades 11–12 topics, building on others' ideas and stating their own clearly and persuasively.
  • a. Arrive prepared and use evidence from texts and research to spark a thoughtful, reasoned exchange.
  • b. Work with peers to foster civil, democratic discussion and decisions, with clear goals, deadlines and roles.
  • c. Move talk forward with questions that test reasoning and evidence, make room for all positions and encourage creative views.
  • d. Respond to diverse views, pull together claims from all sides, resolve contradictions and see what more research is needed.
• SL.11-12.2 Combine sources from varied formats to make decisions and solve problems, judging credibility and noting discrepancies.
• SL.11-12.3 Judge a speaker's viewpoint, reasoning, evidence and rhetoric, including stance, premises, word choice, emphasis and tone.
• SL.11-12.4 Present findings with a clear, distinct perspective, addressing opposing views, with organization and style fit for the task.
• SL.11-12.5 Use digital media strategically in presentations to deepen understanding and add interest.
• SL.11-12.6 Adjust speech to contexts such as interviews, performances or debate, using formal English when called for and clear delivery.

Language (L)

• L.11-12.1 Show control of standard English grammar and usage in speech and writing.
  • a. Understand that usage is a convention that changes over time and is sometimes disputed.
  • b. Settle questions of complex or disputed usage by checking academic usage guides.
• L.11-12.2 Show control of capital letters, punctuation and spelling in writing.
  • a. Use complex punctuation such as hyphens, dashes, brackets and ellipses correctly and for emphasis.
  • b. Spell correctly, checking references when needed.
• L.11-12.3 Apply knowledge of how language works in different contexts to make effective choices and understand more fully.
  • a. Vary syntax for effect, using academic guides as needed, and use syntax knowledge to read complex texts.
• L.11-12.4 Figure out new and multiple-meaning words met in grades 11–12 reading and content, using several strategies.
  • a. Use sentence, paragraph or text context and a word's role as clues.
  • b. Recognize and use word-change patterns that signal different meanings or parts of speech.
  • c. Use general and specialized references for pronunciation, meaning, part of speech, origin or standard usage.
  • d. Check a guessed meaning in context or in a reference.
• L.11-12.5 Show understanding of figurative language, word relationships and small differences in meaning.
  • a. Interpret figures of speech such as hyperbole and paradox in context and analyze their role.
  • b. Analyze fine shades of meaning among words with similar definitions.
• L.11-12.6 Learn and use college- and career-ready academic and subject vocabulary, building word knowledge independently.