Language Arts Knowledge and Skills

(6) Word Identification - The student uses a variety of word recognition strategies.

(7) Fluency - The student reads with fluency and understanding in texts at appropriate difficulty levels.

(8) Variety of Texts - The student reads widely for different purposes in varied sources.

(9) Vocabulary Development - The student acquires an extensive vocabulary through reading and systematic word study.

(10) Comprehension - The student uses a variety of strategies to comprehend a wide range of texts of increasing levels of difficulty.

(11) Literary Response - The student expresses and supports responses to various types of texts.

(12) Text Structures/Literary Concepts - The student analyzes the characteristics of various types of texts (genres).

(13) Inquiry/Research - The student inquires and conducts research using a variety of sources.

(14) Culture - The student reads to increase knowledge of his/her own culture, the culture of others, and the common elements of cultures.

(15) Purposes - The student writes for a variety of audiences and purposes and in a variety of forms.

(16) Penmanship/Capitalization/Punctuation/Spelling - The student composes original texts, applying the conventions of written language such as capitalization, punctuation, handwriting, penmanship and spelling to communicate clearly.

(17) Grammar/Usage - The student applies standard grammar and usage to communicate clearly and effectively in writing.

Listening/Speaking
(1) Purposes - The student listens actively and purposefully in a variety of settings.
(A) determine the purposes for listening such as to gain information, to solve problems, or to enjoy and appreciate
(B) eliminate barriers to effective listening
(C) understand the major ideas and supporting evidence in spoken messages
(D) listen to learn by taking notes, organizing, and summarizing spoken ideas
(2) Critical Listening - The student listens critically to analyze and evaluate a speaker's message(s).
(A) interpret speakers' messages (both verbal and nonverbal), purposes, and perspectives
(B) analyze a speaker's persuasive techniques and credibility
(C) distinguish between the speaker's opinion and verifiable fact
(D) monitor his/her own understanding of the spoken message and seek clarification as needed
(E) compare his/her own perception of a spoken message with the perception of others
(F) evaluate a spoken message in terms of its content, credibility, and delivery
(3) Appreciation - The student listens to enjoy and appreciate spoken language.
(A) listen to proficient, fluent models of oral reading, including selections from classic and contemporary works	Alice's Adventures in Wonderland by Lewis Carroll - A twelve-chapter performance in RealAudio by the Wired for Books Players Cinderella 26 min (MP3 format) - read the story yourself The Emperor's New Clothes 12 min (MP# format) - read the story yourself How the Leopard Got His Spots 12 min (MP3 format) - read the story yourself The Light Princess 92 min (MP3 format) - read the story yourself The Little Mermaid 51 min (MP3 format) - read the story yourself Reading Lounge -"Three children's books are animated online, with readings and/or introductions by a variety of players and Spike Lee. Students love to see their favorite Knicks players read aloud to them, and they can also read along with the narrator in the captioned version" The Story of Snow White 20 min (MP3 format) - read the story yourself Other Audio Stories Other stories for children - look for stories with the audio icon
(B) analyze oral interpretations of literature for effects on the listener
(C) analyze the use of aesthetic language for its effects
(4) Culture - The student listens and speaks to gain and share knowledge of his/her own culture, the culture of others, and the common elements of culture.
(A) connect his/her own experiences, information, insights, and ideas with the experiences of others through speaking and listening
(B) compare oral traditions across regions and cultures	American Life Histories: Manuscripts from the Federal Writers' Project, 1936 - 1940 Circle of Stories - Learn about the storytellers and their tribes, or read and listen to their stories. on 5/27/07 Iroquois Oral Traditions Ojibwe Oral Traditions
(C) identify how language use such as labels and sayings reflects regions and cultures
(5) Audiences - The student speaks clearly and appropriately to different audiences for different purposes and occasions.
(A) adapt spoken language such as word choice, diction, and usage to the audience, purpose, and occasion
(B) demonstrate effective communications skills that reflect such demands as interviewing, reporting, requesting, and providing information
(C) present dramatic interpretations of experiences, stories, poems, or plays to communicate
(D) generate criteria to evaluate his/her own oral presentations and the presentations of others
(E) use effective rate, volume, pitch, and tone for the audience and setting
(F) clarify and support spoken ideas with evidence, elaborations, and examples
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Reading
(6) Word Identification - The student uses a variety of word recognition strategies.
