High School ELA PA Core Standards

Conventions of Standard English

Integration of Knowledge and Ideas - Multimedia

Presentation of Knowledge and Ideas - Context

Presentation of Knowledge and Ideas - Purpose, Audience, and Task

Comprehension and Collaboration - Evaluating Information

Comprehension and Collaboration - Critical Listening

Comprehension and Collaboration - Collaborative Discussion

Range of Writing

Credibility, Reliability, and Validity of Sources

Conducting Research

Technology and Publication

Production and Distribution of Writing - Writing Process

Response to Literature

Narrative - Conventions of Language

Narrative - Style

Narrative - Organization

Narrative - Content

Narrative - Focus

Narrative

Opinion/Argumentative - Conventions of Language

Opinion/Argumentative - Style

Opinion/Argumentative - Organization

Opinion/Argumentative - Content

Opinion/Argumentative - Focus

Opinion/Argumentative

Informative/Explanatory - Conventions of Language

Informative/Explanatory - Style

Informative/Explanatory - Organization

Informative/Explanatory - Content

Informative/Explanatory - Focus

Informative/Explanatory

Range of Reading

Vocabulary Acquisition and Use

Integration of Knowledge and Ideas

Integration of Knowledge and Ideas - Sources of Information

Craft and Structure - Vocabulary

Craft and Structure - Text Structure

Craft and Structure - Point of View

Key Ideas and Details - Literary Elements

Key Ideas and Details - Text Analysis

Key Ideas and Details - Theme

Range of Reading

Vocabulary Acquisition and Use

Integration of Knowledge and Ideas - Analysis Across Texts

Integration of Knowledge and Ideas - Evaluating Arguments

Integration of Knowledge and Ideas - Diverse Media

Craft and Structure - Vocabulary

Craft and Structure - Text Structure

Craft and Structure - Point of View

Key Ideas and Details - Text Analysis

Key Ideas and Details - Main Ideas

Reading Informational Text: Students read, understand, and respond to informational text—with an emphasis on comprehension, vocabulary acquisition, and making connections among ideas and between texts with focus on textual evidence.

Determine and analyze the relationship between two or more central ideas of a text, including the development and interaction of the central ideas; provide an objective summary of the text.

Cite strong and thorough textual evidence to support analysis of what the text says explicitly, as well as inferences and conclusions based on and related to an author's implicit and explicit assumptions and beliefs.

Analyze the interaction and development of a complex set of ideas, sequence of events, or specific individuals over the course of the text.

Evaluate how an author's point of view or purpose shapes the content and style of a text.

Analyze and evaluate the effectiveness of the structure an author uses in his or her exposition or argument, including whether the structure makes points clear, convincing, and engaging.

Evaluate how words and phrases shape meaning and tone in texts.

Integrate and evaluate multiple sources of information presented in different media or formats (e.g., visually, quantitatively) as well as in words in order to address a question or solve a problem.

Analyze seminal texts based upon reasoning, premises, purposes, and arguments.

Analyze foundational U.S. and world documents of historical, political, and literary significance for their themes, purposes, and rhetorical features.

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.

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

Read and comprehend literary nonfiction and informational text on grade level, reading independently and proficiently.

Reading Literature: Students read and respond to works of literature—with an emphasis on comprehension, vocabulary acquisition, and making connections among ideas and between texts with a focus on textual evidence.

Determine and analyze the relationship between two or more themes or central ideas of a text, including the development and interaction of the themes; provide an objective summary of the text.

Cite strong and thorough textual evidence to support analysis of what the text says explicitly, as well as inferences and conclusions based on and related to an author's implicit and explicit assumptions and beliefs.

Analyze the impact of the author's choices regarding how to develop and relate elements of a story or drama.

Evaluate how an author's point of view or purpose shapes the content and style of a text.

Evaluate the structure of texts including how specific sentences, paragraphs, and larger portions of the texts relate to each other and the whole.

