Grades 9–10 ELA (Ohio's Learning Standards)

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.