Standard 1: Reading SEVENTH GRADE Reading: The student reads and comprehends text across the curriculum. Benchmark 1: The student uses skills in alphabetics to construct meaning from text. No standards at this level Benchmark 2: The student reads fluently. 1. uses knowledge of conventions and text features to read fluently at instructional or independent reading levels. 2. reads expressively with appropriate pace, phrasing, intonation, and rhythm of speech. 3. uses knowledge of complex sentence structure to read fluently at instructional or independent reading levels. 4. uses a variety of word-recognition strategies (e.g., orthographic patterns, reading and writing text) to read fluently. 5. adjusts reading rate to support comprehension when reading narrative, expository, technical, and persuasive texts. Benchmark 3: The student expands vocabulary. 1. determines meaning of words or phrases using context clues (e.g., definitions, restatements, examples, descriptions, comparison-contrast, clue words) from sentences or paragraphs. SE: Reading rate, adjust: to recognize main ideas/key points, 421, 429; Reading rate chart, 773; Read aloud, 647, R22; Reading fluency checklist, R23; also see: Reread: to confirm meaning, 49, to clarify meaning, 665; Read: closely, 421, according to punctuation, R23 SE: Listening and Speaking: Dramatic reading, 47, Poetry reading, 663, Rhythmic presentation, 707, Dramatic monologue, 809; also see: Reading rate, adjust: to recognize main ideas/key points, 421, 429; Reading rate chart, 773; Read aloud, 647, R22; Reading fluency checklist, R23 SE: Sentence fluency, 643, 883; also see: Sentences: fragment, 489, 703, R40; run-on, 703; structures (types), 682, R40; categories (functions), 858, R40 SE: Word Study, 31, 45, 59, 67, 111, 125, 137, 149, 225, 245, 257, 277, 319, 333, 338, 343, 359, 422, 429, 430, 437, 449, 457, 497, 503, 515, 525, 591, 597, 602, 609, 617, 655, 661, 673, 681, 769, 807, 857, 921, 931, 943, 955, 997, 1003, 1015, 1023 SE: Reading rate, adjust: to recognize main ideas/key points, 421, 429; Reading rate chart, 773; Read aloud, 647, R22; Reading fluency checklist, R23; also see: Reread: to confirm meaning, 49, to clarify meaning, 665; Read: closely, 421, according to punctuation, R23 SE: Context clues, use, fiction/nonfiction, 23, 28, 31, 35, 37, 43, 45, 49, 55, 57, 59, 63, 67; Test Practice, 70, 401 1
2. locates and uses reference materials available in the classroom, school, and public libraries (e.g., dictionaries, thesauri, atlases, encyclopedias, internet) that are appropriate to the task. 3. determines meaning of words through structural analysis, using knowledge of Greek, Latin, and Anglo-Saxon roots, prefixes, and suffixes to understand complex words, including words in science, mathematics, and social studies. 4. identifies and determines the meaning of figurative language, similes, metaphors, analogies, hyperbole, onomatopoeia, personification, and idioms. 5. identifies word connotations and word denotations. SE: Writing Workshop: Multimedia Report, 824 829; Research Report, 1040 1049; Communications Workshop: Research Presentation, 1054; See also: Research and Technology: Outline, 279; Poster, 361; Scientific Explanation, 619; Survey, 683; Costume Plans, 771 SE: Latin prefixes, 31, 45, 59, 67, 319, 333, 673, 681, 807, 943, 955; Roots, 100, 111, 112, 125, 130, 137, 138, 149, 250, 257, 258, 277, 442, 449, 450, 457, 492, 497, 498, 503, 508, 515, 516, 525, 584, 591, 592, 597, 738, 769, 832, 857, 914, 921, 922, 931, 1008, 1015, 1016, 1023; Suffixes, 225, 245, 343, 359, 429, 437, 602, 609, 617, 655, 661, 997, 1003; Vocabulary Workshop: Word Origins, 394 SE: Figurative language, 574, 601, 607, 609, 613, 615, 617, 1052, R15; Sound devices, 580, 647, 651, 654, 655, 661, 665, R19; Comparing imagery, 692; Writing to compare imagery, 697; Vocabulary Workshop: Figurative Language, 1052-1053 SE: Connotation, Denotation, 708 Benchmark 4: The student comprehends a variety of texts (narrative, expository, technical, and persuasive). 1. identifies characteristics of narrative, expository, technical, and persuasive texts. SE: Professional Models: Fiction (Peck), 179; Short story (Myers), 387; Comparison-andcontrast essay (Mühlberger), 551; Persuasive essay (Mora), 701; Cause-and-effect essay (Yep), 881; Research in fiction (Scieszka), 1043; also see: Student model: Descriptive essay, 96; Autobiographical narrative, 182; Response/Review, 306; Short story, 390; Howto essay, 488; Comparison-and-contrast essay, 554; Problem-and-solution essay, 644; Persuasive essay, 704; Multimedia report, 828; Cause-and-effect essay, 884; Workplace writing, 986; Research report, 1046; Bibliography, 1048 2