(A) apply knowledge of letter-sound correspondences, language structure, and context to recognize words	Context Clues - Click on Number 13. Video Lesson and Interactive Quiz. Context Clues - Teacher lesson and blackline masters to print. PDF files Direct Definition Context Clues - A lesson in remembering which clue words help interpret the text. Seven key words are introduced and examples are shown of each to clarify what to look for when dealing with context clues. A very good review lesson for 3rd and up. Direct Context Clues Teaching Material - Here you will find a review lesson and worksheets to go along with the lesson as well as flash cards to review clue words that will help in interpreting text. Inferential Context Clues - Some students get upset when the teacher states, "The answer is right there!" This site reviews how clues appear where the meaning is hidden in the rest of the words in the sentence. An brief interactive quiz helps assure understanding. Context Clues - Quia quiz
(B) use structural analysis to identify words, including knowledge of Greek and Latin roots and prefixes/suffixes	Rootonym - Level 1 \| Level 2 \| Level 3 - studying the roots/cells: cess/ced, cept/cip and cur. Rooty's Weekly Root - Three Rootonym® puzzles per week with 4 words per puzzle Synonym Match Game one- Concentration style Game Two - Game Three Synonym & Antonym Word Encounters - Level 1 words \| Level 2 words \| Level 3 words
(C) locate the meanings, pronunciations, and derivations of unfamiliar words using dictionaries, glossaries, and other sources	Antonym Practice - look up these words to find the meanings and identify the antonym. Ask Dr. Dictionary - Look up a word, or look at the Doctor's links to other dictionary sites on the web. Captions Help Tell the Story – students look at three pictures and try to determine which caption fits best FreeDictionary - Has word of the day, quote of the day, article of the day, word game of the day and more. Roget's Thesaurus Search Form Rhyming Dictionary - You can use it to help write poetry, song lyrics, greeting cards, witticisms, and more. Say it Another Way - Fill in the blank with a synonym for the missing word. Specialized On-Line Dictionaries in one of 60 areas, from Advertising to Travel. Synonym.com - type a word in the box and find a synonym, or antonym, of the word. Synonym & Antonym Word Encounters - Level 1 words \| Level 2 words \| Level 3 words Synonymical: The Synonym Game - [this link opens on a new page] click to select the letters (one at a time) that spell the proper synonym. (Author - David Fisco) The Thesaurus - a reference book that lists words and their synonyms - Drag and drop the words to the right thesaurus entry. Word Central from Merriam Webster - a customizable dictionary and a daily buzz word WWWebster's Online Dictionary look up a word or a phrase YourDictionary.com - This site says that it is the web's most authoritative and comprehensive language portal
(7) Fluency - The student reads with fluency and understanding in texts at appropriate difficulty levels.
(A) read regularly in independent-level materials (texts in which no more than approximately 1 in 20 words is difficult for the reader)
(B) read regularly in instructional-level materials that are challenging but manageable (texts in which no more than approximately 1 in 10 words is difficult for the reader)
(C) adjust reading rate based on purposes for reading
(D) read aloud in selected texts in ways that both reflect understanding of the text and engage the listeners (D) read aloud in selected texts in ways that both reflect understanding of the text and engage the listeners
(E) read silently with increasing ease for longer periods
(8) Variety of Texts - The student reads widely for different purposes in varied sources.
(A) read classic and contemporary works	Audio Books - Classics - download some of the classics (MP3 or iPod) Audio Books - Librivox - LibriVox provides free audio books from the public domain. Shakespeare - The Complete Works of William Shakespeare Twain - Mark Twain in his times - This site provides the capability of searching for reviews or electronic texts.
(B) select varied sources such as plays, anthologies, novels, textbooks, poetry, newspapers, manuals, and electronic texts when reading for information or pleasure	An Overview of Poetry - a comprehensive show on the topic of rhythm and rhyme News Stories with Comprehension Quizzes [from the BBC] - (1) White loafers and passport control, (2) Hungry ferrett causes rail scare, (3) Dyslexic boy's site wins top award, (4) Otters head for towns and cities, (5) Demolition fears after city blaze. News Quiz Archive - over 50 news stories from the BBC - Choose carefully, not all of these would be appropriate for 7th grade students. Also, take a look at a section of stories which include math in the news and the quiz
(C) read for varied purposes such as to be informed, to be entertained, to appreciate the writer's craft, and to discover models for his/her own writing	Looking for the Fine Print - students read advertisements to practice reading critically Questioning Toolkit - seventeen types of questions from the educational journal, FNO Questions to Ask Yourself While Reading - One of the first steps to writing an effective critical essay is to carefully read the work itself
(D) read to take action such as to complete forms, make informed recommendations, and write a response	Read a Contract - and answer questions
(9) Vocabulary Development - The student acquires an extensive vocabulary through reading and systematic word study.
(A) develop vocabulary by listening to selections read aloud	Cinderella 26 min (MP3 format) - read the story yourself The Emperor's New Clothes 12 min (MP# format) - read the story yourself How the Leopard Got His Spots 12 min (MP3 format) - read the story yourself The Light Princess 92 min (MP3 format) - read the story yourself The Little Mermaid 51 min (MP3 format) - read the story yourself The Story of Snow White 20 min (MP3 format) - read the story yourself Other Audio Stories
(B) draw on experiences to bring meanings to words in context such as interpreting figurative language idioms, multiple-meaning words, and analogies	Analogy links - below Context is the Key - students use context clues to determine the meaning of a word Say it Another Way - Fill in the blank with a synonym for the missing word. Using Multiple Meanings - students decide which sentences use a word correctly Vocabulary University - acquire and retain vocabulary. Words with multiple meanings - students fill in the blanks from a word list
(C) use multiple reference aids, including a thesaurus, a synonym finder, a dictionary, and software, to clarify meaning and usage	Ask Dr. Dictionary - Look up a word, or look at the Doctor's links to other dictionary sites on the web. FreeDictionary - Has word of the day, quote of the day, article of the day, word game of the day and more. Roget's Thesaurus Search Form Rhyming Dictionary - You can use it to help write poetry, song lyrics, greeting cards, witticisms, and more. Say it Another Way - Fill in the blank with a synonym for the missing word. Specialized On-Line Dictionaries in one of 60 areas, from Advertising to Travel. Synonym.com - type a word in the box and find a synonym, or antonym, of the word. Synonym & Antonym Word Encounters - Level 1 words \| Level 2 words \| Level 3 words Synonymical: The Synonym Game - [this link opens on a new page] click to select the letters (one at a time) that spell the proper synonym. (Author - David Fisco) The Thesaurus - a reference book that lists words and their synonyms - Drag and drop the words to the right thesaurus entry. Word Central from Merriam Webster - a customizable dictionary and a daily buzz word WWWebster's Online Dictionary look up a word or a phrase YourDictionary.com - This site says that it is the web's most authoritative and comprehensive language portal
(D) determine meanings of derivatives by applying knowledge of the meanings of root words such as like, pay, or happy and affixes such as dis-, pre-, or un-	Rootonym - Level 1 \| Level 2 \| Level 3 - studying the roots/cells: cess/ced, cept/cip and cur. Rooty's Weekly Root - Three Rootonym® puzzles per week with 4 words per puzzle Vocabulary University - acquire and retain vocabulary
(E) study word meanings systematically such as across curricular content areas and through current events
(F) distinguish denotative and connotative meanings
(G) use word origins as an aid to understanding historical influences on English word meanings
(10) Comprehension - The student uses a variety of strategies to comprehend a wide range of texts of increasing levels of difficulty.
