7th Grade ELA (Utah Core Standards)

Strand 1: Speaking and Listening

• 7–8.SL.1 Take part respectfully in a range of discussions on texts and issues.
  • a. Respond thoughtfully in discussions and debates and judge whether more research would help.
  • b. Ask and answer questions while considering different perspectives.
• 7–8.SL.2 Judge the credibility of several sources in different formats before making decisions.
• 7–8.SL.3 Match language, grammar and delivery to the purpose and audience.
  • a. Argue a clear position with evidence so listeners can follow the reasoning.

Strand 2: Reading

• 7–8.R.4 Read grade-level text accurately and fluently enough to understand it well.
• 7–8.R.5 Support analysis of explicit meaning and inferences with text evidence.
• 7–8.R.6 Trace a theme or main idea and summarize objectively with evidence.
  • RL. Analyze how a theme develops along with characters, setting and plot.
  • RI. Relate a main idea to the supporting ideas.
• 7–8.R.7 Trace how characters, plot and ideas develop and interact.
  • RL. Show how character and plot development shape the whole story.
  • RI. Explain how people, ideas or events develop through a complex sequence.
• 7–8.R.8 Interpret figurative, connotative and technical meanings and their effect on tone and mood.
• 7–8.R.9 Work out unfamiliar and multiple-meaning words using flexible strategies and resources.
  • a. Use references to find pronunciation, exact meaning or part of speech.
• 7–8.R.10 Analyze how an author's structural choices shape meaning.
• 7–8.R.11 Analyze how points of view of narrators and authors differ and what effects they create.
  • RL. Explain how differing points of view create effects such as humor, sadness or suspense.
  • RI. Find an author's purpose and how the author responds to conflicting evidence.
• 7–8.R.12 Compare how a topic is treated in different media and how the differences affect audiences.
• 7–8.R.13 Judge whether an argument's claims are backed by relevant and sufficient evidence.
• 7–8.R.14 Compare texts with similar themes or topics and how their interpretations differ.
  • RL. Compare event patterns and character types in fiction with similar themes.
  • RI. Find where texts on one topic disagree on facts, interpretation or emphasis.

Strand 3: Writing

• 7–8.W.1 Write arguments with logical reasoning, credible evidence and a conclusion.
  • a. State claims, set them against opposing views and organize reasons and evidence.
  • b. Link claims, counterclaims, reasons and evidence with clear transitions.
  • c. Use conventions and style suited to audience, purpose and task.
• 7–8.W.2 Explain a topic clearly by choosing, organizing and analyzing relevant content.
  • a. Preview the topic, group ideas into broad categories and add useful visuals.
  • b. Develop the topic with facts, definitions, details, quotations and examples.
  • c. Use varied transitions for cohesion and to clarify relationships.
  • d. Use precise, subject-specific vocabulary.
  • e. Use conventions and style suited to audience, purpose and task.
• 7–8.W.3 Write real or imagined narratives with vivid details and well-ordered events.
  • a. Open by presenting a problem, situation or observation.
  • b. Set the scene and introduce narrators or characters.
  • c. Develop characters and a clear sequence with dialogue and description.
  • d. Create mood and tone with descriptive language suited to the audience.
  • e. Use conventions and style suited to audience, purpose and task.
• 7–8.W.4 Do short research projects that answer questions using credible sources.
  • a. Gather and evaluate information from trustworthy sources.
  • b. Show understanding of the topic through original ideas that fit the purpose.
  • c. Credit sources by quoting or paraphrasing and using one citation style.
  • d. Work with peers through each stage of the writing process.