Illinois State Standards for Language Arts: Grade 12

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

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

1.A.5a. Identify and analyze new terminology applying knowledge of word origins and derivations in a variety of practical settings.

1.A.5b. Analyze the meaning of abstract concepts and the effects of particular word and phrase choices.

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

1.B.5a. Relate reading to prior knowledge and experience and make connections to related information.

1.B.5b. Analyze the defining characteristics and structures of a variety of complex literary genres and describe how genre affects the meaning and function of the texts.

1.B.5c. Evaluate a variety of compositions for purpose, structure, content and details for use in school or at work.

1.B.5d. Read age-appropriate material with fluency and accuracy.

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

1.C.5a. Use questions and predictions to guide reading across complex materials.

1.C.5b. Analyze and defend an interpretation of text.

1.C.5c. Critically evaluate information from multiple sources.

1.C.5d. Summarize and make generalizations from content and relate them to the purpose of the material.

1.C.5e. Evaluate how authors and illustrators use text and art across materials to express their ideas (e.g., complex dialogue, persuasive techniques).

1.C.5f. Use tables, graphs and maps to challenge arguments, defend conclusions and persuade others.

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.5a. Compare and evaluate oral, written or viewed works from various eras and traditions and analyze complex literary devices (e.g., structures, images, forms, foreshadowing, flashbacks, stream of consciousness).

2.A.5b. Evaluate relationships between and among character, plot, setting, theme, conflict and resolution and their influence on the effectiveness of a literary piece.

2.A.5c. Analyze the development of form (e.g., short stories, essays, speeches, poetry, plays, novels) and purpose in American literature and literature of other countries.

2.A.5d. Evaluate the influence of historical context on form, style and point of view for a variety of literary works.

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

2.B.5a. Analyze and express an interpretation of a literary work.

2.B.5b. Apply knowledge gained from literature as a means of understanding contemporary and historical economic, social and political issues and perspectives.

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

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

3.A.5. Produce grammatically correct documents using standard manuscript specifications for a variety of purposes and audiences.

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

3.B.5. Using contemporary technology, produce documents of publication quality for specific purposes and audiences; exhibit clarity of focus, logic of organization, appropriate elaboration and support and overall coherence.

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

3.C.5a. Communicate information and ideas in narrative, informative and persuasive writing with clarity and effectiveness in a variety of written forms using appropriate traditional and/or electronic formats; adapt content, vocabulary, voice and tone to the audience, purpose and situation.

3.C.5b. Write for real or potentially real situations in academic, professional and civic contexts (e.g., applications, job applications, business letters, resume, petitions).

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.5a. Use criteria to evaluate a variety of speakers' verbal and nonverbal messages.

4.A.5b. Use techniques for analysis, synthesis, and evaluation of oral messages.

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

4.B.5a. Deliver planned and impromptu oral presentations, as individuals and members of a group, conveying results of research, projects or literature studies to a variety of audiences (e.g., peers, community, business/industry, local organizations) using appropriate visual aids and available technology.

4.B.5b. Use speaking skills to participate in and lead group discussions; analyze the effectiveness of the spoken interactions based upon the ability of the group to achieve its goals.

4.B.5c. Implement learned strategies to self-monitor communication anxiety and apprehension (e.g., relaxation and transference techniques, scripting, extemporaneous outlining, repetitive practice).

4.B.5d. Use verbal and nonverbal strategies to maintain communication and to resolve individual, group and workplace conflict (e.g., mediation skills, formal and informal bargaining skills).

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.5a. Develop a research plan using multiple forms of data.

5.A.5b. Research, design and present a project to an academic, business or school community audience on a topic selected from among contemporary issues.

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

5.B.5a. Evaluate the usefulness of information, synthesize information to support a thesis, and present information in a logical manner in oral and written forms.

5.B.5b. Credit primary and secondary sources in a form appropriate for presentation or publication for a particular audience.

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

5.C.5a. Using contemporary technology, create a research presentation or prepare a documentary related to academic, technical or occupational topics and present the findings in oral or multimedia formats.

5.C.5b. Support and defend a thesis statement using various references including media and electronic resources.