(A) use his/her own knowledge and experience to comprehend
(B) establish and adjust purposes for reading such as reading to find out, to understand, to interpret, to enjoy, and to solve problems	Looking for the Fine Print - students read advertisements to practice reading critically
(C) monitor his/her own comprehension and make modifications when understanding breaks down such as by rereading a portion aloud, using reference aids, searching for clues, and asking questions	Asking Questions - the types of questions depend on the answer to that first important question: Why am I reading this? Once you establish a purpose for yourself, you can then ask which questions will help you achieve that goal. This page asks students to rank a set of questions on a scale of one to five. Questioning Toolkit - seventeen types of questions from the educational journal, FNO
(D) describe mental images that text descriptions evoke
(E) use the text's structure or progression of ideas such as cause and effect or chronology to locate and recall information	Making The Relationship Explicit Between Your Ideas - from UniLearning - Academic Writing Cause-and-Effect Writing Challenges Students - The cause-and-effect relationship is both a way of thinking and a format for writing. Teachers who emphasize cause-and-effect writing say that they are helping students learn to think critically as well as write cogently. Read what three experienced teachers have to say about this teaching approach, which can be used with students of all ages. This is an article from Education World magazine.
(F) determine a text's main (or major) ideas and how those ideas are supported with details	Finding the Main Idea Locating the Main Ideas of Paragraphs with Main-Idea Maps Main Idea - The main idea of a passage or reading is the central thought or message. Main Idea - Building Blocks of Comprehension Main Idea - The main idea of a paragraph is what all the sentences are about. Read the paragraph and ask, “What’s your point?” Massachusetts Tests for Educator Licensure - Challenge your students by letting them practice using a reading comprehension test designed for prospective teachers. (This site recommends that you use a printed copy of the page) Reading Comprehension - free reading comprehension worksheets for teachers and parents - includes original stories, poems, essays, and articles Summarize as You Read - When you summarize, eliminate unnecessary details. Focus on the main idea of the whole passage. What's the Big Idea? Exercise 1 - Write the common subject for each group of words, or "write a good title for each list." - a worksheet to print, not interactive What's the Big Idea? Exercise 2 - Write the common subject for each group of words, or "write a good title for each list." - a worksheet to print, not interactive What's the Big Idea? Exercise 3 - a bit harder than 1 & 2 - Write the common subject for each group of words, or "write a good title for each list." Then add another example that could be included in that group. Be as specific as you can. - a worksheet to print, not interactive
(G) paraphrase and summarize text to recall, inform, or organize ideas	Summarize as You Read - When you summarize, eliminate unnecessary details. Focus on the main idea of the whole passage.
(H) draw inferences such as conclusions or generalizations and support them with text evidence and experience	Drawing Conclusions - Read the story and choose the correct word to complete the sentence. Drawing Inferences in Text: Some Key Ideas Drawing Inferences - how to be a critical reader How are They Selling It? - students read three advertisements and evaluate the type of persuasive writing being employed Looking for the Fine Print - students read advertisements to practice reading critically Making Inferences and Drawing Conclusions - descriptions of the various ways to aid you in reaching a conclusion Teaching Students to Make Inferences
(I) find similarities and differences across texts such as in treatment, scope, or organization
(J) distinguish fact and opinion in various texts	Distinguishing Between Fact and Opinion Fact or Opinion Quiz - Decide which of these statements are fact or opinion from the drop-down list, then click on the "Finished" button to obtain your score out of ten. Fact or Opinion? (quiz 1) - a Quia quiz Fact or Opinion? (quiz 2) - a Quia quiz Fact, Habit, Opinion or Schedule? - an English-Zone quiz Fact or Opinion? - When a sentence is a fact, click the circle next to fact. Distinguishing Between Fact and Opinion Fact and Opinion Self-Test Martin Luther King Jr.: Fact or Opinion? (a worksheet to print) A mix of factual information and the opinions of the author. Often the opinions are disguised as fact, to make the author's argument seem more believable.
