High School ELA Kansas Standards

Language in Speaking and Listening

Presentation of Knowledge and Ideas

Comprehension and Collaboration

Speaking and Listening

Range of Writing

Language in Writing

Research to Build and Present Knowledge

Production and Distribution of Writing

Text Types and Purposes

Writing

Range of Reading and Text Complexity

Language in Reading: Informational

Integration of Knowledge and Ideas

Craft and Structure

Key Ideas and Details

Reading: Informational

Range of Reading and Text Complexity

Language in Reading: Literature

Integration of Knowledge and Ideas

Craft and Structure

Key Ideas and Details

Reading: Literature

Grades 11-12

Cite strong and thorough textual evidence to support analysis of what the text says explicitly as well as inferences drawn from the text, including determining where the text leaves matters uncertain.

Apply knowledge of language to understand how language functions in different contexts, to make effective choices for meaning or style and to comprehend more fully when reading.

Determine or clarify the meaning of unknown and multiple-meaning words and phrases based on grades 11–12 reading and content.

Use context to determine the meaning of a word or phrase.

Identify and correctly use patterns of word changes that indicate different meanings or parts of speech.

Consult general and specialized reference materials, both print and digital, to find the pronunciation of a word or determine or clarify its precise meaning, its part of speech, its etymology or its standard usage.

Verify the preliminary determination of the meaning of a word or phrase.

Demonstrate understanding of figurative language, word relationships and nuances in word meanings.

Interpret figures of speech in context and analyze their role in the text.

Analyze nuances in the meaning of words with similar denotations.

Read and comprehend high-quality informational text of appropriate quantitative and qualitative complexity for grades 11-12.

Determine two or more central ideas of a text and analyze their development over the course of the text, including how they interact and build on one another to provide a complex analysis; provide an objective summary of the text.

Analyze a complex set of ideas or sequence of events and explain how specific individuals, ideas or events interact and develop over the course of the text.

Determine the meaning of words and phrases as they are used in a text, including figurative, connotative and technical meanings; analyze how an author uses and refines the meaning of a key term or terms.

Evaluate the effectiveness of the structure an author uses in his or her exposition or argument, including whether the structure makes points clear, convincing, and engaging.

Determine an author's perspective (viewpoint) and purpose in a text in which the rhetoric is particularly effective, analyzing how style and content contribute to the persuasiveness of the text.

Integrate and evaluate multiple sources of information presented in media or formats as well as in words in order to address a question or solve a problem.

Delineate and evaluate the reasoning in seminal U.S. and world texts, including the application of constitutional principles and use of legal reasoning and the premises, purposes and arguments in works of public advocacy.

Analyze foundational documents of historical and literary significance for their themes, purposes and rhetorical features.

Cite strong and thorough textual evidence to support analysis of what the text says explicitly as well as inferences drawn from the text, including determining where the text leaves matters uncertain.

Apply knowledge of language to understand how language functions in different contexts, to make effective choices for meaning or style and to comprehend more fully when reading.

Determine or clarify the meaning of unknown and multiple-meaning words and phrases based on grades 11–12 reading and content.

Use context to determine the meaning of a word or phrase.

Identify and correctly use patterns of word changes that indicate different meanings or parts of speech (e.g., conceive, conception, conceivable).

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, its part of speech, its etymology or its standard usage.

Verify the preliminary determination of the meaning of a word or phrase.

Demonstrate understanding of figurative language, word relationships and nuances in word meanings.

Interpret figures of speech (e.g., hyperbole, paradox) in context and analyze their role in the text.

Analyze nuances in the meaning of words with similar denotations.

Read and comprehend high-quality literary text (e.g., drama, prose, and poetry) of appropriate quantitative and qualitative complexity for grades 11-12.

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

Analyze the impact of the author's choices regarding how to develop and relate elements of a story or drama.

