7th Grade English Language Arts

The following learning targets represent the major concepts studied and assessed in this course.

Semester 1

Unit 1

• Analyze how particular elements of a story interact (setting, characters, events, etc.).
• Use text evidence to determine the theme of a text.
• Cite evidence to support the inferences made while reading.
• Explain the point of view and how it affects meaning in a text.
• Determine the meaning (connotative, denotative, figurative) of words in a text.
• Use the writing process to create a narrative.
• Use writer's craft techniques to make a story more readable and engaging.
• Edit writing for correct spelling, punctuation, and grammar.

Unit 2

• Compare and contrast a fictional portrayal of a time, place, or character to a historical account.
• Compare and contrast a written story to its audio, filmed, staged, or multimedia version.
• Use the writing process to compose an informational essay based on research.
• Elaborate on ideas to make the reader understand and care about the essay topic.
• Use informational writer's craft techniques to write an engaging essay.
• Revise writing to improve clarity and organization.

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Semester 2

Unit 3

• Explain how a text's structure and organization contributes to meaning.
• Identify an author's viewpoint and tone.
• Explain how word choice affects meaning and tone.
• Evaluate an author’s argument and evidence for sound reasoning.
• Use the writing process to compose an argumentative essay based on research.
• Compose argument with clear claims and counterclaims.
• Use rhetorical devices to enhance argumentative essay.
• Revise and edit writing to improve readability.

Unit 4

• Explain how a picture, diagram, graph, or photograph adds to the understanding of a text.
• Identify different text features.
• Determine how visual elements contribute meaning to the text.
• Analyze how the structure of a text supports the purpose of the text.
• Use the writing process to compose a multi-genre presentation.
• Revise and edit writing and presentation to make it better.