Evaluate how words and phrases shape meaning and tone in texts.

Analyze multiple interpretations of a story, drama, or poem (e.g., recorded or live production of a play or recorded novel or poetry), evaluating how each version interprets the source text. (Include at least one play by Shakespeare and one play by an American dramatist.)

Demonstrate knowledge of foundational works of literature that reflect a variety of genres in the respective major periods of literature, including how two or more texts from the same period treat similar themes or topics.

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

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.

Read and comprehend literary fiction on grade level, reading independently and proficiently.

Writing: Students write for different purposes and audiences. Students write clear and focused text to convey a well-defined perspective and appropriate content.

Write informative/explanatory texts to examine and convey complex ideas, concepts, and information clearly and accurately.

Write with a sharp, distinct focus identifying topic, task, and audience.

Develop and analyze the topic thoroughly by selecting the most significant and relevant facts, extended definitions, concrete details, quotations, or other information and examples appropriate to the audience's knowledge of the topic; include graphics and multimedia when useful to aiding comprehension.

Organize complex ideas, concepts, and information so that each new element builds on that which precedes it to create a whole; use appropriate and varied transitions and syntax to link the major sections of the text; provide a concluding statement or section that supports the information presented; include formatting when useful to aiding comprehension.

Write with an awareness of the stylistic aspects of composition. <ul><li>Use precise language, domain-specific vocabulary, and techniques such as metaphor, simile, and analogy to manage the complexity of the topic.</li><li>Establish and maintain a formal style and objective tone while attending to the norms of the discipline in which they are writing.</li></ul>

Demonstrate a grade-appropriate command of the conventions of standard English grammar, usage, capitalization, punctuation, and spelling.

Write arguments to support claims in an analysis of substantive topics.

Write with a sharp, distinct focus identifying topic, task, and audience. <ul><li>Introduce the precise, knowledgeable claim.</li></ul>

Distinguish the claim(s) from alternate or opposing claims; develop claim(s) and counterclaims fairly and thoroughly, supplying the most relevant evidence for each while pointing out the strengths and limitations of both in a manner that anticipates the audience's knowledge level, concerns, values, and possible biases.

Create organization that logically sequences claim(s), counterclaims, reasons, and evidence; use words, phrases, and clauses as well as varied syntax to link the major sections of the text to create cohesion and clarify the relationships between claim(s) and reasons, between reasons and evidence, and between claim(s) and counterclaims; provide a concluding statement or section that follows from and supports the argument presented.

Write with an awareness of the stylistic aspects of composition. <ul><li>Use precise language, domain-specific vocabulary, and techniques such as metaphor, simile, and analogy to manage the complexity of the topic.</li><li>Establish and maintain a formal style and objective tone while attending to the norms of the discipline in which they are writing.</li></ul>

Demonstrate a grade-appropriate command of the conventions of standard English grammar, usage, capitalization, punctuation, and spelling.

Write narratives to develop real or imagined experiences or events.

Engage and orient the reader by setting out a problem, situation, or observation and its significance, establishing one or multiple points of view, and introducing a narrator and/or characters.

Use narrative techniques such as dialogue, description, reflection, multiple plotlines, and pacing to develop experiences, events, and/or characters; use precise words and phrases, telling details, and sensory language to convey a vivid picture of the experiences, events, settings, and/or characters.

Create a smooth progression of experiences or events using a variety of techniques to sequence events so that they build on one another to create a coherent whole and build toward a particular tone and outcome; provide a conclusion that follows from and reflects on what is experienced, observed, or resolved over the course of the narrative.

Write with an awareness of the stylistic aspects of writing. <ul><li>Use parallel structure.</li><li>Use various types of phrases and clauses to convey specific meanings and add variety and interest.</li><li>Use precise language, domain-specific vocabulary, and techniques such as metaphor, simile, and analogy to manage the complexity of the topic.</li></ul>

Demonstrate a grade-appropriate command of the conventions of standard English grammar, usage, capitalization, punctuation, and spelling.