(K) answer different types and levels of questions such as open-ended, literal, and interpretative as well as test-like questions such as multiple choice, true-false, and short answer	Brainchild Test - (This quiz opens in a new page. Close the page when finished* to return to this list.) 12 questions - Students should use the summary page after finishing this test to practice their areas of weakness. CRCT Language Arts and Reading Keywords - Grades 4 - 8 - multiple choice vocabulary quiz The FCAT Sample Test Books are designed to help students become familiar with FCAT (Florida) by providing helpful hints and offering practice answering questions in different formats. Half of this document is math and half* is reading. News Stories with Comprehension Quizzes [from the BBC] - (1) White loafers and passport control, (2) Hungry ferrett causes rail scare, (3) Dyslexic boy's site wins top award, (4) Otters head for towns and cities, (5) Demolition fears after city blaze. News Quiz Archive - over 50 news stories from the BBC - Choose carefully, not all of these would be appropriate for 7th grade students. Also, take a look at a section of stories which include math in the news and the quiz Online Practice Reading Tests- Grades 1-8 -Questions are designed to have students process the information in the passage, analyze it, and organize it for the answer. In this way, these practice questions test students’ analytical abilities, not just comprehension. Bubbling format very similar to Standardized testing format. Reading Comprehension stories - Interactive quizzes online for 5 stories - Each text is followed by a grammar exercise and summary writing exercise. Read a Contract - and answer questions Reading Comprehension Quiz- Online quiz Reading Comprehension stories - Interactive quizzes online for 5 stories - Each text is followed by a grammar exercise and summary writing exercise. Reading Exercises - Comprehension, Fill in and Sequencing Released TAKS Tests Seventh Grade Reading (2003) - Read the introduction and the passage that follows. Then read each question and mark the circle next to the correct answer. Seventh Grade Writing (2003) - Read the introduction and the passage that follows. Then read each question and mark the circle next to the correct answer. Texas end-of-year reading test from 2003
(L) represent text information in different ways such as in outline, timeline, or graphic organizer	Charts and Graphs Interpreting a Data Chart - students practice by answering questions about what can be found in a grid chart Interpreting Column Graphs - students practice by answering ten questions about the graph Interpreting Circle (Pie) Graphs - students practice by answering eight questions about the graph Concept Maps Explained - Concept maps and story webs are visual ways to structure ideas. (sample included Five main types of organizers - links showing examples of many types
(M) use study strategies to learn and recall important ideas from texts such as preview, question, reread, and record
(11) Literary Response - The student expresses and supports responses to various types of texts.
(A) offer observations, make connections, react, speculate, interpret, and raise questions in response to texts	Guess What Comes Next - students read a passage and predict what would happen next Warren S. Fish Has a Secret - read the story and try to predict what happens next The World's Greatest Contralto by Babette Albin - As you read the story, write your questions and ideas about it on another sheet of paper. Then complete the next page. Write your own Branching Story for others to speculate about (using MS Excel) - download a sample
(B) interpret text ideas through such varied means journal writing, discussion, enactment, and media
(C) support responses by referring to relevant aspects of text and his/her own experiences
(D) connect, compare, and contrast ideas, themes, and issues across text	Aesop's Fables - Two versions of each story to compare and contrast. Compare and Contrast on Venn Diagram - Click on number 42. Video Interactive lesson and practice. Compare/Contrast - An online tutorial plus activity pages to complete to practice the skill. Compare and Contrast - three -page tutorial showing examples using a T Chart or a Venn Diagram Compare and Contrast - practice quizzes Resources to use for Compare and Contrast from Scholastic
(12) Text Structures/Literary Concepts - The student analyzes the characteristics of various types of texts (genres).
(A) identify the purposes of different types of texts such as to inform, influence, express, or entertain	Affluenza: A PBS Program - Lessons such as "Be an Adbuster!" and "What are Advertisers Selling?" are based on Affluenza, a one-hour television special that explores the high social and environmental costs of materialism and over consumption. The lessons can be used without the video. Analyzing Political Ads - Students will view current political ads and learn how they make use of various commercial ad appeals. Students will also develop familiarity with basic videography terms. Different Types of Text - Do you understand the purpose of different text types and the main differences between them? Online quizzes Finding the purpose of each paragraph - from a site on preparing for the GRE Guide to Analysis of Political Ads Reading for a Purpose - Nine activities to check understanding about the purposes of different sorts of text Sample assignment - Invent an X-ray satellite, name it, draw a picture of it. Write a one- to two-page persuasion letter addressed to your Congressperson or essay for your local newspaper in order to obtain funding for your X-ray astronomy mission. Text Types- Online game helping learn about the different text types such as persuasion, informative, descriptive, or instructive. The writer's purpose and voice - from a site on preparing for the GRE Writing to Persuade - Persuasion means making someone with a different point of view from your own change their mind to your way of thinking. Writing to Persuade Rubric - Perhaps your students can understand writing to persuade better by seeing this rubric.
(B) recognize the distinguishing features of genres, including biography, historical fiction, informational texts, and poetry
(C) compare communication in different forms such as contrasting a dramatic performance with a print version of the same story or comparing story variants
(D) understand and identify literary terms such as playwright, theater, stage, act, dialogue, analogy, and scene across a variety of literary forms (texts)	Fact Monster Analogy of the Day Analogy Quiz which requires students to type the word to complete the analogy Analogy Lesson from Diana Dell Analogy quiz 1 at Quia posted by Diana Dell Analogy quiz 2 at Quia posted by Diana Dell Analogy Quiz from Paul Shoebottom at Frankfurt International School Awesome Analogies for one or two players - posted at Quia Discovery School Analogy Quizzes AnalogyQuiz8 AnalogyQuiz9 AnalogyQuiz10 Puzz.com has a quiz with 152 analogies - pick one or two a day and practice this valuable skill Analogy PowerPoint Show template - you make modifications to use with your students
(E) understand literary forms by recognizing and distinguishing among such types of text as stories, poems, myths, fables, tall tales, limericks, plays, biographies, and autobiographies
(F) analyze characters, including their traits, motivations, conflicts, points of view, relationships, and changes they undergo
(G) recognize and analyze story plot, setting, and problem resolution	Short Story Elements - online quiz
(H) describe how the author's perspective or point of view affects the text	Point of View - All writing involves Point of View. This aspect means the writer has chosen, based on his/her analysis of the reader(s) and writing situation, a speaker for the ideas presented in the letter, memo, or report. Point of View concerns who is explaining or arguing, and its most important rule involves consistency. Definition of Point of View - All literature must be narrated or recorded by someone, and an author must decide who that someone will be. Point of View - Two Heads Aren't Always Better Than One. suggestions regarding choosing a point of view for your writing Point of View Quiz - Read each group of sentences. Decide if it is written in first person or third person point of view.
