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South Dakota English Language Arts Standards Adopted April 14, 2025

K–12 Standards

Social Studies, Science and Technical Subjects

Reading LiteratureRL

1
Cite several pieces of textual evidence to support analysis of what the text says explicitly as well as inferences drawn from the text.7.RL.1
2
Determine a theme or central idea(s) of a text.7.RL.2
1. a
  Analyze its development over the course of the text.7.RL.2.a
2. b
  Identify key textual details to support the analysis.7.RL.2.b
3
Analyze how particular elements of a story or drama interact (e.g., how setting shapes the characters or plot).7.RL.3
4
Interpret words and phrases as intended by the author of a text.7.RL.4
1. a
  Determine the meaning of words and phrases including how figurative and connotative meanings affect tone and mood.7.RL.4.a
2. b
  Analyze the impact of sound devices and allusions on a specific part of a poem, story, or drama.7.RL.4.b
5
Analyze how the overall form or structure of a text (e.g., drama, poetry, narrative, short story) contributes to its meaning.7.RL.5
6
Analyze how an author develops and contrasts the different points of view of characters or narrators in texts through dialogue, action, and description.7.RL.6
7
Analyze the effects of techniques in diverse media and formats (e.g., lighting, sound, color, or camera focus and angles in a film), comparing and contrasting a written story, drama, or poem to its audio, filmed, staged, or multimedia version.7.RL.7
8
Not applicable to literature7.RL.8
9
Compare and contrast a fictional portrayal of a time, place, or character and a historical account of the same period to understand how authors of fiction use or alter history.7.RL.9
10
By the end of the year, independently read and comprehend literary texts representing a variety of genres, cultures, and perspectives that exhibit complexity appropriate for at least grade 7.7.RL.10
1. a
  Demonstrate proficiency in reading and comprehending grade-appropriate texts.7.RL.10.a
2. b
  Self-select texts for personal enjoyment, interest, and academic tasks.7.RL.10.b

Reading Informational TextRI

1
Cite several pieces of textual evidence to support analysis of what the text says explicitly and inferentially.7.RI.1
2
Determine two or more central ideas in a text.7.RI.2
1. a
  a. Analyze their development over the course of the text.7.RI.2.a
2. b
  Provide an objective summary of the text.7.RI.2.b
3
Analyze the interactions among individuals, events, and ideas in a text (e.g., how ideas influence individuals or events, or how individuals influence ideas or events).7.RI.3
4
Determine the meaning of words and phrases as they are used in a text, including figurative, connotative, and technical meanings; analyze how a specific word choice affects meaning and tone.7.RI.4
5
Analyze the structure an author uses to organize a text, including how the specific sentences and paragraphs, as well as larger components (e.g. section, chapter, or scene), contribute to the whole and to the development of the ideas.7.RI.5
6
Determine an author’s point of view or purpose in a text and analyze how the author distinguishes his or her viewpoint from that of others.7.RI.6
7
Compare and contrast a text to an audio, video, or multimedia version of the text, analyzing each medium’s portrayal of the subject.7.RI.7
8
Trace and evaluate the argument and specific claims in a text.7.RI.8
1. a
  Assess whether the reasoning is sound.7.RI.8.a
2. b
  Assess whether the evidence is relevant and sufficient to support the claims.7.RI.8.b
9
Analyze how two or more authors writing about the same topic shape their presentations of key information by emphasizing different evidence or advancing different interpretations of facts.7.RI.9
10
By the end of the year, read and comprehend literary nonfiction and informational text representing a variety of genres, cultures, and perspectives that exhibit complexity appropriate for at least grade 7.7.RI.10
1. a
  Demonstrate proficiency in reading and comprehending grade-appropriate texts.7.RI.10.a
2. b
  Self-select texts for personal enjoyment, interest, and academic tasks.7.RI.10.b
3. c
  Read widely to understand diverse perspectives and viewpoints.7.RI.10.c

