Arizonas English Language Arts Standards
7th Grade
ARIZONA DEPARTMENT OF EDUCATION
HIGH ACADEMIC STANDARDS FOR STUDENTS
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7 Grade Overview
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Arizonas English Language Arts Standards work together in a clear progression from kindergarten through 12 grade. This document provides a brief overview of the skills a
student will learn at this grade. Each standard builds on the standard that came before and towards the standard that comes in the next grade level. Each standard is expected
to be taught as appropriate for the grade-level. Some standards appear to have similar wording at multiple grade levels; however, it is understood that they are to be applied
with increased focus to progressively more challenging texts and tasks.
Reading Standards for Literature: Analyze and evaluate how different authors present the same
Independently and proficiently read grade-appropriate and increasingly subject/topic through varying mediums
complex literature from a variety of genres
Analyze how key details build the central idea or theme of a text Writing Standards:
Cite textual evidence to support analysis and inferences Develop and produce clear and coherent writing for a variety of tasks,
Compare and contrast how texts from different genres address similar purposes, and audiences using argumentative, informational, and
themes or topics narrative writing types
Analyze the interaction of literary elements, such as setting, characters, Develop arguments supported with reasoning and evidence gathered
plot, theme, etc. to consider the impact one element might have on from multiple credible print and digital resources
another Begin to acknowledge opposing viewpoints in writing
Determine the central idea or theme of a text as well as write an objective Routinely plan, draft, revise and edit writing tasks
summary
Speaking and Listening Standards:
Analyze intentional author choice by comparing and contrasting
characters, points of view, structures, mediums and citing evidence to Collaboratively discuss and analyze a variety of subjects
support analysis Develop and practice respectful communication skills in order to clarify,
extend, and challenge presented information
Compare and contrast a written form of text to an audio, visual, or staged
version of the text Present arguments and information, incorporating multimedia and other
visual/audio elements as appropriate to meet the needs of the audience
Determining and analyze the impact of specific word choices on meaning
and tone and purpose
Reading Standards for Informational: Language Standards:
Analyze the interaction between/among individuals, events, and ideas Demonstrate mastery of grade level conventions (grammar, capitalization,
presented in a variety of informational texts punctuation, and spelling)
Cite appropriate textual evidence to support inference drawn from Choose among simple, compound, complex, and compound-complex
informational texts, as well as writing effective objective summaries of the sentence structures to signal differing relationships among ideas
text Apply various strategies to determine the meaning of unknown words,
Analyze claims by evaluating the supporting reasoning and evidence phrases, and figurative language
presented in a text
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Arizonas English Language Arts Standards 7th Grade
Reading Standards for Literature
Key Ideas and Details
[Link].1 Cite several pieces of textual evidence to support analysis of what the text says explicitly as well as inferences drawn from the text.
[Link].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.
[Link].3 Analyze how particular elements of a story or drama interact (e.g., how setting shapes the characters or plot).
Craft and Structure
Determine the meaning of words and phrases as they are used in a text, including figurative and connotative meanings; analyze the impact of
[Link].4 specific word choices on meaning and tone, including 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.
[Link].5 Analyze the structure of a text, including how a drama or poems form or structure contributes to its meaning.
[Link].6 Analyze how an author develops and contrasts the points of view of different characters or narrators in a text.
Integration of Knowledge and Ideas
Compare and contrast a written story, drama, or poem to its audio, filmed, staged, or multimedia version, analyzing the effects of techniques
[Link].7
unique to each medium (e.g., lighting, sound, color, or camera focus and angles in a film).
[Link].8 (Not applicable to literature)
Compare and contrast a fictional portrayal of a time, place, or character and a historical account of the same period as a means of
[Link].9
understanding how authors of fiction use or alter history.
Range of Reading and Level of Text Complexity
By the end of the year, proficiently and independently read and comprehend literature, including stories, dramas, and poetry, in a text
[Link].10
complexity range determined by qualitative and quantitative measures appropriate to grade 7.
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Arizonas English Language Arts Standards 7th Grade
Reading Standards for Informational Text
Key Ideas and Details
[Link].1 Cite several pieces of textual evidence to support analysis of what the text says explicitly as well as inferences drawn from the text.