Determine the meaning of words and phrases as they are used in the text, including figurative and connotative meanings; analyze the impact of specific word choices on meaning and tone, including words with multiple meanings or language that is particularly fresh, engaging or beautiful.

Analyze how an author's choices concerning how to structure specific parts of a text contribute to its overall structure and meaning as well as its aesthetic impact.

Analyze a case in which grasping a point of view requires distinguishing what is directly stated in a text from what is really meant.

Analyze multiple interpretations of a story, drama or poem, evaluating how each version interprets the source text.

Not applicable for literature.

Demonstrate knowledge of foundational works of American and world literature, including how two or more texts from the same period treat similar themes or topics.

Initiate and participate effectively in a range of collaborative discussion (one-on-one, in groups and teacher-led) with diverse partners on grades 11-12 topics, texts and issues, building on others' ideas and expressing their own clearly and persuasively.

Be prepared to discuss, having read and researched material; explicitly draw on that preparation by referring to evidence from texts and other research on the topic or issue to stimulate a thoughtful, well-reasoned exchange of ideas.

Work with peers to promote civil, democratic discussions and decision-making, set clear goals and deadlines and establish individual roles as needed.

Propel conversations by posing and responding to questions that probe reasoning and evidence; ensure a hearing for a full range of positions on a topic or issue; clarify, verify or challenge ideas and conclusions; and promote divergent and creative perspectives.

Respond thoughtfully to diverse perspectives; synthesize comments, claims and evidence made on all sides of an issue; resolve contradictions when possible; and determine what additional information or research is required to deepen the investigation or complete the task.

Integrate multiple sources of information presented in diverse formats and media in order to make informed decisions and solve problems, evaluating the credibility and accuracy of each source and noting any discrepancies among the data.

Evaluate a speaker's point of view, reasoning and use of evidence and rhetoric, assessing the stance, premises, links among ideas, word choice, points of emphasis and tone used.

Present information addressing opposing viewpoints and using supporting evidence, clearly, concisely and logically for a specific purpose, audience and task.

Make strategic use of digital media in presentations to enhance understanding of findings, reasoning and evidence and to add interest.

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

Demonstrate command of the conventions of standard English grammar and usage when writing or speaking.

Vary syntax for effect, consulting references for guidance as needed.

Apply the understanding that usage is a matter of convention, can change over time and is sometimes contested.

Acquire and use accurately general academic and domain-specific words and phrases, sufficient for the college and career readiness level; demonstrate independence in gathering vocabulary knowledge when considering a word or phrase important to comprehension or expression.

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

Introduce precise, knowledgeable claim(s), establish the significance of the claim(s), distinguish the claim(s) from alternate or opposing claims and create an organization that logically sequences claim(s), counterclaims, reasons and evidence.

Develop claim(s) and counterclaims fairly and thoroughly, supplying the most relevant evidence for each while pointing out the strengths and limitations of both in a manner that anticipates the audience's knowledge level, concerns, values and possible biases.

Use words, phrases and clauses as well as varied syntax to link the major sections of the text, create, cohesion and clarify the relationships between claim(s) and reasons, between reasons and evidence and between claim(s) and counterclaims.

Establish and maintain a formal style and objective tone while attending to the norms and conventions of the discipline in which they are writing.

Provide a concluding statement or section that follows from and supports the argument presented.

Demonstrate command of the conventions of standard English grammar and usage when writing.

Vary syntax for effect, consulting references (e.g., Tufte's Artful Sentences) for guidance as needed.

Apply the understanding that usage is a matter of convention, can change over time and is sometimes contested.

Resolve issues of complex or contested usage, consulting references (e.g., Merriam-Webster's Dictionary of English Usage, Garner's Modern American Usage) as needed.

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

Observe hyphenation conventions.

Spell correctly.

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 tasks, purposes.

Write informative/explanatory texts to examine and convey complex ideas, concepts and information clearly and accurately through the effective selection, organization and analysis of content.

