Arkansas English Language Arts Standards (adopted in 2023): Grade 7
Skills available for Arkansas Grade 7 language arts standards
Strand
Print skill plan
RC
Reading Comprehension
Reading Fundamentals: Reading Fundamentals includes skills that can be applied to literary and informational texts.
7.RC.1.RF Provide an objective summary of a text.
7.RC.1.RF Provide an objective summary of a text.
7.RC.2.RF Determine how a central idea and/or theme of a text is developed through supporting details.
Central idea
Supporting details
Theme
Literary texts
Informational passages
Nonfiction books
7.RC.2.RF Determine how a central idea and/or theme of a text is developed through supporting details.
Central idea
Supporting details
Theme
Literary texts
Informational passages
Nonfiction books
7.RC.3.RF Cite text evidence to support an analysis of what a text states, using background knowledge to justify inferences drawn from the text.
Inference
Theme
Text evidence
Text evidence in literary passages
Text evidence in nonfiction passages
7.RC.3.RF Cite text evidence to support an analysis of what a text states, using background knowledge to justify inferences drawn from the text.
Inference
Theme
Text evidence
Text evidence in literary passages
Text evidence in nonfiction passages
7.RC.4.RF Demonstrate reading comprehension of age and grade-appropriate texts by speaking or writing.
Short stories
Literary passages
Informational passages
Nonfiction books
Compare texts
7.RC.4.RF Demonstrate reading comprehension of age and grade-appropriate texts by speaking or writing.
Short stories
Literary passages
Informational passages
Nonfiction books
Compare texts
Reading Literature: Reading Literary includes skills that are specific to literature.
7.RC.5.RL Examine how the interaction of literary elements impacts a story or drama, including how setting shapes the characters or plot or how imagery affects the mood of a text.
Tone and mood
Short stories
Literary passages
7.RC.5.RL Examine how the interaction of literary elements impacts a story or drama, including how setting shapes the characters or plot or how imagery affects the mood of a text.
Tone and mood
Short stories
Literary passages
7.RC.6.RL Describe how elements in the overall structure of a story, drama, or poem contribute to its meaning.
Poetry
Short stories
Literary passages
7.RC.6.RL Describe how elements in the overall structure of a story, drama, or poem contribute to its meaning.
Poetry
Short stories
Literary passages
7.RC.7.RL Determine how an author develops multiple points of view and perspectives of characters or narrators in a text.
7.RC.7.RL Determine how an author develops multiple points of view and perspectives of characters or narrators in a text.
7.RC.8.RL Recognize the differences between reading a text, listening to an audio recording of a text, and/or watching a multimedia version of a text; differences of which: literary elements are imagined when reading a text, and multimedia techniques are observed when listening and/or watching.
7.RC.8.RL Recognize the differences between reading a text, listening to an audio recording of a text, and/or watching a multimedia version of a text; differences of which: literary elements are imagined when reading a text, and multimedia techniques are observed when listening and/or watching.
7.RC.9.RL Compare and contrast a fictional portrayal of a time, place, or character with the historical account of the corresponding time, place, or character.
7.RC.9.RL Compare and contrast a fictional portrayal of a time, place, or character with the historical account of the corresponding time, place, or character.
7.RC.10.RL Identify the theme in an original, adapted, or modernized drama, poem, folktale, or story from American literature (beginnings through 1850), explaining its historical and/or contemporary significance.
7.RC.10.RL Identify the theme in an original, adapted, or modernized drama, poem, folktale, or story from American literature (beginnings through 1850), explaining its historical and/or contemporary significance.
Reading Information: Reading Information includes skills that are specific to non-fiction texts.
7.RC.11.RI Describe how the interactions between individuals, events, and ideas impact the development of a text.
Text relationships
Arguments
Supporting details
Text analysis in nonfiction passages
7.RC.11.RI Describe how the interactions between individuals, events, and ideas impact the development of a text.
Text relationships
Arguments
Supporting details
Text analysis in nonfiction passages
7.RC.12.RI Describe how the major sections of a text influence the overall structure and development of ideas, themes, or arguments.
Text structure
Development of ideas
7.RC.12.RI Describe how the major sections of a text influence the overall structure and development of ideas, themes, or arguments.
Text structure
Development of ideas
7.RC.13.RI Examine how an author distinguishes his or her purpose, point of view, and/or perspective in a text from alternate or opposing positions.
7.RC.13.RI Examine how an author distinguishes his or her purpose, point of view, and/or perspective in a text from alternate or opposing positions.
7.RC.14.RI Compare and contrast how an individual, issue, or idea is portrayed in a written text and in multimedia.
