Determine two or more themes or central ideas of a text. Analyze the development of themes throughout the text, including how they interact and build on one another to produce a complex account.  Provide an objective summary of the text.

Determine the central idea of a text. Analyze the development of a central idea over the course of a text. Provide an objective summary of the text.

Cite strong and thorough textual evidence to support what the text explicitly says and what it infers.

Cite strong and thorough textual evidence to support what the text explicitly says what it infers. Cite strong and thorough textual evidence to support analysis of what inferences can be drawn from the text.

Demonstrate command of the conventions of English usage and grammar when writing and speaking, using various types of phrases and clauses to convey specific meaning and add variety to writing or presentations.

Demonstrate command of the conventions of capitalization, punctuation, and spelling when writing.

Determine the meaning of unknown and multiple-meaning words using context clues and word patterns.

Analyze how an author’s choices on how to structure a text, how to order events, or how to manipulate time create effects such as mystery, tension, or surprise.

Present information and supporting evidence clearly and logically so that listeners can follow the logic. Present information and supporting evidence appropriate to purpose and audience.

Produce clear and coherent writing that is appropriate to the task, purpose, and audience.

Develop and strengthen writing by planning, revising, editing, rewriting with a specific purpose or audience in mind.

Demonstrate understanding of figurative language and word relationships.

Determine the meaning of words and phrases in the text, including figurative and connotative meanings.

Initiate and participate in a range of discussions with diverse partners, building on others’ ideas and expressing their own clearly and persuasively.

Write arguments to support claims, using valid reasoning and relevant and sufficient evidence, in an analysis of substantive topics or texts.

Write informative texts to examine and convey complex ideas, concepts, and information clearly and accurately.