English 7 

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English 7 is comprised of two classes taken concurrently: Literature and Strategies and Writing Composition

Unit 1: Informational Skills

Priority Standards

RI.7.1: Cite several pieces of textual evidence to support analysis of what the text says explicitly as well as inferences drawn from the text.

RI.7.2: Determine two or more central ideas in a text and analyze their development over the course of the text; provide an objective summary of the text.

W.7.2: Write informative/explanatory texts to examine a topic and convey ideas, concepts, and information through the selection, organization, and analysis of relevant content. 

1. Introduce a topic clearly, previewing what is to follow; organize ideas, concepts, and information, using strategies such as definition, classification, comparison/contrast, and cause/effect; include formatting (e.g., headings), graphics (e.g., charts, tables), and multimedia when useful to aiding comprehension.
2. Develop the topic with relevant facts, definitions, concrete details, quotations, or other information and examples.
3. Use appropriate transitions to create cohesion and clarify the relationships among ideas and concepts.
4. Use precise language and domain- specific vocabulary to inform about or explain the topic.
5. Establish and maintain a formal style.
6. Provide a concluding statement or section that follows from and supports the information or explanation presented.

L.7.1.a.b: Demonstrate command of the conventions of standard English grammar, usage, capitalization, punctuation, and spelling when writing: 

1. Explain the function of phrases and clauses in general and their function in specific sentences.
2. Choose among simple, compound, complex, and compound-complex sentences to signal differing relationships among ideas.

 L.7.4.a: Determine or clarify the meaning of unknown and multiple-meaning words and phrases based on grade 7 reading and content, choosing flexibly from a range of strategies: Use context (e.g., the overall meaning of a sentence or paragraph; a word’s position or function in a sentence) as a clue to the meaning of a word or phrase.

Unit 2: Argument Skills

Priority Standards

RI.7.1: Cite several pieces of textual evidence to support analysis of what the text says explicitly as well as inferences drawn from the text

RI.7.2: Determine two or more central ideas in a text and analyze their development over the course of the text; provide an objective summary of the text.

RI.7.4: Determine the meaning of words and phrases as they are used in a text, including figurative, connotative, and technical meanings; analyze the impact of a specific word choice on meaning and tone.

W.7.1:  Write arguments to support claims with clear reasons and relevant evidence.

1. Introduce claim(s), acknowledge alternate or opposing claims, and organize the reasons and evidence logically.
2. Support claim(s) with logical reasoning and relevant evidence, using accurate, credible sources and demonstrating an understanding of the topic or text.
3. Use words, phrases, and clauses to create cohesion and clarify the relationships among claim(s), reasons, and evidence.
4. Establish and maintain a formal style.
5. Provide a concluding statement or section that follows from and supports the argument presented.

W.7.8: Gather relevant information from multiple print and digital sources, using search terms effectively; assess the credibility and accuracy of each source; and quote or paraphrase the data and conclusions of others while avoiding plagiarism and following a standard format for citation.

Unit 3: Narrative Skills

Priority Standards

RL.7.1: Cite several pieces of textual evidence to support analysis of what the text says explicitly as well as inferences drawn from the text.

RL.7.2: Determine a theme or central idea of a text and analyze its development over the course of the text; provide an objective summary of the text.

RL.7.4: Determine the meaning of words and phrases as they are used in a text, including figurative and connotative meanings; analyze the impact of rhymes and other repetitions of sounds (e.g., alliteration) on a specific verse or stanza of a poem or section of a story or drama.

W.7.3: Write narratives to develop real or imagined experiences or events using effective technique, relevant descriptive details, and well-structured event sequences.

1. Engage and orient the reader by establishing a context and point of view and introducing a narrator and/or characters; organize an event sequence that unfolds naturally and logically.
2. Use narrative techniques, such as dialogue, pacing, and description, to develop experiences, events, and/or characters.
3. Use a variety of transition words, phrases, and clauses to convey sequence and signal shifts from one-time frame or setting to another.
4. Use precise words and phrases, relevant descriptive details, and sensory language to capture the action and convey experiences and events.
5. Provide a conclusion that follows from and reflects on the narrated experiences or events.

L.7.1.c: Demonstrate command of the conventions of standard English grammar, usage, capitalization, punctuation, and spelling when writing: 

c. Place phrases and clauses within a sentence, recognizing and correcting misplaced and dangling modifiers.* 

L.7.4.b: Determine or clarify the meaning of unknown and multiple-meaning words and phrases based on grade 7 reading and content, choosing flexibly from a range of strategies.

b. Use common, grade-appropriate Greek or Latin affixes and roots as clues to the meaning of a word (e.g., belligerent, bellicose, rebel)

Unit 4: Synthesis

Priority Standards

RL.7.10: By the end of the year, read and comprehend literature, including stories, dramas, and poems, in the grades 6-8 text complexity band proficiently, with scaffolding as needed at the high end of the range.

RI.7.10: By the end of the year, read and comprehend literary nonfiction in the grades 6–8 text complexity band proficiently, with scaffolding as needed at the high end of the range.

W.7.10: 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.

SL.7.4: Present claims and findings, emphasizing salient points in a focused, coherent manner with pertinent descriptions, facts, details, and examples; use appropriate eye contact, adequate

SL.7.5: Integrate multimedia and visual displays into presentations to clarify information, strengthen claims and evidence, and add interest 

SL.7.6: Adapt speech to a variety of contexts and tasks, demonstrating command of formal English when indicated or appropriate. 

L.7.4.a.b: Determine or clarify the meaning of unknown and multiple-meaning words and phrases based on grade 7 reading and content, choosing flexibly from a range of strategies.

1. Use context (e.g., the overall meaning of a sentence or paragraph; a word’s position or function in a sentence) as a clue to the meaning of a word or phrase.
2. Use common, grade-appropriate Greek or Latin affixes and roots as clues to the meaning of a word (e.g., belligerent, bellicose, rebel)