2. understands the purpose of text features (e.g., title, graphs/charts and maps, table of contents, pictures/illustrations, boldface type, italics, glossary, index, headings, subheadings, topic and summary sentences, captions, sidebars, underlining, numbered or bulleted lists) and uses such features to locate information in and to gain meaning from appropriate-level texts. 3. uses prior knowledge, content, and text type features to make, to revise, and to confirm predictions. 4. generates and responds logically to literal, inferential, evaluative, synthesizing, and critical thinking questions before, during, and after reading the text. 5. uses information from the text to make inferences and draw conclusions. 6. analyzes how text structure (e.g., sequence, problem-solution, comparisoncontrast, description, cause-effect) helps support comprehension of text. SE: Informational Texts: Locate types of information (atlas and public document), 72 77; Analyze structure and purpose (application and contract), 154 159; understand text structure and purpose (article and encyclopedia entry), 282 287; structure and purpose (instructional manual and sign), 530 535; technical directions (technical directions and product warranty), 622 627; analyze cause and effect organization (textbook article and question and answer), 960 965; also see: Research and Technology: scientific explanation, 619 SE: Predictions, make/verify: use prior knowledge, 217, 221, 225, 230, 233, 239, 245; read ahead/reread, 249, 253, 257, 263, 266, 270, 272, 274, 275, 277; Test Practice, 280; Preview text before reading, 737, 769 SE: Critical Reading: Respond to Big Question, 184, 392, 556, 706, 886, 1050; Respond, 21, 30, 44, 58, 66, 85, 110, 124, 136, 148, 199, 215, 224, 244, 256, 276, 295, 318, 332, 340, 358, 419, 428, 436, 473, 482, 496, 502, 514, 541, 546, 581, 608, 616, 635, 638, 654, 660, 672, 680, 735, 768, 806, 856, 873, 876, 911, 920, 930, 942, 954, 980, 996, 1002, 1014, 1022, 1037, 1038 SE: Inferences, make: recognize details, 309, 315, 318, 319, 322, 324, 327, 329, 330, 333, 341, 343, ask questions, 337, 348, 349, 352, 358, 359, Test Practice, 362, connect ideas, 364; Conclusions, draw: asking questions, 583, 590, 591, 594, 597, connecting details, 601, 608, 609, 613, 615, 617, Test Practice, 620 SE: Informational Texts: analyze structure and purpose, 154 159, understand text structure and purpose, 282 287, analyzing author s argument, 462 467, structure and purpose, 530 535, analyze cause and effect organization, 960 965; also see: Chronological Order, 23, 485; Elements f Nonfiction, 411; Cause/Effect, 913, 935; Compare/Contrast, 987, 1007 3
7. compares and contrasts varying aspects (e.g., characters' traits and motives, themes, problem-solution, cause-effect relationships, ideas and concepts, procedures, viewpoints, authors' purposes) in one or more appropriate-level texts. 8. explains cause-effect relationships in appropriate-level narrative, expository, technical, and persuasive texts. 9. uses paraphrasing and organizational skills to summarize information (e.g., stated and implied main ideas, main events, important details) from appropriate-level narrative, expository, technical, and persuasive texts in logical order. 10. identifies the topic, main idea(s), supporting details, and theme(s) in text across the content areas and from a variety of sources in appropriate-level texts. 11. explains the relationship between elements of an author s style in a text (e.g., word choice, sentence structure) and his or her purpose for writing the text. 12. establishes purposes for both assigned and self-selected reading (e.g., to be informed, to follow directions, to be entertained, to solve problems). SE: Comparing Fiction and Nonfiction, 78; Writing to compare fiction and non fiction, 91; Comparing Characters, 160, 818; Writing to compare characters (after you read), 175; Comparing Idioms, 288; Comparing Irony, 370; Writing to compare Irony, 383; Listening and Speaking: comparing responses to literature, 459; Comparing Biography and Autobiography, 468; Writing to compare biography and autobiography, 483; Comparing Humor, 536; Writing to compare humor, 547; Comparing Narrative Poems, 628; Comparing imagery, 692; Writing to compare imagery, 697; Characters Motives, 830; Comparing Dramatic Speeches, 866; Writing to compare dramatic speeches (shape attitude towards characters), 877; Comparing Universal Themes, 966; Compare and contrast characters, 1007; Writing: review of folktale, 1025; Comparing Tone and Theme, 1034, 1039; also see: Comparing informational texts, 77, 159, 287, 369, 467, 535, 627, 691, 817, 865, 965, 1033 SE: Cause and Effect, 913, 935 Informational Texts: analyze cause and effect organization, 960 965; also see: Cause and effect organization, 411; Cause and effect essay, 878, 897, R24 SE: Paraphrase: poetry, 647, 652, 655, 658, 661, 665, 669, 673, 677, 681, to determine main idea, 686, Test Practice, 684, 691; Summarize: drama, 831, 836, 841, 842, 844, 845, 846, 851, 853, 854, 857, Test Practice, 860, stop reading periodically to, R22 SE: Main idea, 421, 441; Paraphrase, 647, 686; Summarize, 831; also see: Informational Texts: connecting ideas to make inferences and generalizations, 364 369, analyzing author s argument, 462 467, main idea, 686 691, identify author s perspective, 812 817, identify bias and stereotyping, 862 865 SE: Author's purpose, 99, 129, 411; Identify bias and stereotyping, 862 865, Analyze point of view, 1028 1033; also see: Informational Texts: Analyze structure and purpose, 154 159, Analyzing author s argument, 462 467, Structure and purpose, 530 535, Identify author s perspective, 812 817 SE: Purpose for reading, 408, 737 4
