English Language Arts — Grade 7

All questions and comments about this curriculum should be directed to the North Carolina Department of Public Instruction.

Goal 1

The learner will use language to express individual perspectives in response to personal, social, cultural, and historical issues.

Objective 1.01

Narrate an account such as a news story or historical episode which:

• creates a coherent organizing structure appropriate to purpose, audience, and context.
• orients the reader/listener to the scene, the people, and the events.
• engages the reader/listener by establishing a context and creating a point of view.
• establishes the signficance of events.

Objective 1.02

Explore expressive materials that are read, heard, and viewed by:

• monitoring comprehension for understanding of what is read, heard and/or viewed.
• summarizing the characteristics of expressive works.
• determining the importance of literary effects on the reader/viewer/listener.
• making connections between works, self and related topics.
• comparing and/or contrasting information.
• drawing inferences and/or conclusions.
• determining the main idea and/or significance of events.
• generating a learning log or journal.
• maintaining an annotated list of works read/viewed.
• creating an artistic interpretation that connects self and/or society to the selection.
• constructing and presenting book/media reviews.

Objective 1.03

Interact in group settings by:

• responding appropriately to comments and questions.
• offering personal opinions confidently without dominating.
• giving appropriate reasons that support opinions.
• soliciting and respecting another person's opinion.

Objective 1.04

Reflect on learning experiences by:

• analyzing personal learning growth and changes in perspective.
• examining changes in self throughout the learning process.
• determining how personal circumstances and background shape interaction with text.

Goal 2

The learner will synthesize and use information from a variety of sources.

Objective 2.01

Respond to informational materials that are read, heard, and/or viewed by:

• monitoring comprehension for understanding of what is read, heard and/or viewed.
• analyzing the characteristics of informational works.
• summarizing information.
• determining the importance of information.
• making connections to related topics/information.
• drawing inferences and/or conclusions.
• generating questions.

Objective 2.02

Use multiple sources of print and non-print information in designing and developing informational materials (such as brochures, newsletters and informercials) through:

• identifying and using appropriate primary and secondary sources.
• comparing, contrasting, and evaluating information from different sources about the same topic.
• evaluating information for extraneous details, inconsistencies, relevant facts, and organization.

Goal 3

The learner will refine the understanding and use of argument.

Objective 3.01

Analyze a variety of public documents that establish a position or point of view by:

• monitoring comprehension for understanding of what is read, heard and /or viewed.
• identifying the arguments and positions stated or implied and the evidence used to support them.
• recognizing bias, emotional factors, and/or semantic slanting.
• examining the effectiveness of style, tone, and use of language.
• summarizing the author's purpose and stance.
• examining the importance and impact of establishing a position or point-of-view.
• making connections between works, self and related topics.
• drawing inferences.
• responding to public documents (such as but not limited to editorials, reviews, local/state/national policies/issues).

Objective 3.02

Use the problem-solution process by:

• studying problems and solutions within various texts and situations.
• utilizing the problem-solution process within various contexts/situations.
• constructing essays/presentations that respond to a given problem by proposing a solution that includes relevant details.
• recognizing and/or creating an organizing structure appropriate to purpose, audience, and context.

Objective 3.03

Create arguments that evaluate by:

• understand the importance of establishing a firm judgment.
• justifying the judgment with logical, relevant reasons, clear examples, and supporting details.
• creating an organizing structure appropriate to purpose, audience, and context.

Goal 4

The learner will refine critical thinking skills and create criteria to evaluate text and multimedia.

Objective 4.01

Analyze the purpose of the author or creator by:

• monitoring comprehension for understanding of what is read, heard and/or viewed.
• examining any bias, apparent or hidden messages, emotional factors, or propaganda techniques.
• exploring and evaluating the underlying assumptions of the author/creator.
• understanding the effect of the author's craft on the reader/viewer/listener.

Objective 4.02

Develop (with assistance) and apply appropriate criteria to evaluate the quality of the communication by:

• using knowledge of language structure and literary or media techniques.
• drawing conclusions based on evidence, reasons, or relevant information.
• considering the implications, consequences, or impact of those conclusions.

Objective 4.03

Develop the stance of a critic by:

• considering and presenting alternative points of view or reasons.
• remaining fair-minded and open to other interpretations.
• creating a critical response/review of a work/topic.

Goal 5

The learner will respond to various literary genres using interpretive and evaluative processes.

Objective 5.01

Increase fluency, comprehension, and insight through a meaningful and comprehensive reading program by:

• using effective reading strategies to match type of text.
• reading self-selected literature and other materials of individual interest.
• reading literature and other materials selected by the teacher.
• assuming an active role in teacher-student conferences.
• engaging in small group discussions.
• taking an active role in whole class seminars.
• analyzing the effects on texts of such literary devices as figuarative language, dialogue, flashback, allusion, and irony.
• analyzing the effects of such elements as plot, theme, point of view, characterization, mood, and style.
• analyzing themes and central ideas in literature and other texts in relation to personal issues/experiences.
• extending understanding by creating products for different purposes, different audiences and within various contexts.
• analyzing the connections of relationships between and among characters, ideas, concepts, and/or experiences.

Objective 5.02

Study the characteristics of literary genres (fiction, nonfiction, drama, and poetry) through:

• reading a variety of literature and other text (e.g., mysteries, novels, science fiction, historical documents, newspapers, skits, lyric poems).
• analyzing what effect genre specific characteristics have on the meaning of the work.
• analyzing how the author's choice and use of a genre shapes the meaning of the literary work.
• analyzing what impact literary elements have on the meaning of the text such as the influence of setting on the problem and its resolution.

Goal 6

The learner will apply conventions of application of grammar and language usage.

Objective 6.01

Model an understanding of conventional written and spoken expression by:

• using a variety of sentences correctly, punctuating them properly, and avoiding fragments and run-ons.
• using subject-verb agreement and verb tense that are appropriate for the meaning of the sentence.
• applying the parts of speech to clarify language usage.
• using pronouns correctly, including clear antecedents and correct case.
• using phrases and clauses correctly, including proper punctuation (e.g., prepositional phrases, appositives, dependent and independent clauses).
• determining the meaning of unfamiliar vocabulary words using context clues, a dictionary, a glossary, a thesaurus, and/or structural analysis (roots, prefixes, suffixes) of words.
• extending vocabulary knowledge by learning and using new words.
• determining when and where dialects and standard/nonstandard English usage are appropriate.
• applying language conventions and usage during oral presentations.
• choosing language that is precise, engaging, and well suited to the topic and audience.
• experimenting with figurative language and speech patterns.

Objective 6.02

Continue to identify and edit errors in spoken and written English by:

• using common spelling rules, applying common spelling patterns, and developing and mastering an individualized list of words that are commonly misspelled.
• mastering proofreading symbols for editing.
• producing final drafts/presentations that demonstrate accurate spelling and the correct use of punctuation, capitalization, and format.
• listening to and monitoring self to correct errors.