7.RC.14.RI Compare and contrast how an individual, issue, or idea is portrayed in a written text and in multimedia.
7.RC.15.RI Evaluate the argument and supporting claims in a text, assessing whether the reasoning is logical and if the evidence is relevant and sufficient to support the claims.
7.RC.15.RI Evaluate the argument and supporting claims in a text, assessing whether the reasoning is logical and if the evidence is relevant and sufficient to support the claims.
7.RC.16.RI Compare and contrast how two or more authors write about the same topic, including how key information is presented, how evidence is explained, and how facts are interpreted or promoted.
7.RC.16.RI Compare and contrast how two or more authors write about the same topic, including how key information is presented, how evidence is explained, and how facts are interpreted or promoted.
7.RC.17.RI Identify the central idea in a nonfiction work from or about American literature (beginnings through 1850), explaining its historical and/or contemporary significance.
7.RC.17.RI Identify the central idea in a nonfiction work from or about American literature (beginnings through 1850), explaining its historical and/or contemporary significance.
W
Writing
Style: Writing style includes different types of writing for different purposes.
7.W.1.S Compose an argument, using clear reasons and supporting evidence: introduce claims., acknowledge alternate or opposing claims, and support claims with credible sources.
Organization
Thesis statements
Author's purpose
Supporting evidence
Counterclaims
Logical fallacies
7.W.1.S Compose an argument, using clear reasons and supporting evidence: introduce claims., acknowledge alternate or opposing claims, and support claims with credible sources.
Organization
Thesis statements
Author's purpose
Supporting evidence
Counterclaims
Logical fallacies
7.W.2.S Write to inform about a topic: introduce a topic with a preview of what is to follow; convey ideas, concepts, and information; and choose relevant facts, definitions, concrete details, quotations, and examples.
Text structure
Organization
Development and support
Logical fallacies
Plagiarism
7.W.2.S Write to inform about a topic: introduce a topic with a preview of what is to follow; convey ideas, concepts, and information; and choose relevant facts, definitions, concrete details, quotations, and examples.
Text structure
Organization
Development and support
Logical fallacies
Plagiarism
7.W.3.S Write to express real or imagined experiences and/or events: establish the topic, context, narrative elements, and point of view and/or perspective; use relevant, descriptive details and precise language; develop well-structured event sequences; and use narrative techniques (e.g., dialogue, pacing, description).
Point of view
Descriptive details
Word choice and usage
Formatting
7.W.3.S Write to express real or imagined experiences and/or events: establish the topic, context, narrative elements, and point of view and/or perspective; use relevant, descriptive details and precise language; develop well-structured event sequences; and use narrative techniques (e.g., dialogue, pacing, description).
Point of view
Descriptive details
Word choice and usage
Formatting
Production: Writing production includes volume and clarity of writing and the writing process.
7.W.4.P Construct clear and coherent writing in which the development, organization, and style are appropriate to the task, purpose, and audience.
Author's purpose
Text structure
Organization
Development and support
7.W.4.P Construct clear and coherent writing in which the development, organization, and style are appropriate to the task, purpose, and audience.
Author's purpose
Text structure
Organization
Development and support
7.W.5.P Organize writing logically, constructing an introduction, body, conclusion, and/or reflection when appropriate.
Thesis statements
Organization
7.W.5.P Organize writing logically, constructing an introduction, body, conclusion, and/or reflection when appropriate.
Thesis statements
Organization
7.W.6.P Use a variety of sentence types (i.e., simple, compound, complex, compound-complex).
Complete sentences
Sentence types
Sentence variety
7.W.6.P Use a variety of sentence types (i.e., simple, compound, complex, compound-complex).
Complete sentences
Sentence types
Sentence variety
7.W.7.P Choose precise words, phrases, and clauses to clarify relationships among ideas, claims, reasons, and/or evidence about a topic.
7.W.7.P Choose precise words, phrases, and clauses to clarify relationships among ideas, claims, reasons, and/or evidence about a topic.
7.W.8.P Choose a variety of transition words, phrases, and clauses to convey sequence, to signal shifts from one time or setting to another, and/or to clarify the relationships among ideas.
7.W.8.P Choose a variety of transition words, phrases, and clauses to convey sequence, to signal shifts from one time or setting to another, and/or to clarify the relationships among ideas.
7.W.9.P Develop writing stamina during single sessions and over extended periods of time.
7.W.9.P Develop writing stamina during single sessions and over extended periods of time.
7.W.10.P Increase independent writing with support and collaboration from peers and adults, employing the stages of the writing process (e.g., draft, revise, edit) with a focus on audience.