(I) analyze ways authors organize and present ideas such as through cause/effect, compare/contrast, inductively, deductively, or chronologically	Cause and Effect - (This link opens in a new page. Close the page to return to this list) Excellent site for middle/high school. Seeing Reason is a classroom workspace for investigating cause and effect relationships in complex systems. At the heart of Seeing Reason is an interactive mapping tool that helps students map relationships and construct models of their understanding. Cause and Effect Story - online story with questions. not interactive Cause and Effect Books - Book list on stories to use for cause and effect lessons. Cause and Effect Slide Show Presentation - online audio lesson Grade 6-8. Use this Quiz as a follow-up. Cause and Effect Quizzes - Quiz One; Quiz Two. Cause and Effect Paragraphs - Online lesson and quizzes at the end. Online cause and effect sentence quiz. Cause and Effect quiz - Match cause with effect Cause and Effect quizzes - Quiz One; Quiz Two, Quiz Three ; Quiz Four ; Quiz Five . Cause and Effect Graphic Organizers - print these out to practice this skill. Resources to use for Cause and Effect from Scholastic
(J) recognize and interpret literary devices such as flashback, foreshadowing, and symbolism
(K) recognize how style, tone, and mood contribute to the effect of the text
(13) Inquiry/Research - The student inquires and conducts research using a variety of sources.
(A) form and revise questions for investigations, including questions arising from readings, assignments, and units of study
(B) use text organizers, including headings, graphic features, and tables of contents, to locate and organize information
(C) use multiple sources, including electronic texts, experts, and print resources, to locate information relevant to research questions
(D) interpret and use graphic sources of information such as maps, graphs, timelines or tables to address research questions	Charts and Graphs Interpreting a Data Chart - students practice by answering questions about what can be found in a grid chart Interpreting Column Graphs - students practice by answering ten questions about the graph Interpreting Circle (Pie) Graphs - students practice by answering eight questions about the graph Looking for the Fine Print - students read advertisements to practice reading critically What’s On a Map? - eight questions about using various parts of a map
(E) summarize and organize information from multiple sources by taking notes, outlining ideas, and making charts	Take Notes - students evaluate what items should be included in the opening paragraph of a news story
(F) produce research projects and reports in effective formats for various audiences
(G) draw conclusions from information gathered from multiple sources	Drawing Conclusions - Read the story and choose the correct word to complete the sentence. Drawing Inferences in Text: Some Key Ideas Drawing Inferences - how to be a critical reader How are They Selling It? - students read three advertisements and evaluate the type of persuasive writing being employed Making Inferences and Drawing Conclusions - descriptions of the various ways to aid you in reaching a conclusion Teaching Students to Make Inferences What are They Selling - students critically evaluate six advertisements
(H) use compiled information and knowledge to raise additional, unanswered questions
(I) present organized statements, reports, and speeches using visuals or media to support meaning
(14) Culture - The student reads to increase knowledge of his/her own culture, the culture of others, and the common elements of cultures.
(A) compare text events with his/her own and other readers' experiences
(B) determine distinctive and common characteristics of cultures through wide reading
(C) articulate and discuss themes and connections that cross cultures	Proverbs Around the World- Analyze information and assess meaning from prior knowledge - Print this sheet and have group discussions on meanings.
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Writing
(15) Purposes - The student writes for a variety of audiences and purposes and in a variety of forms.
(A) write to express, discover, record, develop, reflect on ideas, and to problem solve	A Handbook of Rhetorical Devices - definitions and examples of more than sixty traditional rhetorical devices, all of which can still be useful today to improve the effectiveness, clarity, and enjoyment of your writing Creating an Argument - This exercise will guide you through the prewriting, organizing and writing stages of producing a philosophy. Critical Reasoning Warm-ups - (Scroll down, it's there!) These are warm-ups for people who are somewhat familiar with critical reasoning questions. These questions are a good way to start your brain thinking before you answer the real questions. Which Writing? (6-8) [this link opens on a new page] Students choose an appropriate format for writing. (Author - Carol Rine)
(B) write to influence such as to persuade, argue, and request	Battle Bars: The Edible Argument - a lesson plan designed to teach persuasive writing using Snickers and Kit-Kat bars Finding the purpose of each paragraph - from a site on preparing for the GRE Have Web, Will Travel - In this lesson, students demonstrate their Web research and persuasive writing skills to create colorful, informative Web travel guides to popular vacation destinations. How are They Selling It? - students read three advertisements and evaluate the type of persuasive writing being employed Persuasive Writing Prompts used in past Writing Assessments in Tennessee The Power of Persuasion - a WebQuest that challenges your students to investigate persuasive writing and develop critical reading skills Reading for a Purpose - Nine activities to check understanding about the purposes of different sorts of text Sample assignment - Invent an X-ray satellite, name it, draw a picture of it. Write a one- to two-page persuasion letter addressed to your Congressperson or essay for your local newspaper in order to obtain funding for your X-ray astronomy mission. Scholastic's Writing Workshop - You already spend a lot of time trying to persuade your parents or teachers to allow you to watch more TV or do less homework. Now you can use those same skills to write a persuasive essay! Study Guides and Strategies - persuasive writing TV or Not TV? - a WebQuest about persuasive writing The writer's purpose and voice - from a site on preparing for the GRE Writing to Persuade - Persuasion means making someone with a different point of view from your own change their mind to your way of thinking. Writing to Persuade Rubric - Perhaps your students can understand writing to persuade better by seeing this rubric.