Draw evidence from literary or informational texts to support analysis, reflection, and research, applying grade-level reading standards for literature and literary nonfiction.

Develop and strengthen writing as needed by planning, revising, editing, rewriting, or trying a new approach, focusing on addressing what is most significant for a specific purpose and audience.

Use technology, including the Internet, to produce, publish, and update individual or shared writing products in response to ongoing feedback, including new arguments and information.

Conduct short as well as more sustained research projects to answer a question (including a self-generated question) or solve a problem; narrow or broaden the inquiry when appropriate; synthesize multiple sources on the subject, demonstrating understanding of the subject under investigation.

Gather relevant information from multiple authoritative print and digital sources, using advanced searches effectively; assess the strengths and limitations of each source in terms of the task, purpose, and audience; integrate information into the text selectively to maintain the flow of ideas, avoiding plagiarism and overreliance on any one source and following a standard format for citation.

Write routinely over extended time frames (time for research, reflection, and revision) and shorter time frames (a single sitting or a day or two) for a range of discipline-specific tasks, purposes, and audiences.

Speaking and Listening: Students present appropriately in formal speaking situations, listen critically, and respond intelligently as individuals or in group discussions.

Initiate and participate effectively in a range of collaborative discussions on grade-level topics, texts, and issues, building on others' ideas and expressing their own clearly and persuasively.

Evaluate how the speaker's perspective, reasoning, and use of evidence and rhetoric affect the credibility of an argument through the author's stance, premises, links among ideas, word choice, points of emphasis, and tone.

Integrate multiple sources of information presented in diverse formats and media (e.g., visually, quantitative, orally) in order to make informed decisions and solve problems, evaluating the credibility and accuracy of each source and noting any discrepancies among the data.

Present information, findings, and supporting evidence, conveying a clear and distinct perspective; organization, development, substance, and style are appropriate to purpose, audience, and task.

Adapt speech to a variety of contexts and tasks.

Make strategic use of digital media in presentations to add interest and enhance understanding of findings, reasoning, and evidence.

Demonstrate command of the conventions of standard English when speaking based on Grades 11–12 level and content.

Conventions of Standard English

Integration of Knowledge and Ideas - Multimedia

Presentation of Knowledge and Ideas - Context

Presentation of Knowledge and Ideas - Purpose, Audience, and Task

Comprehension and Collaboration - Evaluating Information

Comprehension and Collaboration - Critical Listening

Comprehension and Collaboration - Collaborative Discussion

Range of Writing

Credibility, Reliability, and Validity of Sources

Conducting Research

Technology and Publication

Production and Distribution of Writing - Writing Process

Response to Literature

Narrative - Conventions of Language

Narrative - Style

Narrative - Organization

Narrative - Content

Narrative - Focus

Narrative

Opinion/Argumentative - Conventions of Language

Opinion/Argumentative - Style

Opinion/Argumentative - Organization

Opinion/Argumentative - Content

Opinion/Argumentative - Focus

Opinion/Argumentative

Informative/Explanatory - Conventions of Language

Informative/Explanatory - Style

Informative/Explanatory - Organization

Informative/Explanatory - Content

Informative/Explanatory - Focus

Informative/Explanatory

Range of Reading

Vocabulary Acquisition and Use

Integration of Knowledge and Ideas

Integration of Knowledge and Ideas - Sources of Information

Craft and Structure - Vocabulary

Craft and Structure - Text Structure

Craft and Structure - Point of View

Key Ideas and Details - Literary Elements

Key Ideas and Details - Text Analysis

Key Ideas and Details - Theme

Range of Reading

Vocabulary Acquisition and Use

Integration of Knowledge and Ideas - Analysis Across Texts

Integration of Knowledge and Ideas - Evaluating Arguments

Integration of Knowledge and Ideas - Diverse Media

Craft and Structure - Vocabulary

Craft and Structure - Text Structure

Craft and Structure - Point of View

Key Ideas and Details - Text Analysis

Key Ideas and Details - Main Ideas

Reading Informational Text: Students read, understand, and respond to informational text—with an emphasis on comprehension, vocabulary acquisition, and making connections among ideas and between texts with focus on textual evidence.

