Grade 12 English (North Carolina SCOS, grades 11-12 band)

Reading Standards for Literature (RL)

• RL.11-12.1 Cite strong, thorough evidence, including where the text leaves matters uncertain.
• RL.11-12.2 Find two or more themes, analyze how they interact, and give an objective summary.
• RL.11-12.3 Analyze the effect of an author's choices about how to develop and relate story elements.
• RL.11-12.4 Analyze how word choices, including words with several meanings, shape meaning and tone.
• RL.11-12.5 Analyze how an author's choices about structuring parts of a text add to meaning and effect.
• RL.11-12.6 Tell what a text says directly from what it really means.
• RL.11-12.7 Analyze several interpretations of a work and evaluate how each interprets the source.
• RL.11-12.9 Compare how texts from the same period treat similar themes or topics.
• RL.11-12.10 Read literature in the grades 11–12 band independently and proficiently.

Reading Standards for Informational Text (RI)

• RI.11-12.1 Cite strong, thorough evidence, including where the text leaves matters uncertain.
• RI.11-12.2 Find two or more central ideas, analyze their development, and give an objective summary.
• RI.11-12.3 Analyze a complex set of ideas or events and how specific elements interact over the text.
• RI.11-12.4 Analyze how an author uses and refines the meaning of a key term across a text.
• RI.11-12.5 Evaluate how effective an author's structure is in making points clear and convincing.
• RI.11-12.6 Analyze how style and rhetoric contribute to the power or persuasiveness of a text.
• RI.11-12.7 Integrate and evaluate several sources in different media to address a question.
• RI.11-12.8 Evaluate the reasoning, premises, and purposes of influential U.S. or British texts.
• RI.11-12.9 Analyze foundational U.S. or British documents for their themes, purposes, and rhetoric.
• RI.11-12.10 Read informational texts in the grades 11–12 band independently and proficiently.

Writing Standards (W)

• W.11-12.1 Write arguments on substantive topics with valid reasoning and relevant, sufficient evidence.
• W.11-12.1a Organize ideas around a topic to plan writing.
• W.11-12.1b Introduce precise claims, establish their significance, and order them logically.
• W.11-12.1c Develop claims and counterclaims thoroughly, anticipating the audience's values and possible biases.
• W.11-12.1d Use varied syntax and transitions to link sections and clarify relationships.
• W.11-12.1e Keep a formal style and objective tone suited to the discipline.
• W.11-12.1f Give a concluding statement or section that supports the argument.
• W.11-12.1g Revise and rewrite, focusing on what matters most for purpose and audience.
• W.11-12.2 Write informative texts that convey complex ideas accurately through well-chosen content.
• W.11-12.2a Organize ideas around a topic to plan writing.
• W.11-12.2b Introduce a topic and organize ideas so each new element builds on the last.
• W.11-12.2c Develop the topic thoroughly with the most significant and relevant information.
• W.11-12.2d Use varied transitions and syntax to link sections and clarify complex relationships.
• W.11-12.2e Use precise language, subject-specific vocabulary, and techniques such as metaphor and analogy.
• W.11-12.2f Keep a formal style and objective tone suited to the discipline.
• W.11-12.2g Give a concluding statement or section that supports the explanation.
• W.11-12.2h Revise and strengthen writing, focusing on what matters most for purpose and audience.
• W.11-12.3 Write narratives with effective technique, well-chosen details, and well-structured sequences.
• W.11-12.3a Organize ideas around a topic to plan writing.
• W.11-12.3b Engage the reader by setting out a problem, its significance, points of view, and characters.
• W.11-12.3c Use dialogue, pacing, reflection, and multiple plot lines to develop events.
• W.11-12.3d Order events to build toward a particular tone and outcome.
• W.11-12.3e Use precise words, telling details, and sensory language to create a vivid picture.
• W.11-12.3f Conclude by reflecting on what is experienced, observed, or resolved.
• W.11-12.3g Revise and rewrite, focusing on what matters most for purpose and audience.
• W.11-12.4 Use digital tools to produce, publish, and update writing in response to feedback.
• W.11-12.5 Carry out short and sustained research projects, synthesising several sources.
• W.11-12.6 Gather information from authoritative sources, judging strengths and limits, and avoid over-reliance on one source.

Speaking and Listening Standards (SL)

• SL.11-12.1 Start and take part in a range of discussions on grades 11–12 topics, expressing ideas clearly and persuasively.
• SL.11-12.1a Come prepared and refer to evidence to stimulate a well-reasoned exchange.
• SL.11-12.1b Work with peers to promote civil, democratic discussion with clear goals, deadlines, and roles.
• SL.11-12.1c Probe reasoning and evidence, make sure a full range of positions is heard, and promote new perspectives.
• SL.11-12.1d Synthesise comments and claims on all sides, resolve contradictions, and identify what needs more research.
• SL.11-12.2 Integrate several sources to make informed decisions, judging credibility and noting discrepancies.
• SL.11-12.3 Evaluate a speaker's point of view, premises, links between ideas, word choice, emphasis, and tone.
• SL.11-12.4 Present findings from a clear perspective, address alternative views, and suit style to the audience.
• SL.11-12.5 Use digital media strategically to strengthen findings, reasoning, and evidence and to add interest.

Language Standards (L)

• L.11-12.1 Apply grammar to create a distinctive, sophisticated style and voice, building on earlier grades.
• L.11-12.2 Apply capitalisation, punctuation, and spelling conventions to create a distinctive style and voice.
• L.11-12.3 Use knowledge of language and its conventions when writing, speaking, reading, or listening.
• L.11-12.3a Vary syntax for effect, using references as needed, and apply knowledge of syntax to complex texts.
• L.11-12.4 Work out unknown and multiple-meaning words using context, word parts, relationships, and references.
• L.11-12.5 Show understanding of figurative language, word relationships, and nuances.
• L.11-12.5a Interpret figures of speech in context and analyze their role in the text.
• L.11-12.5b Analyze nuances in meaning among words with similar denotations.
• L.11-12.6 Use college- and career-ready general and subject-specific vocabulary accurately and build word knowledge.