(C) write to inform such as to explain, describe, report, and narrate	Expository Text - Use the Types of Expository Text box as project idea starters. There is also a discussion of the seven basic structures of expository text. Expository Writing - Eight different examples of expository organizational patterns Expository Writing Prompts - 11 writing prompts A Lesson in Expository Writing -The Personal Touch: - This lesson uses examples of such communication as a springboard for practice in expository writing. Expository Writing Prompts - Eighth Grade - from the State of TN web site. The Expository Essay - Examples of expository essays Expository Essays - Some things to consider when writing expository essays. Expository Writing Tips! - The information was taken from "Blowing Away the State Writing Assessment Test" by Jane Bell Kiester available through Maupin House Publishing. Expository Writing Plan - Use this information to help create your essays. Expository Writing Rubric - Expository Writing Rubric - very detailed Expository Writing Genre Study - Fifteen focused lessons Food for Thought - an expository writing lesson plan for eighth grade Information Elimination (6 - 8) [this link opens on a new page] Students model, instruct, and practice narrowing a topic for expository writing. (Author - Julie Thompson) Resources to use for Expository Writing from Scholastic Writing a Process Essay - What to consider when writing a process essay.
(D) write to entertain such as to compose humorous poems or short stories	Principles of Writing Narrative Essays - article describing principles Multiple Paragraph Essay - pointers on writing an essay Narrative Essay - article on how to write a narrative essay Narrative Essay - article and help on writing narrative essay Step by step guide - guide on writing an essay Narrative essay prompts - ten prompts Shifting Gears - Lesson - students will write a personal narrative that is designed to help them reflect on the nature and meaning of change in their lives Ten Narrative Writing Prompts - targeted mainly at high school teachers, but the questions can be modified Ten Prewriting Exercises for Personal Narratives Narrative Writing Prompts - elementary school Narrative Genre Study - This narrative study is designed to immerse students in narrative writing. (12 lessons) Narrative Writing Rubric - detailed rubric Resources to use for Narrative Writing from Scholastic - Student Writing Tools Handbook - transitions, rubrics, grammar, citations, and more Template for writing a narrative - scaffolding guide for students
(E) select and use voice and style appropriate to audience and purpose	Nursery Rhyme Expansion - Nursery Rhymes can be wonderful springboards for all kinds of Language Arts activities. Here is an activity designed to give middle school students practice with the aspects of purpose, voice, and audience in their writing.
(F) choose the appropriate form for his/her own purpose for writing such as journals, letters, editorials, reviews, poems, memoirs, narratives, and instructions	Which Writing? (6-8) [this link opens on a new page] Students choose an appropriate format for writing. (Author - Carol Rine)
(G) use literary devices effectively such as suspense, dialogue, and figurative language	12 Exercises for Improving Dialogue from the Writer's Resource Center Figurative Language A one-page handout giving examples of each poetic device A concept map to use when you work with your students on these topics A Fun Way to Teach Similes - a lesson idea from Bruce Lansky Alliteration or Simile? - Choose whether each statement is an alliterative phrase, simile or neither. Bud, Not Buddy - [these links open on new pages] quizzes on similes & metaphors Matching \| Flashcards \| Concentration Chasing Metaphors - students explore the figurative language of metaphors by turning a series of objects, concepts, events, or characters into metaphors, first in written form and then by creating a video with images, text, and sound [Quick Time required] Do you know your metaphors? - drag words to make a metaphor Do you know your similes? - drag the nouns to complete a Simile (Refresh the page to get a new set.) Figurative Language - terms, definitions, and an example Figurative Language Quiz - [this link opens on a new page] alliteration, similes and metaphors, personification, connotation and imagery Literature-Figurative Language-Part 1 - Read these lines from poems. Identify the meaning you think fits best. Literary Devices Quizzes - [these links open on new pages] similes, metaphors, personification, slang/dialect and allusions - Matching \| Concentration \| Flashcards Literary Terms quiz - Choose whether the line from a poem is an example of alliteration, metaphor, onomatopoeia, personification, or simile. Metaphor Lists - a selection of metaphors by category, complete with sample usage and interpretation Metaphor Battleship Quiz - [this link opens on a new page] Quia quiz using the Battleship game format Metaphor Quiz - [this link opens on a new page] a five-question quiz at Quia Mataphor Quiz - [this link opens on a new page] a ten-question quiz at Quia Metaphor Quiz to print Poetic Devices - a classroom sign about the forms of poetic devices Poetry writing practice web . Practicing onomatopoeia, alliteration, rhyme, simile and metaphor Word Play 1 \| Word Play 2 \| Word Play 3 \| Word Play 4 \| Word Play 5 \| Word Play 6 Simile lesson with a printable quiz Simile Quiz to print Similes and Metaphors - Identify the comparison in each sentence as a simile or a metaphor [ignore the email address blank]. Narrative and Dialogue - A Contrast In Writing Styles Quotation Marks The Gallery Of "Misused" Quotation Marks Quotation Marks - Exercise to be printed and completed by students at their desk \| answer to the exercise Quotation Marks - Place commas and periods inside, not outside, quotation marks. Place all other punctuation outside quotation marks unless it was contained in the original source. Quotation Marks - In the United States, periods and commas go inside quotation marks regardless of logic. Quotation Marks and Colons - online quiz Single Quotation Marks - Use single quotation marks for a quotation or title using quotation marks inside another quotation or title which uses quotation marks. Writing Dialogue - "Personally, I think dialogue can make or break a story. Here are some tips I’ve discovered that may help you with yours," said Elizabeth Rose. Writing Dialogue - This is a dialogue sheet which can be used to teach students to include the basic characteristics of good dialogue in their own writing. The form may be modified to include whatever characteristics the instructor desires.