Determine a central idea of a text and analyze its development over the course of the text, including how it emerges and is shaped and refined by specific details; provide an objective summary of the text.

Cite strong and thorough textual evidence to support analysis of what the text says explicitly, as well as inferences and conclusions based on an author's explicit assumptions and beliefs about a subject.

Apply appropriate strategies to analyze, interpret, and evaluate how an author unfolds an analysis or series of ideas or events, including the order in which the points are made, how they are introduced and developed, and the connections that are drawn between them.

Determine an author's particular point of view and analyze how rhetoric advances the point of view.

Analyze in detail how an author's ideas or claims are developed and refined by particular sentences, paragraphs, or larger portions of a text.

Analyze how words and phrases shape meaning and tone in texts.

Analyze various accounts of a subject told in different mediums (e.g., a person's life story in both print and multimedia), determining which details are emphasized in each account.

Delineate and evaluate the argument and specific claims in a text, assessing the validity of reasoning and relevance of evidence.

Analyze seminal U.S. documents of historical and literary significance, including how they address related themes and concepts.

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.

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

Read and comprehend literary nonfiction and informational text on grade level, reading independently and proficiently.

Reading Literature: Students read and respond to works of literature—with an emphasis on comprehension, vocabulary acquisition, and making connections among ideas and between texts with a focus on textual evidence.

Determine a theme or central idea of a text and analyze in detail its development over the course of the text, including how it emerges and is shaped and refined by specific details; provide an objective summary of the text.

Cite strong and thorough textual evidence to support analysis of what the text says explicitly, as well as inferences and conclusions based on an author's explicit assumptions and beliefs about a subject.

Analyze how complex characters develop over the course of a text, interact with other characters, and advance the plot or develop the theme.

Determine the point of view of the text and analyze the impact the point of view has on the meaning of the text.

Analyze how an author's choices concerning how to structure a text, order events within it, and manipulate time create an effect.

Analyze how words and phrases shape meaning and tone in texts.

Analyze the representation of a subject or a key scene in two different artistic mediums, including what is emphasized or absent in each treatment.

Analyze how an author draws on and transforms themes, topics, character types, and/or other text elements from source material in a specific work.

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

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.

Read and comprehend literary fiction on grade level, reading independently and proficiently.

Writing: Students write for different purposes and audiences. Students write clear and focused text to convey a well-defined perspective and appropriate content.

Write informative/explanatory texts to examine and convey complex ideas, concepts, and information clearly and accurately.

Write with a sharp, distinct focus identifying topic, task, and audience.

Develop and analyze the topic with relevant, well-chosen, and sufficient facts, extended definitions, concrete details, quotations, or other information and examples appropriate to the audience's knowledge of the topic; include graphics and multimedia when useful to aiding comprehension.

Organize ideas, concepts, and information to make important connections and distinctions; use appropriate and varied transitions to link the major sections of the text; include formatting when useful to aiding comprehension; provide a concluding statement or section.

Write with an awareness of the stylistic aspects of composition. <ul><li>Use precise language and domain-specific vocabulary to manage the complexity of the topic.</li><li>Establish and maintain a formal style and objective tone while attending to the norms of the discipline in which they are writing.</li></ul>

Demonstrate a grade-appropriate command of the conventions of standard English grammar, usage, capitalization, punctuation, and spelling.

Write arguments to support claims in an analysis of substantive topics.