13. follows directions explained in technical text. 14. identifies the author's position in a persuasive text and describes techniques the author uses to support that position (e.g., bandwagon approach, glittering generalities, testimonials, citing statistics, other techniques that appeal to reason or emotion). 15. distinguishes between fact and opinion, and recognizes propaganda (e.g., advertising, media, politics, warfare), bias, and stereotypes in various types of appropriate-level texts. SE: Informational Texts: Write directions/draw a map, 364 369, R31, structure and purpose (instructional manual and sign), 530 535 SE: Informational Texts: analyzing author s argument (web page and textbook article), 462 467; identify author s perspective (review and interview), 812 817; identify bias and stereotyping (editorials), 862 865; analyze point of view (editorials), 1028 1033; also see: Persuasive essay, 491, 495, 497, 503, 698, 701, 717, R15 SE: Facts and opinion, 491, 503, 507; also see: Informational Texts: analyzing author s argument (web page and textbook article), 462 467; identify author s perspective (review and interview), 812 817; identify bias and stereotyping (editorials), 862 865; analyze point of view (editorials), 1028 1033; Persuasive essay, 491, 495, 497, 503, 698, 701, 717, R15 Standard 2: Literature SEVENTH GRADE Literature: The student responds to a variety of text. Benchmark 1: The student uses literary concepts to interpret and respond to text. 1. describes different aspects of major and minor characters (e.g., their physical traits, personality traits, feelings, actions, motives) and explains how those aspects influence characters' interactions with other characters and elements of the plot, including resolution of the major conflict. 2. identifies and describes the setting (e.g., environment, time of day or year, historical period, situation, place) and analyzes connections between the setting and other story elements (e.g., character, plot). 3. identifies major and minor elements of the plot (e.g., problem or conflict, climax, resolution, rising action, falling action, subplots, parallel episodes) and explains how these elements relate to one another. 4. recognizes aspects of theme (e.g., moral, lesson, meaning, message, author's ideas about the subject) and recurring themes across works (e.g., bravery, loneliness, loyalty, friendship). SE: Comparing Literary Works: Comparing Characters, 160, 818; Writing to compare characters (after you read), 175; Comparing Biography and Autobiography, 468; Characters Motives, 830; Comparing Dramatic Speeches, 866; Test Practice, 892; Compare and contrast characters, 1007; also see: Test Practice: Unit Review, 190, 398, 1056 SE: Setting, fiction/nonfiction, 99, 103, 105, 109, 111, 118, 121, 125, 178; short story, 202, 215, 386 SE: Plot, 6, 9, 15, 178, 202, 217, 222, 223, 224, 225, 229, 232, 235, 236, 238, 240, 241, 242, 243, 245, 386, R18; also see: Foreshadowing and flashback, 203, 204; Test Practice: Reading, 280, 362, 398; Conflict, and resolution, 309 SE: Theme (elements of short stories), 202; Literary analysis: theme, 337; Universal theme (characteristics of oral tradition), 904; Comparing Universal Themes, 966 981; Comparing Tone and Theme, 1034, 1039 5
5. identifies literary devices (e.g., foreshadowing, flashback, figurative language, irony, metaphor, tone/mood, symbolism). SE: Mood, 93, 94, R13; Foreshadowing, Flashback, 203, 204, 212, 215, R15; Figurative language, poetry, 574, 601, 607, 609, 613, 615, 617; Irony: short story, 203, 374, 375, 377, 379, 380, 381, 383; Symbol, 574, 601, 609, 617, R20; Tone, 1034, R20 Benchmark 2: The student understands the significance of literature and its contributions to various cultures. 1. identifies common structures and stylistic elements in literature, folklore, and myths from a variety of cultures. 2. compares and contrasts customs and ideas within literature representing a variety of cultures. 3. recognizes connections between cultures and experiences through a variety of texts. SE: What is storytelling?, 902 903; Characteristics of the Oral Tradition, 904 905; Literary Analysis: myth, 913; Comparing Universal Themes, 966; Literary Analysis: folk tale, 1007; Comparing Tone and Theme, 1034 SE: Characteristics of the Oral Tradition, 904 905; Literary Analysis: myth, 913; Comparing Universal Themes, 966; Literary Analysis: folk tale, 1007; Comparing Tone and Theme, 1034 SE: Comparing Universal Themes, 966; Literary Analysis: folk tale, 1007; Comparing Tone and Theme, 1034 6