Grade 6 ELA Idaho Standards

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

Identify the eight basic parts of speech (noun, pronoun, verb, adverb, adjective, conjunction, preposition, interjection).

Recognize that a word performs different functions according to its position in the sentence.

Use pronouns correctly regarding case, number, and person, including intensive pronouns (e.g., myself, ourselves).

Recognize and correct vague pronouns (i.e., ones with unclear or ambiguous antecedents).

Recognize and correct inappropriate shifts in pronoun number and person.

Expand, combine, or reduce sentences (e.g., adding or deleting modifiers, combining, or breaking up sentences) for meaning, reader/listener interest, and style.

Recognize variations from standard English in their own and others' writing and speaking and identify and use strategies to improve expression in conventional language.

Demonstrate command of the conventions of English punctuation and capitalization when writing and reading aloud to create meaning.

Commas, parentheses, and dashes to set off nonrestrictive or parenthetical elements.

Colons to separate hours and minutes and to introduce a list.

Spell derivatives correctly by applying knowledge of bases and affixes.

Engage in collaborative discussions about grade-level topics and texts with peers by following agreed upon rules for collegial discussions, setting specific goals, and carrying out assigned roles; making comments and posing and responding to specific questions with elaboration and detail; and demonstrating understanding of various perspectives through reflection and paraphrasing.

Interpret information presented in diverse media and formats (e.g., visually, quantitatively, orally) and explain how it contributes to a topic, text, or issue under study.

Delineate a speaker's argument and specific claims, distinguishing claims that are supported by reasons and evidence from claims that are not.

Report orally on a topic or text or present an argument, sequencing ideas logically and using pertinent descriptions, facts, and details to accentuate main ideas or themes; use adequate volume and clear pronunciation.

Consider the source of information gathered digitally through such means as domains (e.g., .gov; .edu vs. .com or .tv) and the quality of evidence presented.

Follow safety practices and ethical guidelines when gathering, sharing, and using information.

Compare and contrast a written story to a digital version, contrasting what is "seen" and "heard" when reading the text with what is perceived when listened to or watched.

Include digital components (e.g., graphics, images, music, sound) in presentations to clarify information.

Independently and proficiently read and comprehend texts representing a balance of genres, cultures, and perspectives that exhibit complexity at the lower end of the grades 6–8 band.

Regularly engage in a volume of reading, independently, with peers, or with modest support related to the topics and themes being studied to build knowledge and vocabulary.

Draw several pieces of evidence from grade-level texts to support claims and inferences, including quoting and paraphrasing from texts accurately.

Read grade-level text with accuracy, automaticity, appropriate rate, and expression in successive readings to support comprehension

Use evidence from literature to demonstrate understanding of grade-level texts.

Explain stated or implied themes of texts, including how they are developed using specific details from the texts.

Describe how characters respond or change as the plot moves toward a resolution.

Describe how a particular sentence, chapter, scene, or stanza fits into the overall structure of texts and contributes to the development of the theme, setting, or plot.

Explain how authors develop the point of view of the narrator or speaker in texts.

Compare and contrast texts in different forms or genres (e.g., stories and poems; historical novels and fantasy stories) in terms of their approaches to similar themes and topics.

Use evidence from nonfiction works to demonstrate understanding of grade-level texts.

Explain stated or implied central ideas from texts, including how they are developed using specific details from the texts; provide a summary of texts distinct from personal opinions.

Explain in detail how a key individual, event, or idea is introduced, illustrated, and elaborated in texts through examples or anecdotes.

Explain how a specific sentence, paragraph, chapter, or section fits into the overall structure of texts and contributes to the development of the ideas.

Trace the argument and specific claims in texts, distinguishing claims that are supported by evidence and reasons from claims that are not.

Compare and contrast one author's presentation of events with that of another (e.g., a memoir written by and a biography on the same person).

Conduct brief as well as multi-day research tasks to take some action or share findings orally or in writing by formulating research questions and refocusing the inquiry when appropriate; gathering and assessing the relevance and usefulness of information from multiple reliable sources; and paraphrasing or quoting the data and conclusions of others, providing basic bibliographic information for sources, and respecting copyright guidelines for use of images.

Read a series of texts organized around a variety of conceptually related topics to build knowledge about the world. (These texts should be at a range of complexity levels so students can read the texts independently, with peers, or with modest support.)