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
[Link].2
text.
Analyze the interactions between individuals, events, and ideas in a text (e.g., how ideas influence individuals or events, or how individuals
[Link].3
influence ideas or events).
Craft and Structure
Determine the meaning of words and phrases as they are used in a text, including figurative, connotative, and technical meanings; analyze the
[Link].4
impact of specific word choices on meaning and tone.
Analyze the structure an author uses to organize a text, including how the major sections contribute to the whole and to the development of
[Link].5
the ideas.
Determine an authors point of view or purpose in a text and analyze how the author distinguishes his or
[Link].6
her position from that of others.
Integration of Knowledge and Ideas
Compare and contrast a text to an audio, video, or multimedia version of the text, analyzing each mediums portrayal of the subject (e.g., how
[Link].7
the delivery of a speech affects the impact of the words).
Trace and evaluate the argument and specific claims in a text, assessing whether the reasoning is sound and the evidence is relevant and
[Link].8
sufficient to support the claims.
Analyze how two or more authors writing about the same topic shape their presentations of key information by emphasizing different
[Link].9
evidence or advancing different interpretations of facts.
Range of Reading and Level of Text Complexity
By the end of the year, proficiently and independently read and comprehend informational texts and nonfiction in a text complexity range
[Link].10
determined by qualitative and quantitative measures appropriate to grade 7.
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Arizonas English Language Arts Standards 7th Grade
Writing Standards
Text Types and Purposes
Write arguments to support claims with clear reasons and relevant evidence.
a. Introduce claim(s), acknowledge alternate or opposing claims, and organize the reasons and evidence logically.
b. Support claim(s) with logical reasoning and relevant evidence, using accurate, credible sources and demonstrating an understanding of the
7.W.1 topic or text.
c. Use words, phrases, and clauses to create cohesion and clarify the relationships among claim(s), reasons, and evidence.
d. Establish and maintain a formal style.
e. Provide a concluding statement or section that follows from and supports the argument presented.
Write informative/explanatory texts to examine a topic and convey ideas, concepts, and information through the selection, organization, and
analysis of relevant content.
a. 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.
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b. Develop the topic with relevant facts, definitions, concrete details, quotations, or other information and examples.
c. Use appropriate transitions to create cohesion and clarify the relationships among ideas and concepts.
d. Use precise language and domainspecific vocabulary to inform about or explain the topic.
e. Establish and maintain a formal style.
f. Provide a concluding statement or section that follows from and supports the information or explanation presented.
Write narratives to develop real or imagined experiences or events using effective technique, relevant descriptive details, and wellstructured
event sequences.
a. 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.
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b. Use narrative techniques, such as dialogue, pacing, and description, to develop experiences, events, and/or characters.
c. Use a variety of transition words, phrases, and clauses to convey sequence and signal shifts from one time frame or setting to another.
d. Use precise words and phrases, relevant descriptive details, and sensory language to capture the action and convey experiences and events.
e. Provide a conclusion that follows from and reflects on the narrated experiences or events.
Production and Distribution of Writing
Produce clear and coherent writing in which the development, organization, and style are appropriate to task, purpose, and audience. (Grade
7.W.4
specific expectations for writing types are defined in standards 13 above).
With some guidance and support from peers and adults, develop and strengthen writing as needed by planning, revising, editing, rewriting, or
7.W.5 trying a new approach, focusing on how well purpose and audience have been addressed. (Editing for conventions should demonstrate
command of Language standards 13 up to and including grade 7.)
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7.W.6 Use technology, including the internet, to produce and publish writing as well as to interact and collaborate with others.
Research to Build and Present Knowledge
Conduct short research projects to answer a question, drawing on several sources and generating additional related, focused questions for
7.W.7
further research and investigation.
Gather relevant information from multiple print and digital sources, using search terms effectively; assess the credibility and accuracy of each
7.W.8
source; and quote or paraphrase the data and conclusions of others while avoiding plagiarism and following a standard format for citation.
Draw evidence from literary or informational texts to support analysis, reflection, and research.