Read widely to understand diverse perspectives and viewpoints.7.RL.10.c

c
Read widely to understand diverse perspectives and viewpoints.7.RL.10.c

LanguageL

1
Demonstrate command of the conventions of standard English grammar and usage when writing or speaking; retain and further develop language skills learned in previous grades.7.L.1
1. a
  Explain the function of phrases and clauses in general and their function in specific sentences.7.L.1.a
2. b
  Choose among simple, compound, complex, and compound-complex sentences to signal differing relationships among ideas.7.L.1.b
3. c
  Place phrases and clauses within a sentence.7.L.1.c
4. d
  Recognize and correct misplaced and dangling modifiers.7.L.1.d
2
Demonstrate command of the conventions of standard English capitalization, punctuation, and spelling when writing.7.L.2
1. a
  Use a comma to separate coordinate adjectives (e.g., It was a fascinating, enjoyable movie).7.L.2.a
2. b
  Use commas and semicolons appropriately in compound and complex sentence structure.7.L.2.b
3. c
  Spell correctly; recognizing that some words have commonly accepted variations; consult references as needed.7.L.2.c
3
Use knowledge of language and its conventions when writing, speaking, reading, or listening.7.L.3
1. a
  Maintain appropriate consistency in style and tone while varying sentence patterns for meaning and audience interest.7.L.3.a
2. b
  Choose language that expresses ideas precisely and concisely, recognizing and eliminating wordiness and redundancy.7.L.3.b
3. c
  Recognize variations from standard or formal English in writing and speaking, determine their appropriateness for the intended purpose and audience, and make changes as necessary.7.L.3.c
4
Determine or clarify the meaning of unknown and multiple-meaning words and phrases based on grade 7 reading and content, choosing flexibly from a range of strategies.7.L.4
1. a
  Use context to determine the meaning of a word or phrase.7.L.4.a
2. b
  Use common, grade-appropriate Greek or Latin affixes and roots to determine the meaning of a word (e.g., belligerent, bellicose, rebel).7.L.4.b
3. c
  Consult general and specialized reference materials, both print and digital, to find the pronunciation of a word or determine or clarify its precise meaning or its part of speech.7.L.4.c
4. d
  Verify the preliminary determination of the meaning of a word or phrase.7.L.4.d
5. e
  Learn the history of the English language.7.L.4.e
5
Demonstrate understanding of figurative language, word relationships, and nuances in word meanings.7.L.5
1. a
  Interpret figures of speech, including allusions (e.g., literary, biblical, mythological).7.L.5.a
2. b
  Use the relationship between particular words (e.g., synonym/antonym, analogy) to better understand each word.7.L.5.b
3. c
  Distinguish among the connotations (associations) of words with similar denotations (definitions) (e.g., refined, respectful, polite, diplomatic, condescending).7.L.5.c
6
Acquire and use grade-appropriate general academic and domain-specific words and phrases.7.L.6
1. a
  Research words and gather vocabulary knowledge.7.L.6.a
2. b
  Apply knowledge of vocabulary to reading, writing, speaking, and listening.7.L.6.b

