Illinois State Standards for Language Arts: Grade 6

IL.1. Reading: Read with understanding and fluency.

1.A. Apply word analysis and vocabulary skills to comprehend selections.

1.A.3a. Apply knowledge of word origins and derivations to comprehend words used in specific content areas (e.g., scientific, political, literary, mathematical).

1.A.3b. Analyze the meaning of words and phrases in their context.

1.B. Apply reading strategies to improve understanding and fluency.

1.B.3a. Preview reading materials, make predictions and relate reading to information from other sources.

1.B.3b. Identify text structure and create a visual representation (e.g., graphic organizer, outline, drawing) to use while reading.

1.B.3c. Continuously check and clarify for understanding (e.g., in addition to previous skills, draw comparisons to other readings).

1.B.3d. Read age-appropriate material with fluency and accuracy.

1.C. Comprehend a broad range of reading materials.

1.C.3a. Use information to form, explain and support questions and predictions.

1.C.3b. Interpret and analyze entire narrative text using story elements, point of view and theme.

1.C.3c. Compare, contrast and evaluate ideas and information from various sources and genres.

1.C.3d. Summarize and make generalizations from content and relate them to the purpose of the material.

1.C.3e. Compare how authors and illustrators use text and art across materials to express their ideas (e.g., foreshadowing, flashbacks, color, strong verbs, language that inspires).

1.C.3f. Interpret tables that display textual information and data in visual formats.

IL.2. Literature: Read and understand literature representative of various societies, eras and ideas.

2.A. Understand how literary elements and techniques are used to convey meaning.

2.A.3a. Identify and analyze a variety of literary techniques (e.g., figurative language, allusion, dialogue, description, word choice, dialect) within classical and contemporary works representing a variety of genres.

2.A.3b. Describe how the development of theme, character, plot and setting contribute to the overall impact of a piece of literature.

2.A.3c. Identify characteristics and authors of various literary forms (e.g., short stories, novels, drama, fables, biographies, documentaries, poetry, science fiction).

2.A.3d. Identify ways that an author uses language structure, word choice and style to convey the author's viewpoint.

2.B. Read and interpret a variety of literary works.

2.B.3a. Respond to literary material from personal, creative and critical points of view.

2.B.3b. Compare and contrast common literary themes across various societies and eras.

2.B.3c. Analyze how characters in literature deal with conflict, solve problems and relate to real-life situations.

IL.3. Writing: Write to communicate for a variety of purposes.

3.A. Use correct grammar, spelling, punctuation, capitalization and structure.

3.A.3. Write compositions that contain complete sentences and effective paragraphs using English conventions.

3.B. Compose well-organized and coherent writing for specific purposes and audiences.

3.B.3a. Produce documents that convey a clear understanding and interpretation of ideas and information and display focus, organization, elaboration and coherence.

3.B.3b. Edit and revise for word choice, organization, consistent point of view and transitions among paragraphs using contemporary technology and formats suitable for submission and/or publication.

3.C. Communicate ideas in writing to accomplish a variety of purposes.

3.C.3a. Compose narrative, informative, and persuasive writings (e.g., in addition to previous writings, literature reviews, instructions, news articles, correspondence) for a specified audience.

3.C.3b. Using available technology, produce compositions and multimedia works for specified audiences.

IL.4. Listening and Speaking: Listen and speak effectively in a variety of situations.

4.A. Listen effectively in formal and informal situations.

4.A.3a. Demonstrate ways (e.g., ask probing questions, provide feedback to a speaker, summarize and paraphrase complex spoken messages) that listening attentively can improve comprehension.

4.A.3b. Compare a speaker's verbal and nonverbal messages.

4.A.3c. Restate and carry out multistep oral instructions.

4.A.3d. Demonstrate the ability to identify and manage barriers to listening (e.g., noise, speaker credibility, environmental distractions).

4.B. Speak effectively using language appropriate to the situation and audience.

4.B.3a. Deliver planned oral presentations, using language and vocabulary appropriate to the purpose, message and audience; provide details and supporting information that clarify main ideas; and use visual aids and contemporary technology as support.

4.B.3b. Design and produce reports and multi-media compositions that represent group projects.

4.B.3c. Develop strategies to manage or overcome communication anxiety and apprehension (e.g., sentence outlining, note cards).

4.B.3d. Use verbal and nonverbal communication strategies to maintain communications and to resolve conflict.

IL.5. Research: Use the language arts to acquire, assess and communicate information.

5.A. Locate, organize, and use information from various sources to answer questions, solve problems and communicate ideas.

5.A.3a. Identify appropriate resources to solve problems or answer questions through research.

5.A.3b. Design a project related to contemporary issues (e.g., real-world math, career development, community service) using multiple sources.

5.B. Analyze and evaluate information acquired from various sources.

5.B.3a. Choose and analyze information sources for individual, academic and functional purposes.

5.B.3b. Identify, evaluate and cite primary sources.

5.C. Apply acquired information, concepts and ideas to communicate in a variety of formats.

5.C.3a. Plan, compose, edit and revise documents that synthesize new meaning gleaned from multiple sources.

5.C.3b. Prepare and orally present original work (e.g., poems, monologues, reports, plays, stories) supported by research.

5.C.3c. Take notes, conduct interviews, organize and report information in oral, visual and electronic formats.