LANGUAGE ARTS --- 9th GRADE

Strand: Reading and Listening for Comprehension

Content Standard I: Students will apply strategies and skills to comprehend information that is read, heard, and viewed.

 

9 Benchmark I-A: Listen to, read, react to, and analyze information

Performance Standards

1. Narrate experiences that offer:

·        scenes and incidents located effectively in time and place

·        impressions of being in a setting and a sense of engagement in the events occurring

·        appreciation for the significance of the account

·        a sense of the narrator’s personal voice

2. Instruct an audience in how to perform a specific operation or procedure by:

·        considering the audience’s degree of knowledge or understanding

·        providing complete and accurate information

·        using visuals and media to make effective presentations and products

·        using layout and design elements to enhance presentations and products

3. Form and refine a question for investigation using a topic of personal choice and answer that question by:

·        deciding upon and using appropriate methods (e.g., interviews with experts, observations, finding print and non-print sources, using interactive technology and media)

·        prioritizing and organizing information

·        incorporating effective media and technology to inform or explain

reporting in an appropriate form for a specified audience

 

9 Benchmark I-B: Synthesize and evaluate information to solve problems across the curriculum

Performance Standards

1. Use a variety of techniques for researching topics including:

·        cross-referencing while gathering information

·        summarizing dialogue

·        using news sources (e.g., newspapers, magazines, TV, radio, videotapes, Internet, email, government publications,  microfiche, other library resources)

2. Synthesize a variety of types of visual information including pictures and symbols.

 

9 Benchmark I-C: Demonstrate critical thinking skills to evaluate information and solve problems

Performance Standards

1. Examine texts for arguments and develop informed opinions by:

·        examining relevant reason and evidence

·        noting the progression of ideas that substantiate the proposal

·        analyzing the style, tone, and use of language for a particular effect

·        identifying and analyzing personal, social, historical, or cultural influences, contexts, or biases

·        identifying and analyzing rhetorical strategies that support proposals

2. Support informed opinions by providing relevant and convincing reasons, using various types of evidence, language, and organizational structure, and demonstrating an awareness of possible questions, concerns, or counter-arguments.

3. Create and use criteria to evaluate the effectiveness of communication.

4. Represent abstract information (e.g., concepts, generalizations) as explicit mental pictures.

 

9 Benchmark I-D: Apply knowledge of reading process to evaluate print, non-print, and technology-based information.

Performance Standards

1. Explain meaning, describe processes, and answer research questions to inform others by:

·        demonstrating the ability to read and listen to explanatory texts using appropriate preparation, engagement, and reflection

·        demonstrating comprehension of major ideas

·        summarizing major steps

·        determining accuracy and clarity of the selection

2. Demonstrate increasing comprehension and ability to respond personally to texts by selecting and exploring a wide range of literary forms.

3. Accurately interpret information from and detect inconsistencies in a variety of informational, literary, and technical texts.

4. Scan reading selections to determine whether a text contains relevant information.

5. Use discussion with peers as a way of understanding information.

6. Effectively use a variety of interactive technologies to enhance understanding of reading selections (e.g., internet, email, CD-ROM, on-line publications, digital images,  video).\

 


Strand: Writing and Speaking for Expression

Content Standard II: Students will communicate effectively through speaking and writing.

 

9 Benchmark II-A: Communicate information in a coherent and persuasive manner using verbal and non-verbal language

Performance Standards

1.  Evaluate personal effectiveness in group discussions and make corrections as necessary.

2. Ask questions to broaden and enrich discussions.

3. Express an informed opinion that clearly states a personal view, is logical and coherent, and engages the reader’s interest.

4. Support an informed opinion by using appropriate language, reason, and organizational structure for the audience and purpose.

 

9 Benchmark II-B: Apply grammatical and language conventions to communicate

Performance Standards

1. Identify and correctly use clauses (e.g., main and subordinate), phrases (e.g., gerund, infinitive, participle), and mechanics of punctuation.

2. Demonstrate understanding of sentence structure (e.g., parallel structure, subordination, proper placement of modifiers), and consistency of verb tense and voice.

3.      Demonstrate control of grammar, paragraph and sentence structure, diction, and syntax.

 

9 Benchmarks II-C: Demonstrate competence in the skills and strategies of the writing process to inform and persuade

Performance Standards

1. Use jargon and/or lingo appropriate for a specific purpose and audience.

2. Use descriptive language to create images in the mind of the audience.

3. Compose written arguments that develop and support informed opinions by:

·        stating a progression of ideas

·        selecting appropriate style, tone, and use of language for a particular effect

·        describing  and analyzing personal, social, historical, or cultural influences

·        presenting rhetorical strategies to support the proposal

4.      Analyze the origins and meanings of common, learned, and foreign words used frequently in written English.


 

Strand: Literature and Media

Content Standard III: Students will use literature and media to develop an understanding of people, societies, and the self.

 

9 Benchmarks III-A:  Use language, literature, and media to understand the role of the individual as a member of many cultures

Performance Standards

1.  Compare words and symbols that express a universal theme and reflect upon personal perspective and response.

2.  Analyze the way in which literature and media are related to the themes and issues of their historical context.

3. Respond to a variety of literary works and media  (e.g., memoirs, vignettes, narratives, diaries, newspaper, movies) that offer an audience:

an awareness of how personal and cultural influences affect the response

 

Content Standard III:  Students will use literature and media to develop an understanding of people,

society, and the self

9 Benchmarks III-B: Understand literary elements, concepts, and genres

Performance Standards

1. Demonstrate an understanding of why certain literary works may be considered classics.

2.  Compare and contrast the presentation of similar themes across genres to explain how the selection of genre shapes the theme or topic.

3. Make thematic connections between literary works and contemporary issues.

4.  Explain the effects of point of view on the reader’s understanding of a literary work.