LEARN NC

K–12 teaching and learning · from the UNC School of Education

  1. Kindergarten – Grade 5
    1. Introduction
    2. Anchor Standards
    3. Reading: Literature
    4. Reading: Informational Text
    5. Reading: Foundational Skills
    6. Writing
    7. Speaking & Listening
    8. Language
    9. Standard 10: Range, Quality, & Complexity
  2. Grades 6–12 ELA
    1. Anchor Standards
    2. Reading: Literature
    3. Reading: Informational Text
    4. Writing
    5. Speaking & Listening
    6. Language
    7. Standard 10: Range, Quality, & Complexity
  3. Grades 6–12 Literacy in History/Social Studies, Science, & Technical Subjects
    1. Anchor Standards
    2. History/Social Studies
    3. Science & Technical Subjects
    4. Writing

Language

Introduction

The following standards for grades 6–12 offer a focus for instruction each year to help ensure that students gain adequate mastery of a range of skills and applications. Students advancing through the grades are expected to meet each year’s grade-specific standards and retain or further develop skills and understandings mastered in preceding grades. Beginning in grade 3, skills and understandings that are particularly likely to require continued attention in higher grades as they are applied to increasingly sophisticated writing and speaking are marked with an asterisk (*).

Grade 6

Conventions of Standard English

  1. 6.L.1 Demonstrate command of the conventions of standard English grammar and usage when writing or speaking.

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    1. 6.L.1.1 Ensure that pronouns are in the proper case (subjective, objective, possessive).
    2. 6.L.1.2 Use intensive pronouns (e.g., myself, ourselves).
    3. 6.L.1.3 Recognize and correct inappropriate shifts in pronoun number and person.*
    4. 6.L.1.4 Recognize and correct vague pronouns (i.e., ones with unclear or ambiguous antecedents).*
    5. 6.L.1.5 Recognize variations from standard English in their own and others’ writing and speaking, and identify and use strategies to improve expression in conventional language.*
  2. 6.L.2 Demonstrate command of the conventions of standard English capitalization, punctuation, and spelling when writing.

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    1. 6.L.2.1 Use punctuation (commas, parentheses, dashes) to set off nonrestrictive/parenthetical elements.*
    2. 6.L.2.2 Spell correctly.

Knowledge of Language

  1. 6.L.3 Use knowledge of language and its conventions when writing, speaking, reading, or listening.

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    1. 6.L.3.1 Vary sentence patterns for meaning, reader/listener interest, and style.*
    2. 6.L.3.2 Maintain consistency in style and tone.*

Vocabulary Acquisition and Use

  1. 6.L.4 Determine or clarify the meaning of unknown and multiple-meaning words and phrases based on grade 6 reading and content, choosing flexibly from a range of strategies.

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    1. 6.L.4.1 Use context (e.g., the overall meaning of a sentence or paragraph; a word’s position or function in a sentence) as a clue to the meaning of a word or phrase.
    2. 6.L.4.2 Use common, grade-appropriate Greek or Latin affixes and roots as clues to the meaning of a word (e.g., audience, auditory, audible).
    3. 6.L.4.3 Consult reference materials (e.g., dictionaries, glossaries, thesauruses), both print and digital, to find the pronunciation of a word or determine or clarify its precise meaning or its part of speech.
    4. 6.L.4.1 Verify the preliminary determination of the meaning of a word or phrase (e.g., by checking the inferred meaning in context or in a dictionary).
  2. 6.L.5 Demonstrate understanding of figurative language, word relationships, and nuances in word meanings.

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    1. 6.L.5.1 Interpret figures of speech (e.g., personification) in context.
    2. 6.L.5.2 Use the relationship between particular words (e.g., cause/effect, part/whole, item/category) to better understand each of the words.
    3. 6.L.5.3 Distinguish among the connotations (associations) of words with similar denotations (definitions) (e.g., stingy, scrimping, economical, unwasteful, thrifty).
  3. 6.L.6 Acquire and use accurately grade-appropriate general academic and domain-specific words and phrases; gather vocabulary knowledge when considering a word or phrase important to comprehension or expression.

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Grade 7

Conventions of Standard English

  1. 7.L.1 Demonstrate command of the conventions of standard English grammar and usage when writing or speaking.