Introduce a topic; organize complex ideas, concepts and information so that each new element builds on that which precedes it to create a unified whole; include formatting, graphics and multimedia when useful to aiding comprehension.

Develop the topic thoroughly by selecting the most significant and relevant facts, extended definitions, concrete details, quotations or other information and examples appropriate to the audience's knowledge of the topic.

Use appropriate and varied transitions and syntax to link the major sections of the text, create cohesion and clarify the relationships among complex ideas and concepts.

Use precise language, domain-specific vocabulary and techniques such as metaphor, simile and analogy to manage the complexity of the topic.

Establish and maintain a formal style and objective tone while attending to the norms and conventions of the discipline in which they are writing.

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, well-chosen details and well- structured event sequences.

Engage the reader by setting out a problem, situation or observation, establishing one or multiple points of view and introducing a narrator and/or characters; create a smooth progression of experiences or events.

Use narrative techniques, such as dialogue, pacing, description, reflection and multiple plot lines, to develop experiences, events, and/or characters.

Use a variety of techniques to sequence events so that they build on one another to create a coherent whole and build toward a particular tone and outcome.

Use precise words and phrases, telling details and sensory language to convey a vivid picture of the experiences, events, setting, and/or characters.

Provide a conclusion that follows from and reflects on what is experienced, observed or resolved over the course of the narrative.

Produce clear and coherent writing in which the development, organization and style are appropriate to task, purpose and audience.

Develop and strengthen writing as needed by planning, revising, editing, rewriting or trying a new approach, focusing on addressing what is most significant for a specific purpose and audience.

Use technology, including the Internet, to produce, publish and update individual or shared writing products in response to ongoing feedback, including new arguments or information.

Conduct short as well as more sustained research projects to answer a question (including self-generated question) or solve a problem; narrow or broaden the inquiry when appropriate; synthesize multiple sources on the subject, demonstrating understanding of the subject under investigation.

Gather relevant information from multiple authoritative print and digital sources, using advanced searches effectively; assess the strengths and limitations of each source in terms of the task, purpose and audience; integrate information into the text selectively to maintain the flow of ideas, avoiding plagiarism and overreliance on any one source and following a standard format for citation.

Draw evidence from grades 11-12 literary or informational texts, to support analysis, reflection and research.

Language in Speaking and Listening

Presentation of Knowledge and Ideas

Comprehension and Collaboration

Speaking and Listening

Range of Writing

Language in Writing

Research to Build and Present Knowledge

Production and Distribution of Writing

Text Types and Details

Writing

Range of Reading and Text Complexity

Language in Reading: Informational

Integration of Knowledge and Ideas

Craft and Structure

Key Ideas and Details

Reading: Informational

Range of Reading and Text Complexity

Language in Reading: Literature

Integration of Knowledge and Ideas

Craft and Structure

Key Ideas and Details

Reading: Literature

Grades 9-10

Cite strong and thorough textual evidence to support analysis of what the text says explicitly as well as inferences drawn from the text.

Apply knowledge of language to understand how language functions in different contexts, to make effective choices for meaning or style and to comprehend more fully when reading.

Write and edit work so that it conforms to the guidelines in a style manual appropriate for the discipline and writing type.

Determine or clarify the meaning of unknown and multiple-meaning words and phrases based on grades 9–10 reading and content.

Use context to determine the meaning of a word or phrase

Identify and correctly use patterns of word changes that indicate different meanings or parts of speech.

Consult general and specialized reference materials, both print and digital, to find the pronunciation of a word or determine or clarify its precise meaning, its part of speech or its etymology.

Verify the preliminary determination of the meaning of a word or phrase.

Demonstrate understanding of figurative language, word relationships and nuances in word meanings.

Interpret figures of speech in context and analyze their role in the text.

Analyze nuances in the meaning of words with similar denotations.