(H) produce cohesive and coherent written texts by organizing ideas, using effective transitions, and choosing precise wording	Information Elimination (6 - 8) [this link opens on a new page] Students model, instruct, and practice narrowing a topic for expository writing. (Author - Julie Thompson) Transitions indicate relations, whether from sentence to sentence, or from paragraph to paragraph. This is a list of "relationships" that supporting ideas may have, followed by a list of "transitional" words and phrases that can connect those ideas: Using Transitions - Transitional words and phrases can create powerful links between ideas in your paper and can help your reader understand the logic of your paper Transitional Devices (Connecting Words) - Brought to you by the Purdue University Online Writing Lab Transition Words and Phrases - Transition words and phrases help establish clear connections between ideas. Writing Research Papers: Transition Words and Phrases Writing Academic Essays - transition words A chart of the transitional devices - also called conjunctive adverbs or adverbial conjunctions Trailblazing Conclusions (6 - 8) [this link opens on a new page] Students develop a sense of ending by using closure and thought-provoking statements. (Author - Laurie Ayers) Transitional Devices (Connecting Words) - Brought to you by the Purdue University Online Writing Lab Transitional Devices - transitional guides are connectives (symbols,words, phrases; sometimes whole sentences and paragraphs) that make possible a smooth "passing over" from one idea to the next.
(16) Penmanship/Capitalization/Punctuation/Spelling - The student composes original texts, applying the conventions of written language such as capitalization, punctuation, handwriting, penmanship and spelling to communicate clearly.
(A) write legibly by selecting cursive or manuscript as appropriate
(B) capitalize and punctuate correctly to clarify and enhance meaning such as capitalizing titles, using hyphens, semicolons, colons, possessives, and sentence punctuation	A Brief, No-Nonsense Guide to Comma Usage (plus a great cartoon) The Colon - an explanation from The Guide to Grammar and Writing Commas vs. Semicolons in Compound Sentences - Brought to you by the Purdue University Online Writing Lab Grammar and Style: Semicolons - from the Writer's Handbook Power Proofreading - Choose 7th grade then select; Letter to Ms. Flack, , or any one of the mixed practice exercises. Proofreading for Commas - Brought to you by the Purdue University Online Writing Lab Review: The Comma - Using a separate sheet of paper, rewrite each sentence to correct the comma usage. (answers provided) Semicolons in Compound Sentences - Use a semicolon to separate independent clauses in a compound sentence. Semicolon and Colon Quiz - answers are available, this quiz is not interactive Using Colons Effectively - Click on "The sentence, please!" and a sentence to edit will appear in the top text-area. Using Commas - Brought to you by the Purdue University Online Writing Lab
(C) spell derivatives correctly by applying the spellings of bases and affixes
(D) spell frequently misspelled words correctly such as their, they're, and there	Confusing Verbs - Lay / Lie - Read the sentence, and then choose the answer, and get your score instantly! Confusing Verbs: Raise / Rise Its/It's and There/Their/They're - Select one answer from the choices provided after each sentence. The word you choose should fit the blank in the sentence. Lie/Lay - Sit/Set - Select one answer from the choices provided after each sentence. The word you choose should fit the blank in the sentence The Notorious Confusables - Quiz 1 \| Quiz 2 \| Quiz 3 \| Quiz 4 \| Quiz 5 Online Spelling Quizzes - numerous quizzes in TCAP format Past Tenses of Sit/Set and Lay/Lie - What is the correct verb form in each sentence? Problem verbs review - sit/set/lie/lay/rise/raise - Practice with these games to get a clear meaning of each of these troublesome verbs. Raise or Rise? - Make a choice by clicking on the radio button, then compare it with the correct answer hidden under the answer button. Rise/Raise Practice Quiz - from Quia Sit or Set Quiz - Complete the sentences using the proper form of "sit" or "set." Special Quiz on Except/Accept and Affect/Effect - Select one answer from the choices provided after each sentence. The word you choose should fit the blank in the sentence. To / Two / Too - Learn the difference between the homophones to, two, and too. To/too/two quiz - an ESL quiz by James Rainville
(E) use resources to find correct spellings	Ask Dr. Dictionary - Look up a word, or look at the Doctor's links to other dictionary sites on the web. FreeDictionary - Has word of the day, quote of the day, article of the day, word game of the day and more. Roget's Thesaurus Search Form Rhyming Dictionary - You can use it to help write poetry, song lyrics, greeting cards, witticisms, and more. Specialized On-Line Dictionaries in one of 60 areas, from Advertising to Travel. Word Central from Merriam Webster - a customizable dictionary and a daily buzz word WWWebster's Online Dictionary look up a word or a phrase YourDictionary.com - This site says that it is the web's most authoritative and comprehensive language portal
(F) spell accurately in final drafts
(G) understand the influence of other languages and cultures on the spelling of English words	Foreign Words and Phrases - The English meanings given are not necessarily literal translations. Travlang's Translating Dictionaries featuring 18 languages.