WritingW

1
Write arguments to support claims with clear reasons and relevant evidence.7.W.1
1. a
  Introduce claim(s), acknowledge alternate or opposing claims, and organize the reasons and evidence logically.7.W.1.a
2. b
  Support claim(s) with logical reasoning and relevant evidence, using accurate, credible sources and demonstrating an understanding of the topic or text.7.W.1.b
3. c
  Use transitional words, phrases, and clauses to create cohesion and clarify the relationships among claim(s), reasons, and evidence.7.W.1.c
4. d
  Establish and maintain a formal style.7.W.1.d
5. e
  Provide a concluding statement or section that follows from and supports the argument presented.7.W.1.e
2
Write informative/explanatory texts to examine a topic and convey ideas, concepts, and information through the selection, organization, and analysis of relevant content.7.W.2
1. a
  Introduce a topic clearly, previewing what is to follow; organize ideas, concepts, and information, using strategies such as definition, classification, comparison/contrast, and cause/effect; include formatting (e.g., headings, etc.), graphics (e.g., charts, tables, etc.), and multimedia when useful to aid comprehension.7.W.2.a
2. b
  Develop the topic with relevant facts, definitions, concrete details, quotations, or other information and examples.7.W.2.b
3. c
  Use appropriate transitions to create cohesion and clarify the relationships among ideas and concepts.7.W.2.c
4. d
  Use precise language and domain-specific vocabulary to inform about or explain the topic.7.W.2.d
5. e
  Establish and maintain a formal style.7.W.2.e
6. f
  Provide a concluding statement or section that follows from and supports the information or explanation presented.7.W.2.f
3
Write narratives and other creative texts (e.g. poetry, graphic stories, digital composition, memoirs) to develop real or imagined experiences or events using effective technique, relevant descriptive details, and well-structured event sequences.7.W.3
1. a
  Engage and orient the reader by establishing a context and point of view and introducing a narrator and/or characters; organize an event sequence that unfolds naturally and logically.7.W.3.a
2. b
  Use narrative and literary techniques, such as dialogue, pacing, rhythm, description, and poetic devices to develop experiences, events, and/or characters.7.W.3.b
3. c
  Use a variety of transition words, phrases, and clauses to convey sequence and signal shifts from one time frame or setting to another.7.W.3.c
4. d
  Use precise words and phrases, relevant descriptive details, and figurative and sensory language to capture the action and convey experiences and events.7.W.3.d
5. e
  Provide a conclusion that follows from and/or reflects on the narrated experiences or events (when appropriate to genre).7.W.3.e
4
Produce clear and coherent writing in which the development, organization, style, tone, and voice are appropriate to task, purpose, and audience. (Grade-specific expectations for writing types are defined in standards 1–3 above.)7.W.4
5
Develop and strengthen writing as needed.7.W.5
1. a
  Employ the writing process by planning, drafting, revising, editing, rewriting, or trying a new approach.7.W.5.a
2. b
  Focus on how well purpose and audience have been addressed.7.W.5.b
3. c
  Use guidance and support from peers, adults, and digital tools. (Editing for conventions should demonstrate command of Language standards 1–3 up to and including grade 7).7.W.5.c
6
Use technology, including digital tools/platforms, to format, produce, and publish writing.7.W.6
1. a
  Link to and cite sources with a standard format such as MLA or APA.7.W.6.a
2. b
  Interact and collaborate with others.7.W.6.b
3. c
  Demonstrate sufficient command of keyboarding skills to produce writing with stamina in a single sitting.7.W.6.c
7
Conduct short research projects to answer a question, drawing on several sources and generating additional related, focused questions for further research and investigation.7.W.7
8
Gather relevant information from multiple print and digital sources.7.W.8
1. a
  Use search terms effectively.7.W.8.a
2. b
  Assess the credibility and accuracy of each source.7.W.8.b
3. c
  Quote or paraphrase the data and conclusions of others while avoiding plagiarism.7.W.8.c
4. d
  Follow a standard format for citation.7.W.8.d
9
Draw evidence from literary or informational texts to support written analysis, interpretation, reflection, and research, applying one or more grade 7 standards for Reading Literature or Reading Informational text as needed.7.W.9
10
Write routinely over extended time frames (for research, reflection, and revision) and shorter time frames for a range of discipline-specific tasks, purposes, and audiences; independently select writing topics and formats for personal enjoyment, interest, and academic tasks.7.W.10

Speaking and ListeningSL

1
Engage effectively in a range of collaborative discussions (one-on-one, in groups, and teacher-led) with diverse partners on grade 7 topics, texts, and issues, building on others’ ideas and expressing their own clearly.7.SL.1
1. a
  Come to discussions prepared, having read or researched material under study; explicitly draw on that preparation by referring to evidence on the topic, text, or issue to respond, probe, and reflect on ideas under discussion.7.SL.1.a
2. b
  Follow norms for collegial discussions, track progress toward specific goals and deadlines, and define individual roles as needed.7.SL.1.b
3. c
  Pose questions that elicit elaboration and respond to others’ questions and comments with relevant observations and ideas that bring the discussion back on topic as needed.7.SL.1.c
4. d
  Acknowledge new information expressed by others and, when warranted, modify their own views.7.SL.1.d
5. e
  Cooperate, mediate, and problem solve to make decisions as appropriate for productive group discussion.7.SL.1.e
2
Analyze the main ideas and supporting details presented in diverse media and formats (e.g., visually, quantitatively, orally) and explain how the ideas clarify a topic, text, or issue under study.7.SL.2
3
Delineate a speaker’s argument and specific claims, evaluating the soundness of the reasoning and the relevance and sufficiency of the evidence.7.SL.3
4
Present claims and findings appropriate to the purpose and audience.7.SL.4
1. a
  Include pertinent descriptions, facts, details, and examples.7.SL.4.a
2. b
  Use appropriate eye contact, adequate volume, and clear pronunciation.7.SL.4.b
3. c
  Emphasize salient points in a focused, coherent manner.7.SL.4.c
5
Include relevant multimedia components and visual displays in presentations to clarify claims and findings and emphasize salient points.7.SL.5
6
Adapt speech to a variety of contexts, audiences, and tasks, using self-reflection and feedback to and from others and demonstrating command of formal English when indicated or appropriate. (See grade 7 Language standards 1 and 3 for specific expectations.)7.SL.6

Frequently asked questions

What grade levels do these standards cover?: Grade 7
Where can I read the official document?: South Dakota English Language Arts Standards Adopted April 14, 2025

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