Read and comprehend high-quality informational text of appropriate quantitative and qualitative complexity for grades 9-10.

Determine a central idea of a text and analyze its development over the course of the text; provide an objective summary of the text.

Analyze how the author unfolds an analysis or series of ideas or events, including the order in which the points are made, how they are introduced and developed and the connections that are drawn between them.

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

Analyze in detail how an author's ideas or claims are developed and refined by particular sentences, paragraphs or larger portions of a text.

Determine an author's perspective (viewpoint) and purpose in a text and analyze how an author's use of rhetoric advances the perspective (viewpoint) and purpose.

Analyze various accounts of a subject told in different mediums, determining which details are emphasized in each account.

Delineate and evaluate the argument and specific claims in a text, assessing whether the reasoning is valid and the evidence is relevant and sufficient; identify false statements and fallacious reasoning.

Analyze documents of historical and literary significance, including how they address related themes and concepts.

Cite strong and thorough textual evidence to support analysis of what the text says explicitly as well as inferences drawn from the text.

Apply knowledge of language to understand how language functions in different contexts, to make effective choices for meaning or style and to comprehend more fully when reading or listening.

Determine or clarify the meaning of unknown and multiple-meaning words and phrases based on grades 9–10 reading and content.

Use context to determine the meaning of a word or phrase.

Identify and correctly use patterns of word changes that indicate different meanings or parts of speech.

Consult general and specialized reference materials, both print and digital, to find the pronunciation of a word or determine or clarify its precise meaning, its part of speech or its etymology.

Verify the preliminary determination of the meaning of a word or phrase.

Demonstrate understanding of figurative language, word relationships and nuances in word meanings.

Interpret figures of speech in context and analyze their role in the text.

Analyze nuances in the meaning of words with similar denotations.

Read and comprehend high-quality dramas, prose and poetry of appropriate quantitative and qualitative complexity for grades 9-10.

Determine a theme or central idea of a text and analyze in detail its development; provide an objective summary of the text.

Analyze how complex characters develop over the course of a text, interact with other characters and advance the plot or develop the theme.

Determine the meaning of words and phrases as they are used in the text, including figurative and connotative meanings; analyze the cumulative impact of specific word choices on meaning and tone.

Analyze how an author's choices concerning how to structure a text, order events within it and manipulate time create such effects as mystery, tension or surprise.

Analyze a particular point of view based on cultural experience reflected in a work of literature.

Analyze and evaluate the representation of a subject or a key scene in multiple mediums-- including media, artistic and other visual formats.

Not applicable for literature.

Analyze how an author draws on and transforms source material in a specific work.

Initiate and participate effectively in a range of collaborative discussions (one-on-one, in groups and teacher-led) with diverse partners on grades 9-10 topics, texts and issues, building on others' ideas and expressing their own clearly and persuasively.

Be prepared to discuss, having read and researched material; explicitly draw on that preparation by referring to evidence from texts and other research on the topic or issue to stimulate a thoughtful, well-reasoned exchange of ideas.

Work with peers to set rules for collegial discussions and decision-making, clear goals and deadlines and individual roles as needed.

Propel conversations by posing and responding to questions that relate the current discussion to broader themes or larger ideas; actively incorporate others into the discussion; and clarify, verify or challenge ideas and conclusions.

Respond thoughtfully to diverse perspectives, summarize points of agreement and disagreement, and, when warranted, qualify or justify their own views and understanding and make new connections in light of the evidence and reasoning presented.

Integrate multiple sources of information presented in diverse media or formats evaluating the credibility and accuracy of each source.

Evaluate a speaker's point of view, reasoning and use of evidence and rhetoric, identifying any fallacious reasoning or exaggerated or distorted evidence.

Present information, findings and supporting evidence clearly, concisely and logically such that listeners can follow the line of reasoning and the organization, development, substance and style are appropriate to purpose, audience and task.

