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9th Grade ELA (Ohio's Learning Standards)

Your Teacher Information Pack for 9th Grade ELA in Ohio: the standards with their official codes, the state tests and the official links. Check what you're teaching and plan a lesson.

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State
Ohio
Grade
Grade 9
Standards
Ohio's Learning Standards for English Language Arts (2017)
Last checked
2026-10-21

Ohio sets these standards for grades 9–10 together: see the band page.

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The standards (our summaries)

Ohio's official codes with our own short summaries (not the official wording). Each code links to the official document.

Reading Literature (RL)

  • RL.9-10.1 Cite strong, thorough evidence to support analysis of what the text says and implies.
  • RL.9-10.2 Determine a theme and analyze in detail how specific details shape it.
    • a. Trace how details shape and refine the theme.
    • b. Write an objective summary with theme and key elements.
  • RL.9-10.3 Analyze how complex characters with conflicting motives develop, interact and advance plot or theme.
  • RL.9-10.4 Work out figurative and connotative meanings and analyze the cumulative effect of word choice on tone.
  • RL.9-10.5 Analyze how choices about structure, order and time create mystery, tension or surprise.
  • RL.9-10.6 Analyze point of view or cultural experience in literature from outside the United States.
  • RL.9-10.7 Compare how a subject or scene appears in two art forms, noting what each stresses or omits.
  • RL.9-10.9 Analyze how an author draws on and transforms source material in a specific work.
  • RL.9-10.10 Read grades 9–10 literature proficiently by grade 9 and independently by grade 10.

Reading Informational Text (RI)

  • RI.9-10.1 Cite strong, thorough evidence to support analysis of what the text says and implies.
  • RI.9-10.2 Analyze how a central idea develops and is refined by details; summarize objectively.
    • a. Trace how details shape the central idea.
    • b. Write an objective summary.
  • RI.9-10.3 Analyze how an author orders points, introduces ideas and connects them.
  • RI.9-10.4 Work out word meanings and analyze the cumulative effect of word choice on tone.
  • RI.9-10.5 Analyze how sentences, paragraphs or sections develop and refine an author's claims.
  • RI.9-10.6 Determine an author's point of view or purpose and how rhetoric advances it.
  • RI.9-10.7 Analyze accounts of a subject in different media and what each emphasizes.
  • RI.9-10.8 Trace and evaluate an argument for valid reasoning and sufficient evidence; spot fallacies.
  • RI.9-10.9 Analyze how important U.S. historical and literary documents treat related themes.
  • RI.9-10.10 Read grades 9–10 literary nonfiction proficiently by grade 9 and independently by grade 10.

Writing (W)

  • W.9-10.1 Write arguments on substantive topics with valid reasoning and relevant, sufficient evidence.
    • a. Write a clear, thorough thesis.
    • b. Introduce precise claims, distinguish opposing claims, organize logically.
    • c. Develop claims and counterclaims fairly.
    • d. Use transitions linking claims, reasons and evidence.
    • e. Keep a formal, objective style.
    • f. End with a conclusion that supports the argument.
  • W.9-10.2 Write informative texts that convey complex ideas accurately through careful selection, organization and analysis.
    • a. Write a clear, thorough thesis.
    • b. Introduce the topic and organize ideas to show connections.
    • c. Develop with well-chosen, audience-suited evidence.
    • d. Use varied transitions for complex relationships.
    • e. Use precise terms for the topic's complexity.
    • f. Keep a formal, objective style.
    • g. End by stating implications or significance.
  • W.9-10.3 Write real or imagined narratives with effective technique, well-chosen details and structure.
    • a. Set up a problem, point of view and characters.
    • b. Use dialogue, pacing, reflection and multiple plot lines.
    • c. Order events to create a coherent whole.
    • d. Use precise words and sensory language.
    • e. End by reflecting on outcomes.
  • W.9-10.4 Produce clear, coherent writing whose structure and style suit purpose and audience.
  • W.9-10.5 Strengthen writing through revision, focusing on what matters most for purpose and audience.
  • W.9-10.6 Use technology to produce, publish and update writing, linking to other information.
  • W.9-10.7 Do short and sustained research, narrowing or broadening the inquiry and synthesizing sources.
  • W.9-10.8 Gather authoritative sources with advanced searches, judge usefulness and cite without plagiarism.
  • W.9-10.9 Draw evidence from texts to support analysis, reflection and research.
    • a. Analyze how authors transform source material.
    • b. Evaluate reasoning, evidence and fallacies in nonfiction.
  • W.9-10.10 Write routinely over short and extended time frames for many tasks and audiences.

Speaking and Listening (SL)

  • SL.9-10.1 Start and take part in a range of discussions, building on ideas and stating views persuasively.
    • a. Come prepared and refer to evidence.
    • b. Set rules, goals, deadlines and roles with peers.
    • c. Move discussion forward with questions linking to broader themes.
    • d. Respond to diverse views and qualify own positions.
  • SL.9-10.2 Combine several sources in different media and evaluate each for credibility and accuracy.
  • SL.9-10.3 Evaluate a speaker's point of view, reasoning and evidence, spotting fallacies and distorted evidence.
  • SL.9-10.4 Present information and evidence clearly so listeners can follow the reasoning, in a suitable style.
  • SL.9-10.5 Use digital media strategically to strengthen understanding of findings.
  • SL.9-10.6 Adapt speech to contexts and tasks, using formal English when suitable.

Language (L)

  • L.9-10.1 Use parallel structure and varied phrases and clauses to add meaning and interest.
    • a. Use parallel structure.
    • b. Use various types of phrases and clauses.
  • L.9-10.2 Use semicolons and colons correctly and spell correctly.
    • a. Use a semicolon to link related clauses.
    • b. Use a colon to introduce a list or quotation.
    • c. Spell correctly.
  • L.9-10.3 Write and edit work following a style manual suited to the discipline.
    • a. Format work to a style manual.
    • b. Edit work to a style manual.
  • L.9-10.4 Work out word meanings using context, word patterns, references and checking.
    • a. Use context clues.
    • b. Use patterns of word change.
    • c. Consult references for meaning and etymology.
    • d. Verify a guessed meaning.
  • L.9-10.5 Interpret figures of speech and analyze nuances in word meanings.
    • a. Interpret euphemism and oxymoron.
    • b. Analyze nuances of similar words.
  • L.9-10.6 Learn and use college-ready academic and subject words, researching unknown terms independently.

Tests and key dates

Check the Ohio Department of Education and Workforce for which grades are tested and this year's testing dates (we have not yet confirmed every detail above on the official site).

More packs

Common Core version: Grade 9 ELA · Ohio hub · Find another TIP

Standards codes from Ohio's Learning Standards (Ohio Department of Education and Workforce). Summaries are Classfern's own words, not the official text. Not affiliated with or endorsed by ODEW.

Codes are facts; the descriptions are our own short summaries, not the official text. Always check the official document.

Classfern is not affiliated with or endorsed by the Ohio Department of Education and Workforce.