Determine or clarify the meaning of unknown and multiple-meaning words and phrases based on grade-level content, choosing flexibly from a range of strategies.

Use context (e.g., the overall meaning of a sentence or paragraph; a word's position or function in a sentence) as a clue to the meaning of a word or phrase.

Use common Greek or Latin affixes and roots as clues to the meaning of a word (e.g., in readings on pioneers of space, determine the meanings of the words astronaut and nautical).

Consult reference materials (e.g., dictionaries, glossaries, thesauruses), print or digital, to find the pronunciation of a word and determine and clarify its precise meaning and its part of speech.

Verify the preliminary determination of the meaning of a word or phrase (e.g., by checking the inferred meaning in context or in a dictionary).

Determine how words and phrases provide meaning and nuance to grade-level texts.

Interpret figurative language (e.g., personification, idioms) in context.

Use the relationship between particular words (e.g., cause/effect, part/whole, item/category) to better understand each of the words.

Distinguish among the connotations (associations) of words with similar denotations (definitions) (e.g., house versus home, cheap versus affordable).

Analyze the impact of a specific word choice on meaning, tone (author's attitude toward the subject), or mood (emotional atmosphere).

Acquire and use accurately general academic and content-specific words and phrases occurring in grade-level reading and content; gather vocabulary knowledge when considering a word or phrase important to comprehension or expression. Use these words in discussions and writing.

Develop flexibility in writing by routinely engaging in the production of shorter and longer pieces for a range of tasks, purposes, and audiences. This could include, among others, summaries, reflections, descriptions, critiques, letters, and poetry, etc.

Write arguments that introduce and support a distinct point of view with relevant claims, evidence and reasoning; demonstrate an understanding of the topic; and provide a concluding section that follows from the argument presented.

Write informational texts that introduce the topic, develop the focus with relevant facts, definitions, concrete details, quotations, and examples from multiple sources using appropriate strategies, such as description, comparison, and/or cause-effect; and provide a concluding section that follows from the information presented.

Write personal or fictional narratives that establish a situation and narrator; engage and orient the reader to the context; use narrative techniques such as description, dialogue, pacing, concrete words and sensory details to develop the characters, event(s), or experience(s); and provide a conclusion that follows from the narrated event(s).

Produce clear and coherent organizational structures of multiple paragraphs in which facts and ideas are logically grouped; headings, as applicable are included to support the purpose; and words, phrases, and clauses clarify the relationships between and among ideas and concepts.

With support from adults and peers, develop and strengthen writing as needed by planning, revising, editing, rewriting, or trying a new approach appropriate to audience and purpose. (Editing should demonstrate command of grade-level Grammar and Conventions.)

Write by hand or with technology to produce and publish writing as well as to interact and collaborate with others; demonstrate sufficient command of keyboarding skills to type a minimum of two pages in a single sitting.

Nonfiction Text

Oral and Digital Communications Strand

Textual Evidence

Reading Fluency

Handwriting and Keyboarding

Grammar and Conventions

Academic Vocabulary

Digital Communications

Mechanics

Range of Writing

Writing Strand

Grammar and Usage

Literature

Text Complexity

Deep Reading on Topics to Build Knowledge

Word Building

Volume of Reading to Build Knowledge

Vocabulary Development

Research Strand

Inquiry Process to Build, Present, and Use Knowledge

Oral Communications

Reading Comprehension

Follow Oral Directions

Understand Social and Academic Conversations

Understand Main Idea of Information Presented Orally

Ask and Answer Questions

Communicate Information Orally

Organize Oral Presentations

Deliver Oral Presentations

Use Text Features to Understand Information

Use Graphic Features to Support Understanding of Text

Decode Words Using Phonological Awareness Skills

Decode Words Using Knowledge of Syllables

Decode and Determine Meaning of Words Using Knowledge of Word Parts

Identify and Use Synonyms, Antonyms, and Words With Multiple Meanings

Read With Fluency

Follow Written Directions

Describe Main Idea in Text

Make Inferences and Draw Conclusions Based on Text

Analyze Characters, Settings, and Plots

Plan, Write, Revise, and Edit a Draft

Write Narratives

Write Reports

Spell Words Correctly

Write a Variety of Sentence Types

Apply Capitalization and Punctuation Rules

Use Grammatical Forms

Ask questions to elicit information about a speaker's content to determine the speaker's position.

Decode words of two to four syllables at independent reading level using knowledge of syllable types and patterns.