7.W.9 a. Apply grade 7 Reading standards to literature.
b. Apply grade 7 Reading standards to informational text and nonfiction.
Range of Writing
Write routinely over extended time frames (time for research, reflection, and revision) and shorter time frames (a single sitting or a day or two)
7.W.10
for a range of disciplinespecific tasks, purposes, and audiences.
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Arizonas English Language Arts Standards 7th Grade
Speaking and Listening Standards
Comprehension and Collaboration
Engage effectively in a range of collaborative discussions (oneonone, in groups, and teacherled) with diverse partners on grade 7 topics,
texts, and issues, building on others ideas and expressing their own clearly.
a. Come to discussions prepared having read or researched material under study; explicitly draw on that preparation by referring to evidence
on the topic, text, or issue to probe and reflect on ideas under discussion.
[Link].1
b. Follow rules for collegial discussions, track progress toward specific goals and deadlines, and define individual roles as needed.
c. Pose questions that elicit elaboration and respond to others questions and comments with relevant observations and ideas that bring the
discussion back on topic as needed.
d. Acknowledge new information expressed by others and, when warranted, modify their own views.
Analyze the main ideas and supporting details presented in diverse media and formats (e.g., visually, quantitatively, and orally) and explain
[Link].2
how the ideas clarify a topic, text, or issue under study.
Delineate a speakers argument and specific claims, evaluating the soundness of the reasoning and the relevance and sufficiency of the
[Link].3
evidence.
Presentation of Knowledge and Ideas
Present claims and findings, emphasizing salient points in a focused, coherent manner with pertinent descriptions, appropriate vocabulary,
[Link].4
facts, details, and examples; use appropriate eye contact, adequate volume, and clear pronunciation.
[Link].5 Include multimedia components and visual displays in presentations to clarify claims and findings and emphasize salient points.
Adapt speech to a variety of contexts and tasks, demonstrating command of formal English when indicated or appropriate. (See grade 7
[Link].6
Language standards 1 and 3 for specific expectations.)
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Arizonas English Language Arts Standards 7th Grade
Language Standards
Conventions of Standard English
Demonstrate command of the conventions of Standard English grammar and usage when writing or speaking.
a. Explain the function of phrases and clauses in general and their function in specific sentences.
7.L.1 b. Choose among simple, compound, complex, and compoundcomplex sentences to signal differing
relationships among ideas.
c. Place phrases and clauses within a sentence, recognizing and correcting misplaced and dangling modifiers.
Demonstrate command of the conventions of Standard English capitalization, punctuation, and spelling when writing.
7.L.2 a. Use a comma to separate coordinate adjectives.
b. Use correct spelling.
Knowledge of Language
Use knowledge of language and its conventions when writing, speaking, reading, or listening.
7.L.3
a. Choose language that expresses ideas precisely and concisely, recognizing and eliminating wordiness and redundancy.
Determine or clarify the meaning of unknown and multiplemeaning words and phrases based on grade 7 reading and content, choosing
flexibly from a range of strategies.
a. Use common, gradeappropriate Greek or Latin affixes and roots as clues to the meaning of a word (e.g., belligerent, bellicose, rebel).
b. Use context (e.g., the overall meaning of a sentence or paragraph; a words position or function in a sentence) as a clue to the meaning of a
7.L.4
word or phrase.
c. Consult general and specialized reference materials (e.g., dictionaries, glossaries, thesauruses), both print and digital, to find the
pronunciation of a word or determine or clarify its precise meaning or its part of speech.
d. Verify the preliminary determination of the meaning of a word or phrase.
Demonstrate understanding of figurative language, word relationships, and nuances in word meanings.
a. Interpret figures of speech (e.g., literary, religious, and mythological allusions) in context.
7.L.5 b. Use the relationship between particular words (e.g., synonym/antonym, analogy) to better understand each of the words.
c. Distinguish among the connotations (associations) of words with similar denotations (definitions) (e.g., refined, respectful, polite, diplomatic,
condescending).
Acquire and use accurately gradeappropriate general academic and domainspecific words and phrases; gather vocabulary knowledge when
7.L.6
considering a word or phrase important to comprehension or expression.