Make strategic use of digital media in presentations to enhance understanding of findings, reasoning and evidence and to add interest.

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

Demonstrate command of the conventions of standard English grammar and usage when speaking.

Use parallel structure.

Use various types of phrases (noun, verb, adjectival, adverbial, participial, prepositional, absolute) and clauses (independent, dependent; noun, relative, adverbial) to convey specific meanings and add variety and interest to writing or presentations.

Acquire and use accurately general academic and domain-specific words and phrases, sufficient for reading, writing, speaking and listening at the college and career readiness level; demonstrate independence in gathering vocabulary knowledge when considering a word or phrase important to comprehension or expression.

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

Introduce precise claims, distinguish the claims from alternate or opposing claims and create an organization that establishes clear relationships among claims, counterclaims, reasons and evidence.

Develop claims and counterclaims fairly, supporting evidence for each while pointing out the strengths and limitations of both in a manner that anticipates the audience's knowledge level and concerns.

Use words, phrases and clauses to link the major sections of the text, create cohesion and clarify the relationships between claims and reasons, between reasons and evidence and between claims and counterclaims.

Establish and maintain a formal style and objective tone while attending to the norms and conventions of the discipline in which they are writing.

Provide a concluding statement or section that follows and supports the argument presented.

Demonstrate command of the conventions of standard English grammar and usage when writing.

Write and edit work so that it conforms to the guidelines in a style manual appropriate for the discipline and writing type.

Use parallel structure.

Use various types of phrases (noun, verb, adjectival, adverbial, participial, prepositional, absolute) and clauses (independent, dependent; noun, relative, adverbial) to convey specific meanings and add variety and interest to writing.

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

Use a semicolon to link two or more closely related independent clauses.

Use a colon to introduce a list or quotation.

Spell correctly.

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 tasks, purposes and audiences.

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; organize complex ideas, concepts and information to make important connections and distinctions; include formatting, graphics and multimedia when useful to aiding comprehension.

Develop the topic with well-chosen, relevant and sufficient facts, extended definitions, concrete details, quotations or other information and examples appropriate to the audience's knowledge of the topic.

Use appropriate and varied transitions to link the major sections of the text, create cohesion and clarify the relationships among complex ideas and concepts.

Use precise language and domain specific vocabulary to manage the complexity of the topic.

Establish and maintain a formal style and objective tone while attending to the norms and conventions of the discipline in which they are writing.

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, well-chosen details and well-structured event sequences.

Engage the reader by setting out a problem, situation or observation, establishing one or multiple points of view and introducing a narrator and/or characters; create a smooth progression of experiences or events.

Use narrative techniques, such as dialogue, pacing, description, reflection and multiple plot lines, to develop experiences, events, and/or characters.

Use a variety of techniques to sequence events so that they build on one another to create a coherent whole.

Use precise words and phrases, telling details and sensory language to convey a vivid picture of the experiences, events, setting, and/or characters.

Provide a conclusion that follows from and reflects on what is experienced, observed or resolved over the course of the narrative.

Produce clear and coherent writing in which the development, organization and style are appropriate to task, purpose and audience.

Develop and strengthen writing as needed by planning, revising, editing, rewriting or trying a new approach, focusing on addressing what is most significant for a specific purpose and audience.

Use technology, including the internet, to produce, publish and update individual or shared writing products, taking advantage of technology's capacity to link to other information and to display information flexibly and dynamically.

Conduct short as well as more sustained research projects to answer a question (including a self-generated question) or solve a problem; narrow or broaden the inquiry when appropriate; synthesize multiple sources on the subject, demonstrating understanding of the subject under investigation.

Gather relevant information from multiple authoritative print and digital sources, using advanced searches effectively; assess the usefulness of each source in answering the research question; integrate information into the text selectively to maintain the flow of ideas, avoiding plagiarism and following a standard format for citation.

Draw evidence from literary or informational texts to support analysis, reflection and research.