Grade 9 English (North Carolina SCOS, grades 9-10 band)

Reading Standards for Literature (RL)

• RL.9-10.1 Cite strong, thorough textual evidence for what a text says explicitly and for inferences.
• RL.9-10.2 Find a theme, analyze its development in detail, and give an objective summary.
• RL.9-10.3 Analyze how complex characters develop, interact, and advance plot or theme.
• RL.9-10.4 Analyze the cumulative effect of word choices on meaning and tone.
• RL.9-10.5 Analyze how structural choices such as order of events and time create mystery, tension, or surprise.
• RL.9-10.6 Analyze a point of view or cultural experience in world literature from outside the United States.
• RL.9-10.7 Analyze how a subject or key scene is treated in two different artistic media.
• RL.9-10.9 Analyze how an author draws on and transforms source material in a work.
• RL.9-10.10 Read literature in the grades 9–10 band independently and proficiently.

Reading Standards for Informational Text (RI)

• RI.9-10.1 Cite strong, thorough textual evidence for what a text says explicitly and for inferences.
• RI.9-10.2 Find a central idea, analyze its development, and give an objective summary.
• RI.9-10.3 Analyze how an author orders points and connects ideas or events.
• RI.9-10.4 Analyze the cumulative effect of word choices on meaning and tone.
• RI.9-10.5 Analyze how particular sentences and paragraphs develop and refine an author's ideas.
• RI.9-10.6 Work out an author's point of view or purpose and how rhetoric advances it.
• RI.9-10.7 Analyze accounts of a subject told in different media and which details each stresses.
• RI.9-10.8 Evaluate the reasoning and evidence of an argument, identifying false statements and fallacies.
• RI.9-10.9 Analyze influential historical and literary documents and the themes they address.
• RI.9-10.10 Read informational texts in the grades 9–10 band independently and proficiently.

Writing Standards (W)

• W.9-10.1 Write arguments on substantive topics with valid reasoning and sufficient evidence.
• W.9-10.1a Organize ideas around a topic to plan writing.
• W.9-10.1b Introduce precise claims, distinguish them from opposing claims, and organize the relationships.
• W.9-10.1c Develop claims and counterclaims fairly, pointing out strengths and limitations.
• W.9-10.1d Use transitions to link sections, create cohesion, and clarify relationships.
• W.9-10.1e Keep a formal style and objective tone suited to the discipline.
• W.9-10.1f Give a concluding statement or section that supports the argument.
• W.9-10.1g Revise and rewrite, focusing on what matters most for purpose and audience.
• W.9-10.2 Write informative texts that convey complex ideas accurately through well-chosen content.
• W.9-10.2a Organize ideas around a topic to plan writing.
• W.9-10.2b Introduce a topic and organize complex ideas to show connections and distinctions.
• W.9-10.2c Develop the topic with relevant, sufficient facts, definitions, and details.
• W.9-10.2d Use varied transitions to link major sections and clarify relationships.
• W.9-10.2e Use precise language and subject-specific vocabulary to manage complexity.
• W.9-10.2f Keep a formal style and objective tone suited to the discipline.
• W.9-10.2g Give a concluding statement or section that supports the explanation.
• W.9-10.2h Revise and strengthen writing, focusing on what matters most for purpose and audience.
• W.9-10.3 Write narratives with effective technique, well-chosen details, and well-structured sequences.
• W.9-10.3a Organize ideas around a topic to plan writing.
• W.9-10.3b Engage the reader by setting out a situation, points of view, and characters and progress smoothly.
• W.9-10.3c Use dialogue, pacing, reflection, and multiple plot lines to develop events.
• W.9-10.3d Order events so they build on one another into a coherent whole.
• W.9-10.3e Use precise words, telling details, and sensory language to create a vivid picture.
• W.9-10.3f Conclude by reflecting on what is experienced, observed, or resolved.
• W.9-10.3g Revise and rewrite, focusing on what matters most for purpose and audience.
• W.9-10.4 Use digital tools to produce, publish, and update shared writing.
• W.9-10.5 Carry out short and sustained research projects, synthesising several sources.
• W.9-10.6 Gather information from authoritative sources with advanced searches and integrate it selectively.

Speaking and Listening Standards (SL)

• SL.9-10.1 Start and take part in a range of discussions on grades 9–10 topics, expressing ideas clearly and persuasively.
• SL.9-10.1a Come prepared and refer to evidence to stimulate a well-reasoned exchange.
• SL.9-10.1b Work with peers to set rules, goals, deadlines, and roles for discussions.
• SL.9-10.1c Move conversations forward by linking to broader themes, drawing others in, and challenging ideas.
• SL.9-10.1d Respond to diverse perspectives, summarize agreement and disagreement, and refine their own views.
• SL.9-10.2 Integrate several sources in different media, judging the credibility and accuracy of each.
• SL.9-10.3 Evaluate a speaker's point of view, reasoning, evidence, and rhetoric, spotting faulty reasoning.
• SL.9-10.4 Present findings and evidence clearly and logically, with style suited to audience and purpose.
• SL.9-10.5 Use digital media strategically in presentations to strengthen understanding of findings.

Language Standards (L)

• L.9-10.1 Apply grammar to create a distinctive, sophisticated style and voice, building on earlier grades.
• L.9-10.2 Apply capitalization, punctuation, and spelling conventions to create a distinctive style and voice.
• L.9-10.3 Use knowledge of language and its conventions when writing, speaking, reading, or listening.
• L.9-10.3a Edit writing to follow a style manual suited to the discipline.
• L.9-10.3b Use parallel structure.
• L.9-10.4 Work out unknown and multiple-meaning words using context, word parts, relationships, and references.
• L.9-10.5 Show understanding of figurative language, word relationships, and nuances.
• L.9-10.5a Interpret figures of speech in context and analyze their role in the text.
• L.9-10.5b Analyze nuances in meaning among words with similar denotations.
• L.9-10.6 Use college- and career-ready general and subject-specific vocabulary accurately and build word knowledge.