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    1. 7.L.1.1 Explain the function of phrases and clauses in general and their function in specific sentences.
    2. 7.L.1.2 Choose among simple, compound, complex, and compound-complex sentences to signal differing relationships among ideas.
    3. 7.L.1.3 Place phrases and clauses within a sentence, recognizing and correcting misplaced and dangling modifiers.*
  2. 7.L.2 Demonstrate command of the conventions of standard English capitalization, punctuation, and spelling when writing.

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    1. 7.L.2.1 Use a comma to separate coordinate adjectives (e.g., It was a fascinating, enjoyable movie but not He wore an old[,] green shirt).
    2. 7.L.2.2 Spell correctly.

Knowledge of Language

  1. 7.L.3 Use knowledge of language and its conventions when writing, speaking, reading, or listening.

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    1. 7.L.3.1 Choose language that expresses ideas precisely and concisely, recognizing and eliminating wordiness and redundancy.*

Vocabulary Acquisition and Use

  1. 7.L.4 Determine or clarify the meaning of unknown and multiple-meaning words and phrases based on grade 7 reading and content, choosing flexibly from a range of strategies.

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    1. 7.L.4.1 Use context (e.g., the overall meaning of a sentence or paragraph; a word’s position or function in a sentence) as a clue to the meaning of a word or phrase.
    2. 7.L.4.2 Use common, grade-appropriate Greek or Latin affixes and roots as clues to the meaning of a word (e.g., belligerent, bellicose, rebel).
    3. 7.L.4.3 Consult general and specialized reference materials (e.g., dictionaries, glossaries, thesauruses), both print and digital, to find the pronunciation of a word or determine or clarify its precise meaning or its part of speech.
    4. 7.L.4.4 Verify the preliminary determination of the meaning of a word or phrase (e.g., by checking the inferred meaning in context or in a dictionary).
  2. 7.L.5 Demonstrate understanding of figurative language, word relationships, and nuances in word meanings.

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    1. 7.L.5.1 Interpret figures of speech (e.g., literary, biblical, and mythological allusions) in context.
    2. 7.L.5.2 Use the relationship between particular words (e.g., synonym/antonym, analogy) to better understand each of the words.
    3. 7.L.5.3 Distinguish among the connotations (associations) of words with similar denotations (definitions) (e.g., refined, respectful, polite, diplomatic, condescending).
  3. 7.L.6 Acquire and use accurately grade-appropriate general academic and domain-specific words and phrases; gather vocabulary knowledge when considering a word or phrase important to comprehension or expression.

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Grade 8

Conventions of Standard English

  1. 8.L.1 Demonstrate command of the conventions of standard English grammar and usage when writing or speaking.

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    1. 8.L.1.1 Explain the function of verbals (gerunds, participles, infinitives) in general and their function in particular sentences.
    2. 8.L.1.2 Form and use verbs in the active and passive voice.
    3. 8.L.1.3 Form and use verbs in the indicative, imperative, interrogative, conditional, and subjunctive mood.
    4. 8.L.1.4 Recognize and correct inappropriate shifts in verb voice and mood.*
  2. 8.L.2 Demonstrate command of the conventions of standard English capitalization, punctuation, and spelling when writing.

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    1. 8.L.2.1 Use punctuation (comma, ellipsis, dash) to indicate a pause or break.
    2. 8.L.2.2 Use an ellipsis to indicate an omission.
    3. 8.L.2.3 Spell correctly.

Knowledge of Language

  1. 8.L.3 Use knowledge of language and its conventions when writing, speaking, reading, or listening.

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    1. 8.L.3.1 Use verbs in the active and passive voice and in the conditional and subjunctive mood to achieve particular effects (e.g., emphasizing the actor or the action; expressing uncertainty or describing a state contrary to fact).

Vocabulary Acquisition and Use

  1. 8.L.4 Determine or clarify the meaning of unknown and multiple-meaning words or phrases based on grade 8 reading and content, choosing flexibly from a range of strategies.

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    1. 8.L.4.1 Use context (e.g., the overall meaning of a sentence or paragraph; a word’s position or function in a sentence) as a clue to the meaning of a word or phrase.
    2. 8.L.4.2 Use common, grade-appropriate Greek or Latin affixes and roots as clues to the meaning of a word (e.g., precede, recede, secede).
    3. 8.L.4.3 Consult general and specialized reference materials (e.g., dictionaries, glossaries, thesauruses), both print and digital, to find the pronunciation of a word or determine or clarify its precise meaning or its part of speech.
    4. 8.L.4.4 Verify the preliminary determination of the meaning of a word or phrase (e.g., by checking the inferred meaning in context or in a dictionary).
  2. 8.L.5 Demonstrate understanding of figurative language, word relationships, and nuances in word meanings.

