• Analyze what a text says explicitly and draw logical inferences; cite textual evidence to support conclusions

• Determine a theme or central idea of a text and analyze its development over the course of the text

• Provide an objective summary of a text

• Describe how the plot of a story or drama unfolds, as well as how the characters respond or change as the plot moves toward a resolution

• Analyze in detail how a key individual, event, or idea is introduced, illustrated, and developed in an informational text

• Determine the meaning of words and phrases as they are used in a text, including figurative, connotative, and technical meanings; analyze the impact of specific word choices on meaning and tone, including allusions to other texts

• Analyze how a particular sentence, chapter, scene, or stanza fits into the overall structure of a text and contributes to the development of the theme, setting, or plot (literary text)

• Analyze how a particular sentence, paragraph, chapter, or section fits into the overall structure of a text and contributes to the development of the ideas (informational text)

• Explain how an author establishes and conveys the point of view of the narrator or speaker in a literary text

• Determine an author’s point of view or purpose in a text and explain how it is conveyed in an informational text

• Compare and contrast the written version of a story, drama, or poem to the experience of listening to or viewing an audio, video, or live production of a text

• Integrate information presented in different media or formats, such as in tables, images, diagrams, and words to develop a coherent understanding of a topic or issue

• Trace and evaluate the argument and specific claims in a text, distinguishing claims that are supported by reasons and evidence from claims that are not

• Compare and contrast texts in different forms or genres in terms of their approaches to similar themes and topics (literary texts)

• Compare and contrast two or more authors’ presentation of the same topic or event (informational texts)

Write opinion pieces on topics or texts, supporting a point of view with reasons and information

• Introduce a topic or text

• Develop an opinion through logically-ordered reasons that are supported by facts and details

• Create an organizational structure in which ideas are logically grouped to support the writer’s purpose

• Provide a concluding statement or section related to the opinion presented

• Link opinion and reasons using words, phrases, and clauses

Write informative/explanatory texts to examine a topic and convey ideas and information

• Introduce a topic by providing a general observation and focus.

• Group related information logically

• Include formatting features, illustrations, and multimedia, when needed, to provide clarity to the reader

• Develop the topic with facts, definitions, concrete details, quotations, or other information and examples related to the topic

• Provide a conclusion related to the information or explanation presented

• Link ideas within and across categories of information using words, phrases, and clauses

• Use precise language and domain-specific vocabulary to inform about or explain the topic

Write narratives to develop real or imagined experiences or events using an effective technique, such as descriptive details and clear event sequences

• Orient the reader by establishing a situation, using a narrator, and/or introducing characters

• Organize an event sequence that unfolds naturally and logically

• Use narrative techniques, such as dialogue, pacing, and description to develop experiences and events or show the responses of characters to situations

• Use a variety of transitional words, phrases, and clauses to manage the sequence of events

• Provide a conclusion that follows from the narrated experiences or events

• Use precise words and phrases and use sensory details to convey experiences and events

Write arguments to support claims with clear reasons and relevant evidence

• Introduce claim(s)

• Support claim(s) with logical reasoning and relevant, sufficient evidence; acknowledge alternate or opposing claim(s)

• Organize the reasons and evidence clearly and clarify the relationships among claim(s) and reasons

• Use credible sources and demonstrate an understanding of the topic or source material

• Craft an effective and relevant conclusion that supports the argument presented

• Use precise language and content-specific vocabulary

• Use appropriate transitions to create cohesion and clarify the relationships among ideas and concepts

• Use varied sentence structure to enhance meaning and reader interest

• Establish and maintain a formal style

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

• Introduce a topic clearly, using the introduction to prepare the reader for what is to follow.

• Organize ideas, concepts, and information using effective strategies to create cohesion and aid in comprehension.

• Develop the topic with relevant facts, definitions, concrete details, quotations, or other information and examples.

• Thoroughly and accurately explain and elaborate on the evidence provided, demonstrating a clear understanding of the topic and the source material.

• Craft an effective and relevant conclusion.

• Include formatting, graphics, and multimedia when appropriate.

• Use appropriate transitions to create cohesion and clarify the relationships among ideas and concepts.

• Use precise language and domain-specific vocabulary.

• Use varied sentence structure to enhance meaning and reader interest.

• Establish and maintain a formal style

Write narratives (fiction and nonfiction) to develop real or imagined experiences or events using effective techniques, relevant descriptive details, and well-structured event sequences

• Engage and orient the reader by establishing a context and point of view and introducing a speaker/narrator and/or participants/characters

• Organize an event sequence that unfolds naturally and logically

• Create a smooth progression of experiences or events

• Use narrative techniques, such as dialogue, pacing, and description when appropriate, to develop experiences, events, and/or characters

• Use a variety of transition words, phrases, and clauses to convey sequence, signal shifts, and show the relationships among experiences and events

• Craft an effective and relevant conclusion that reflects on the narrated experiences or events

• Use precise words and phrases, relevant descriptive details, and sensory language to convey experiences and events