(17) Grammar/Usage - The student applies standard grammar and usage to communicate clearly and effectively in writing.
(A) write in complete sentences, varying the types such as compound and complex sentences, and use appropriately punctuated independent and dependent clauses
(B) use conjunctions to connect ideas meaningfully	Avoiding Comma Splices, Fused Sentences, and Run-On's from LEO: Literacy Education Online Avoiding Comma Splices - Click on "The sentence, please!" and a sentence containing a comma splice will appear in the top text-area. Repair the sentence. Avoiding Comma Splices II - Click on "The sentence, please!" and a sentence containing a comma splice will appear in the top text-area. Repair the sentence. Combining Sentences for Variety and Clarity - several methods and examples are given, however this page only combines two sentences. Conjunctions - Click on the buttons to find the correct answer Conjunctions Quiz I - Click the answer buttons to see the answers. Conjunctions Quiz II - Combine the sentences using the conjunction given in parentheses. Conjunction-itis Popup - Find the correct conjunction form to combine two short sentences together into one! (a Quia quiz) Conjunctions - Conjunctions are words used as joiners. Different kinds of conjunctions join different kinds of grammatical structures. Fragments and Run-On's - After each sentence, select the option which best describes that sentence. The Need to Combine Sentences - Sentences have to be combined to avoid the monotony that would surely result if all sentences were brief and of equal length. This lesson is followed by three quizzes. Power Proofreading - Choose 7th grade then select; Climb Every Mountain, , or any one of the mixed practice exercises. Repairing Run-On Sentences sample of a good 239-word sentence - It's not the kind of thing you'd want to read very often, but it does work. Remember, this is not a run-on sentence. Writing Effective Sentences: Eliminating Sentence Errors Comma Splices and Fused Sentences - not interactive.
(C) employ standard English usage in writing for audiences, including subject-verb agreement, pronoun referents, and parts of speech	Controlling Shifts in Verb Tense - General guideline: Do not shift from one tense to another if the time frame for each action or state is the same. ESL Subject Verb Agreement Quiz 1 - In the quiz questions , choose the correct verb so that subject and verb agree. ESL Subject Verb Agreement Quiz 2 - Do this quiz after mastering the quiz questions and their rules in the first Let's see whether you understand subject-verb agreement. - Read each sentence, enter your response in the space provided, and then press "Submit" to check your answer. Making Subjects and Verbs Agree: Exercises - a worksheet to print, not interactive Power Proofreading - Choose 8th grade then select; E-mail to HME-TV Staff, Sour Sid on Sports, You Solve it, Weather or Not, Animal Alarm, or any one of the mixed practice exercises. Parts of Speech - Noun, Verb, Preposition, etc. Interactive quizzes Quiz on Subject Verb Agreement - Select one answer from the choices provided after each sentence. The word you choose should fit the blank in the sentence. Don't use the HINT buttons unless you really need them. A Second Quiz on Subject-Verb Agreement - After each sentence select the verb form that will best fit in the blank. The explanation will describe the process of arriving at the correct choice for that sentence. Third Quiz on Subject-Verb Agreement - Select the appropriate verbs from the drop-down menus to complete each sentence correctly. There are thirty-three "opportunities for error" in these paragraphs. Subject-Verb Agreement Quiz - Select the correct verb form to agree with the subject. Subject-Verb Agreement: The Sore Thumb of Grammar Subject/Verb Agreement - Click the answer button to see the answer. Subject/verb agreement - Basic Principle: Singular subjects need singular verbs; plural subjects need plural verbs. Other SV agreement quizzes Quiz 2 \| Quiz 3 Subject and Verb Agreement from LEO: Literacy Education Online Subject Verb Agreement Quiz Subject-Verb Agreement Quiz from the ESL Quiz Center There is or there are? Tag Questions 1 - Present Tense/To Be Verb/Affirmative The CopyCat Game 1 from English-Zone Making Subjects and Verbs Agree - Brought to you by the Purdue University Online Writing Lab Subject-Verb Agreement - from The Writer's Handbook Subject Verb Agreement from Big Dog's Grammar The grammar outlaw: Disagreeing Subject and Verb, AKA The Disagreeable Sentence Practicing past, present & future tenses - Tense Activity 1 \| Tense Activity 2 \| Tense Activity 3 Practicing adverbs, adjectives, nouns, pronouns, verbs - Word Skills 1 \| Word Skills 2 \| Word Skills 3
(D) use adjectives (comparatives and superlatives forms) and adverbs appropriately to make writing vivid or precise	Adjective or Adverb Exercise 1 Adjective or Adverb Exercise 2 Power Proofreading (adjective practice) - Choose 7th grade then select; Know it All, Review for Endless Entertainment Show, or any one of the mixed practice exercises. Power Proofreading(adverb practice) - Choose 7th grade then select; Sports Minute, or any one of the mixed practice exercises. Comparative & Superlative Quiz - Click the answer buttons to see the answers. Practicing adverbs, adjectives, nouns, pronouns, verbs - Word Skills 1 \| Word Skills 2 \| Word Skills 3
(E) use prepositional phrases to elaborate written ideas	Power Proofreading - Choose 7th grade then select; The Shopping Show or The Runaway Classroom , or any one o