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    1. 8.L.5.1 Interpret figures of speech (e.g. verbal irony, puns) in context.
    2. 8.L.5.2 Use the relationship between particular words to better understand each of the words.
    3. 8.L.5.3 Distinguish among the connotations (associations) of words with similar denotations (definitions) (e.g., bullheaded, willful, firm, persistent, resolute).
  3. 8.L.6 Acquire and use accurately grade-appropriate general academic and domain-specific words and phrases; gather vocabulary knowledge when considering a word or phrase important to comprehension or expression.

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Grade 9-10

Conventions of Standard English

  1. 9-10.L.1 Demonstrate command of the conventions of standard English grammar and usage when writing or speaking.

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    1. 9-10.L.1.1 Use parallel structure.*
    2. 9-10.L.1.2 Use various types of phrases (noun, verb, adjectival, adverbial, participial, prepositional, absolute) and clauses (independent, dependent; noun, relative, adverbial) to convey specific meanings and add variety and interest to writing or presentations.
  2. 9-10.L.2 Demonstrate command of the conventions of standard English capitalization, punctuation, and spelling when writing.

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    1. 9-10.L.2.1 Use a semicolon (and perhaps a conjunctive adverb) to link two or more closely related independent clauses.
    2. 9-10.L.2.2 Use a colon to introduce a list or quotation.
    3. 9-10.L.2.3 Spell correctly.

Knowledge of Language

  1. 9-10.L.3 Apply knowledge of language to understand how language functions in different contexts, to make effective choices for meaning or style, and to comprehend more fully when reading or listening.

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    1. 9-10.L.3.1 Write and edit work so that it conforms to the guidelines in a style manual (e.g., MLA Handbook, Turabian’s Manual for Writers) appropriate for the discipline and writing type.

Vocabulary Acquisition and Use

  1. 9-10.L.4 Determine or clarify the meaning of unknown and multiple-meaning words and phrases based on grades 9–10 reading and content, choosing flexibly from a range of strategies.

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    1. 9-10.L.4.1 Use context (e.g., the overall meaning of a sentence, paragraph, or text; a word’s position or function in a sentence) as a clue to the meaning of a word or phrase.
    2. 9-10.L.4.2 Identify and correctly use patterns of word changes that indicate different meanings or parts of speech (e.g., analyze, analysis, analytical; advocate, advocacy).
    3. 9-10.L.4.3 Consult general and specialized reference materials (e.g., dictionaries, glossaries, thesauruses), both print and digital, to find the pronunciation of a word or determine or clarify its precise meaning, its part of speech, or its etymology.
    4. 9-10.L.4.4 Verify the preliminary determination of the meaning of a word or phrase (e.g., by checking the inferred meaning in context or in a dictionary).
  2. 9-10.L.5 Demonstrate understanding of figurative language, word relationships, and nuances in word meanings.

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    1. 9-10.L.5.1 Interpret figures of speech (e.g., euphemism, oxymoron) in context and analyze their role in the text.
    2. 9-10.L.5.2 Analyze nuances in the meaning of words with similar denotations.
  3. 9-10.L.6 Acquire and use accurately general academic and domain-specific words and phrases, sufficient for reading, writing, speaking, and listening at the college and career readiness level; demonstrate independence in gathering vocabulary knowledge when considering a word or phrase important to comprehension or expression.

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Grade 11-12

Conventions of Standard English

  1. 11-12.L.1 Demonstrate command of the conventions of standard English grammar and usage when writing or speaking.

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    1. 11-12.L.1.1 Apply the understanding that usage is a matter of convention, can change over time, and is sometimes contested.
    2. 11-12.L.1.1 Resolve issues of complex or contested usage, consulting references (e.g., Merriam-Webster’s Dictionary of English Usage, Garner’s Modern American Usage) as needed.
  2. 11-12.L.2 Demonstrate command of the conventions of standard English capitalization, punctuation, and spelling when writing.

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    1. 11-12.L.2.1 Observe hyphenation conventions.
    2. 11-12.L.2.2 Spell correctly.

