In Grade 7, students continue to grow in their ability to understand and respond to ideas and concepts in texts and the spoken word by completing rigorous integrated units of study based on the Maryland College and Career Ready (MCCR) Standards. These require students to:
· cite several pieces of textual evidence from both literary and informational texts to support ideas and claims
· determine a theme or central idea of a text and analyze its development throughout the text
· compose an objective summary of the text
· determine the meaning of words and phrases as they are used in a text and the impact of word choice on meaning and tone
· determine the connotative and figurative meanings of words and phrases as used in a text
· analyze the structure of a text
· analyze how an author develops or changes point of view in a text
· trace and evaluate the argument and claims in a text
· compare and contrast formats of similar texts in different media
· compare and contrast fictional ideas with historical accounts of the same context
· write arguments to support claims with clear reasons and relevant evidence and to address counterclaims appropriately and effectively
· write informative/explanatory texts that examine content through careful selection, organization, and analysis of relevant content
· write narrative to develop real or imagined experiences or events using effect sequencing and detail.
· produce writing which is clear and coherent with appropriate style for audience, task, and purpose
· With some guidance, develop and strengthen writing by planning, revising, editing, rewriting, or trying a new approach, focusing on how well purpose and audience have been addressed.
· conduct short research projects to answer a question, using several sources through technology
· draw evidence from texts to support analysis, reflection, and research
· participate in discussions with peers, posing questions and responding to other’s ides with relevant observation and ideas
· analyze main ideas and supporting details in diverse media formats
· analyze speaker’s arguments, evaluating the soundness of the reasoning and relevance of evidence
· include multimedia components and visual displays in presentations to clarify and emphasize.
· demonstrate command of conventions of standard English, particularly those involving correct usage of clauses, phrases, and sentences and the correct use of commas.
· determine or clarify meaning of unknown and multiple-meaning words and phrases using context, word parts, and reference materials when necessary
· demonstrate understanding of figurative language, shades of meaning and nuances in word meanings.