Identify and use subject-verb agreement and basic verb tenses in simple sentences.

Read simple sentences with familiar vocabulary with fluency and accuracy appropriate to reading level.

Analyze characterization, setting, and plot development in near grade-level text.

Speaking

Identify and apply grade-level capitalization and punctuation rules with some errors.

Interpret graphic features of text near grade level.

Decode and determine meaning of words using knowledge of common roots, prefixes, and suffixes in brief, simple text.

Reading Comprehension

Follow multi-step written directions.

Retell experiences in response to prompts using phrases and simple sentences.

Identify and apply increasingly complex capitalization and punctuation rules.

Analyze basic aspects of characters, setting, and plot in stories with visuals at independent reading level.

Write a longer research report focused on a main idea with some important details and examples from multiple sources.

Interpret graphic features of text at grade level.

Briefly describe the main idea and some supporting details of information presented orally.

Deliver brief narrative and informative oral presentations, maintaining a focus on a topic and using more detailed sentences.

Draw conclusions orally based on brief, simple text read aloud with visuals.

Follow simple one- and two-step written directions.

Identify and write very simple declarative sentences.

Identify a few basic text features (e.g., title, author, headings, illustrations) in informational text.

Read sight words and other familiar words and phrases accurately.

Analyze characterization, setting, and plot development in grade-level text.

Write a full-length research report focused on a main idea with supporting details compiled through a formal research process.

Summarize the literal or inferential main idea and some critical details from text at independent reading level.

Identify common antonyms and synonyms and some words with multiple meanings.

Apply spelling rules to spell correctly words from text at the independent reading level, and independently use reference tools to correct spelling.

Draw a sequence of pictures or complete a graphic organizer to show ideas for a narrative.

Organize oral presentations that maintain a clear focus.

Writing Process

Identify and use subject-verb-object order in very simple sentences.

Apply the writing process to: organize more complex ideas and supporting details; write a draft; revise for meaning and clarity; and use a modified grade-level editing checklist.

Identify first, middle, and last sounds in a single-syllable word; match vowel and consonant sounds to all letters.

Complete a graphic organizer to show ideas for a narrative; write a series of short sentences; and use a simple editing checklist of very basic rules with support.

Identify and apply basic capitalization and punctuation rules in simple sentences.

Express needs and state facts using more detailed sentences.

Apply common root words, prefixes, and suffixes, to decode and determine meaning of words in text at independent reading level.

Write a series of simple sentences using sentence frames that include some facts and details.

Summarize major ideas and supporting details.

Summarize main ideas and supporting details of information presented orally at grade level.

Identify orally the main characters and basic sequence of events in simple stories read aloud with visuals.

Writing Conventions

Ask simple questions to determine a speaker's opinion about a familiar topic.

Analyze text features and organizational structures in informational text at grade level to locate and explain key points.

Reading Process

Reading

Follow simple multi-step written directions.

Speaking Applications

Write simple expository sentences using sentence frames.

Make inferences, draw conclusions, and locate some evidence in brief text at the independent reading level.

Read grade-level text with fluency and accuracy.

Identify and write sentences of varying types and complexity at grade level.

Use a few basic text features in informational texts to locate a few key points.

Apply context to identify the meaning of unfamiliar words and words with multiple meanings in text at independent reading level.

Spell many one-syllable, familiar words correctly.

Identify and write simple declarative, exclamatory, and interrogative sentences.

Identify a few familiar graphic features (e.g., diagrams, maps) in informational text at independent reading level.

Use a few familiar graphic features in informational text at independent reading level to locate a few key points.

Explain relationships among words including connotation and denotation, antonyms, synonyms, and words with multiple meanings in grade-level text.

Listening Comprehension

Paraphrase a speaker's point of view and ask questions about the speaker's content and position.

Organize oral presentations that maintain a clear focus and use expanded word choice and sentence structure.

Identify and write sentences of varying types and increasing complexity.

Explain relationships among words including connotation and denotation, antonyms, synonyms, and words with multiple meanings in near grade-level text.

Follow simple two-step oral directions.

Apply spelling rules and some Greek and Latin derivatives to correctly spell multisyllabic words near grade level, and independently use reference tools to correct spelling.

Apply spelling rules and Greek and Latin derivatives to correctly spell multisyllabic words at grade level, and independently use reference tools to correct spelling.

Use knowledge of vowel digraphs, diphthongs, and r-controlled letter-sound associations to read new words.