Knowledge of Language

  1. 11-12.L.3 Apply knowledge of language to understand how language functions in different contexts, to make effective choices for meaning or style, and to comprehend more fully when reading or listening.

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    1. 11-12.L.3.1 Vary syntax for effect, consulting references (e.g., Tufte’s Artful Sentences) for guidance as needed; apply an understanding of syntax to the study of complex texts when reading.
  2. 11-12.L.4 Determine or clarify the meaning of unknown and multiple-meaning words and phrases based on grades 11–12 reading and content, choosing flexibly from a range of strategies.

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    1. 11-12.L.4.1 Use context (e.g., the overall meaning of a sentence, paragraph, or text; a word’s position or function in a sentence) as a clue to the meaning of a word or phrase.
    2. 11-12.L.4.2 Identify and correctly use patterns of word changes that indicate different meanings or parts of speech (e.g., conceive, conception, conceivable).
    3. 11-12.L.4.3 Consult general and specialized reference materials (e.g., dictionaries, glossaries, thesauruses), both print and digital, to find the pronunciation of a word or determine or clarify its precise meaning, its part of speech, its etymology, or its standard usage.
    4. 11-12.L.4.4 Verify the preliminary determination of the meaning of a word or phrase (e.g., by checking the inferred meaning in context or in a dictionary).
  4. 11-12.L.5 Demonstrate understanding of figurative language, word relationships, and nuances in word meanings.

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    1. 11-12.L.5.1 Interpret figures of speech (e.g., hyperbole, paradox) in context and analyze their role in the text.
    2. 11-12.L.5.2 Analyze nuances in the meaning of words with similar denotations.
  5. 11-12.L.6 Acquire and use accurately general academic and domain-specific words and phrases, sufficient for reading, writing, speaking, and listening at the college and career readiness level; demonstrate independence in gathering vocabulary knowledge when considering a word or phrase important to comprehension or expression.

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Language Progressive Skills

The following skills, marked with an asterisk (*) in Language standards 1–3, are particularly likely to require continued attention in higher grades as they are applied to increasingly sophisticated writing and speaking.

Standard Grade 3 Grade 4 Grade 5 Grade 6 Grade 7 Grade 8 Grades 9-10 Grade 11-12
L.3.1f. Ensure subject-verb and pronoun-antecedent agreement. Yes Yes Yes Yes Yes Yes Yes Yes
L.3.a. Choose words and phrases for effect. Yes Yes Yes Yes Yes Yes Yes Yes
L.3.3a. Produce complete sentences, recognizing and correcting inappropriate fragments and run-ons. Yes Yes Yes Yes Yes Yes Yes
L.4.1g. Correctly use frequently confused words (e.g., to/too/two; there/their). Yes Yes Yes Yes Yes Yes Yes
L.4.3a. Choose words and phrases to convey ideas precisely.1 Yes Yes Yes
L.4.3b. Choose punctuation for effect. Yes Yes Yes Yes Yes Yes Yes
L.5.1d. Recognize and correct inappropriate shifts in verb tense. Yes Yes Yes Yes Yes Yes
L.5.2a. Use punctuation to separate items in a series.2 Yes Yes Yes Yes
L.6.1c. Recognize and correct inappropriate shifts in pronoun number and person. Yes Yes Yes Yes Yes
L.6.1d. Recognize and correct vague pronouns (i.e., ones with unclear or ambiguous antecedents). Yes Yes Yes Yes Yes
L.6.1e. Recognize variations from standard English in their own and others’ writing and speaking, and identify and use strategies to improve expression in conventional language. Yes Yes Yes Yes Yes
L.6.2a. Use punctuation (commas, parentheses, dashes) to set off nonrestrictive/parenthetical elements. Yes Yes Yes Yes Yes
L.6.3a. Vary sentence patterns for meaning, reader/listener interest, and style.3 Yes Yes Yes Yes
L.6.3b. Maintain consistency in style and tone. Yes Yes Yes Yes Yes
L.7.1c. Place phrases and clauses within a sentence, recognizing and correcting misplaced and dangling modifiers. Yes Yes Yes Yes
L.7.3a. Choose language that expresses ideas precisely and concisely, recognizing and eliminating wordiness and redundancy. Yes Yes Yes Yes
L.8.1d. Recognize and correct inappropriate shifts in verb voice and mood. Yes Yes Yes
L.9–10.1a. Use parallel structure. Yes Yes