Write with a sharp, distinct focus identifying topic, task, and audience. <ul><li>Introduce the precise claim.</li></ul>

Distinguish the claim(s) from alternate or opposing claims; develop claim(s) fairly, supplying evidence for each while pointing out the strengths and limitations of both in a manner that anticipates the audience's knowledge level and concerns.

Create organization that establishes clear relationships among claim(s), counterclaims, reasons, and evidence; use words, phrases, and clauses to link the major sections of the text, create cohesion, and clarify the relationships between claim(s) and reasons, between reasons and evidence, and between claim(s) and counterclaims; provide a concluding statement or section that follows from and supports the argument presented.

Write with an awareness of the stylistic aspects of composition. <ul><li>Use precise language and domain-specific vocabulary to manage the complexity of the topic.</li><li>Establish and maintain a formal style and objective tone while attending to the norms of the discipline in which they are writing.</li></ul>

Demonstrate a grade-appropriate command of the conventions of standard English grammar, usage, capitalization, punctuation, and spelling.

Write narratives to develop real or imagined experiences or events.

Engage and orient the reader by setting out a problem, situation, or observation, establishing one or multiple points of view, and introducing a narrator and/or characters.

Use narrative techniques such as dialogue, description, reflection, multiple plotlines, and pacing to develop experiences, events, and/or characters; use precise words and phrases, telling details, and sensory language to convey a vivid picture of the experiences, events, settings, and/or characters.

Create a smooth progression of experiences or events using a variety of techniques to sequence events so that they build on one another to create a coherent whole; provide a conclusion that follows from and reflects on what is experienced, observed, or resolved over the course of the narrative.

Write with an awareness of the stylistic aspects of writing. <ul><li>Use parallel structure.</li><li>Use various types of phrases and clauses to convey meaning and add variety and interest.</li></ul>

Demonstrate a grade-appropriate command of the conventions of standard English grammar, usage, capitalization, punctuation, and spelling.

Draw evidence from literary or informational texts to support analysis, reflection, and research, applying grade-level reading standards for literature and literary nonfiction.

Develop and strengthen writing as needed by planning, revising, editing, rewriting, or trying a new approach, focusing on addressing what is most significant for a specific purpose and audience.

Use technology, including the Internet, to produce, publish, and update individual or shared writing products, taking advantage of technology's capacity to link to other information and to display information flexibly and dynamically.

Conduct short as well as more sustained research projects to answer a question (including a self-generated question) or solve a problem; narrow or broaden the inquiry when appropriate; synthesize multiple sources on the subject, demonstrating understanding of the subject under investigation.

Gather relevant information from multiple authoritative print and digital sources, using advanced searches effectively; assess the usefulness of each source in answering the research question; integrate information into the text selectively to maintain the flow of ideas, avoiding plagiarism and following a standard format for citation.

Write routinely over extended time frames (time for research, reflection, and revision) and shorter time frames (a single sitting or a day or two) for a range of discipline-specific tasks, purposes, and audiences.

Speaking and Listening: Students present appropriately in formal speaking situations, listen critically, and respond intelligently as individuals or in group discussions.

Initiate and participate effectively in a range of collaborative discussions on grade-level topics, texts, and issues, building on others' ideas and expressing their own clearly and persuasively.

Evaluate a speaker's perspective, reasoning, and use of evidence and rhetoric, identifying any fallacious reasoning or exaggerated or distorted evidence.

Integrate multiple sources of information presented in diverse media or formats (e.g., visually, quantitatively, orally) evaluating the credibility and accuracy of each source.

Present information, findings, and supporting evidence clearly, concisely, and logically such that listeners can follow the line of reasoning; ensure that the presentation is appropriate to purpose, audience, and task.

Adapt speech to a variety of contexts and tasks.

Make strategic use of digital media in presentations to add interest and enhance understanding of findings, reasoning, and evidence.

Demonstrate command of the conventions of standard English when speaking based on Grades 9–10 level and content.