Write simple sentences using sentence frames for the beginning, middle, and end of a narrative.

Identify nouns, verbs, and adjectives in very simple sentences.

Demonstrate comprehension of brief, very simple social conversations and academic language on familiar topics with contextual support.

Describe orally the main characters, setting, and sequence of events in simple stories with visuals.

Use text features and organizational structures in informational text near grade level to locate and describe key points.

Decode basic words of two to three syllables using knowledge of syllable types and patterns.

Summarize the main idea and most supporting details of information presented orally near grade level.

Identify and use grade-level grammatical forms (e.g., verb tense, pronouns, adjectives, conjunctions) with some errors.

Decode most grade-level multisyllabic words using knowledge of syllable types and patterns.

Organize a central idea and some supporting details; write a brief paragraph; revise for meaning; and use a simple editing checklist of basic rules.

Complete a graphic organizer or an outline for narrative and informative presentations using key sentence starters.

Write a brief research report with increasingly complex sentences that includes facts, details, and examples, aided by a template.

Identify literal concepts in very brief, simple information presented orally with visual support.

Determine the number of syllables in familiar one- to three-syllable spoken words.

Spell familiar words correctly.

Briefly describe information on familiar topics presented orally with visual support.

Identify orally the main idea and some supporting details in brief text with visuals read with support.

Identify common, simple antonym pairs (e.g., hot/cold).

Identify and use grade-level grammatical forms (e.g., verb tense, pronouns, adjectives, conjunctions) with few errors.

Identify and write sentences of varying types and complexity near grade level.

Summarize the literal and inferential main ideas and critical details from near grade-level text.

Demonstrate comprehension of simple social conversations and academic language on mostly familiar topics with contextual support.

Deliver narrative and informative oral presentations that maintain a focus on main ideas and significant details.

Read text at independent reading level with fluency and accuracy appropriate to reading level.

Write a short narrative with increasingly complex sentences that develops a standard plot line, aided by a template.

Deliver informative and persuasive oral presentations that maintain a focus on main ideas and significant details, engage the interests of the audience, and quote from sources when summarizing articles.

Apply root words, prefixes, and suffixes, including Greek and Latin derivatives, to decode and determine meaning of complex words in grade-level text.

Summarize the literal and inferential main ideas and critical details from grade-level text.

Ask very simple questions about a speaker's briefly stated opinion about a familiar topic.

Use graphic features in informational text at independent reading level to describe key points.

Demonstrate comprehension of academic discussions on mostly concrete topics.

Draw conclusions orally based on brief, simple text with visuals on a familiar topic.

Write longer narratives about personal events or situations.

Writing Applications

Demonstrate comprehension of social conversations and simple academic discussions on mostly familiar, concrete topics.

Follow simple one-step oral directions.

Complete a graphic organizer on a familiar topic that follows a logical sequence of events using sentence frames.

Write a series of simple sentences using sentence frames for a narrative that has a beginning, middle, and end.

Identify orally the main idea in brief text read aloud with visuals.

Complete a graphic organizer or label a series of illustrations on an experience or familiar story using phrases or simple sentences.

Follow written procedures in informational text and identify the main purpose.

Use word patterns and/or word families to decode words.

Apply the writing process to: organize ideas and select an appropriate format; write a draft; revise for meaning and clarity; and use a grade-level editing checklist.

Identify and apply grade-level capitalization and punctuation rules.

Follow some simple multi-step written directions.

Writing

Deliver brief narrative or informative oral presentations on familiar topics in response to some prompts using expanded sentences.

Follow simple multi-step oral directions.

Read near grade-level text with fluency and accuracy.

Use text features and basic organizational structures in informational text at independent reading level to locate and describe key points.

Apply root words, prefixes, and suffixes, including some Greek and Latin derivatives, to decode and determine meaning of some complex words in near grade-level text.

Decode and determine meaning of words using knowledge of common base words and a few simple prefixes and suffixes.

Follow multi-step oral directions.

Make inferences, draw conclusions, form opinions, and locate evidence in grade-level text.

Express basic needs and state facts using phrases and simple sentences.

Make inferences, draw conclusions, form opinions, and locate evidence in text near grade level.

Demonstrate comprehension of academic discussions on concrete and abstract topics.

Apply knowledge of letter-sound associations to decode regular words and recognize irregular words.

Listening

Identify the main idea and a few supporting details in brief, simple information presented orally with visual support.