Organization
Revision
Editing
Complete sentences
Sentence variety
Parallel structure
Pronouns
Nouns
Subject-verb agreement
Verb tense
Adjectives and adverbs
Comparatives and superlatives
Misplaced modifiers
Commas
Semicolons, colons, and commas
Dashes, hyphens, and ellipses
Capitalization
Formatting
Plagiarism
7.W.10.P Increase independent writing with support and collaboration from peers and adults, employing the stages of the writing process (e.g., draft, revise, edit) with a focus on audience.
Organization
Revision
Editing
Complete sentences
Sentence variety
Parallel structure
Pronouns
Nouns
Subject-verb agreement
Verb tense
Adjectives and adverbs
Comparatives and superlatives
Misplaced modifiers
Commas
Semicolons, colons, and commas
Dashes, hyphens, and ellipses
Capitalization
Formatting
Plagiarism
7.W.11.P Include headings, graphics, and various multimedia to clarify information.
7.W.11.P Include headings, graphics, and various multimedia to clarify information.
7.W.12.P Maintain formal style when appropriate, editing writing to include grade-appropriate conventions for publishing.
Formal style
Adjectives and adverbs
Comparatives and superlatives
Plural and possessive nouns
Pronouns and antecedents
Subject and object pronouns
Reflexive pronouns
Relative pronouns
Verbals
Subject-verb agreement
Past, present, and future tense
Progressive and perfect tense
Conjunctions
Misplaced modifiers
Restrictive and nonrestrictive elements
Commas
Semicolons, colons, and commas
Dashes, hyphens, and ellipses
Capitalization
Formatting
Complete sentences
Plagiarism
7.W.12.P Maintain formal style when appropriate, editing writing to include grade-appropriate conventions for publishing.
Formal style
Adjectives and adverbs
Comparatives and superlatives
Plural and possessive nouns
Pronouns and antecedents
Subject and object pronouns
Reflexive pronouns
Relative pronouns
Verbals
Subject-verb agreement
Past, present, and future tense
Progressive and perfect tense
Conjunctions
Misplaced modifiers
Restrictive and nonrestrictive elements
Commas
Semicolons, colons, and commas
Dashes, hyphens, and ellipses
Capitalization
Formatting
Complete sentences
Plagiarism
Research: Research includes identifying a topic, gathering information, and assessing sources.
7.W.13.R Conduct research to explore a topic and/or answer a question, refocusing the inquiry for further research, investigation, or refinement.
7.W.13.R Conduct research to explore a topic and/or answer a question, refocusing the inquiry for further research, investigation, or refinement.
7.W.14.R Assess the credibility and accuracy of sources.
7.W.14.R Assess the credibility and accuracy of sources.
7.W.15.R Quote or paraphrase data and conclusions, crediting sources and/or authors.
7.W.15.R Quote or paraphrase data and conclusions, crediting sources and/or authors.
7.W.16.R Follow a standard format for citation, including bibliographic information.
7.W.16.R Follow a standard format for citation, including bibliographic information.
V
Vocabulary
Vocabulary: Vocabulary includes understanding and using words to communicate effectively.
7.V.1 Use general academic and content-specific words and phrases accurately.
7.V.1 Use general academic and content-specific words and phrases accurately.
7.V.2 Decode and encode words, using knowledge of Greek combining forms and Latin prefixes, bases, and suffixes and connectives as needed.
7.V.2 Decode and encode words, using knowledge of Greek combining forms and Latin prefixes, bases, and suffixes and connectives as needed.
7.V.3 Determine or clarify the meaning of unknown and multiple-meaning words and phrases, choosing from a range of effective techniques: use common Greek or Latin affixes and roots (i.e., morphology); trace the origins of words (i.e., etymology); use context; consult reference materials to clarify pronunciation and/or parts of speech; and/or use word relationships such as cause and effect, part to whole, and item into category to clarify the meaning of each word.
Prefixes
Suffixes
Greek and Latin roots
Context clues
Synonyms and antonyms
Reference materials
Multiple-meaning words
Word choice and usage
Analogies
7.V.3 Determine or clarify the meaning of unknown and multiple-meaning words and phrases, choosing from a range of effective techniques: use common Greek or Latin affixes and roots (i.e., morphology); trace the origins of words (i.e., etymology); use context; consult reference materials to clarify pronunciation and/or parts of speech; and/or use word relationships such as cause and effect, part to whole, and item into category to clarify the meaning of each word.
Prefixes
Suffixes
Greek and Latin roots
Context clues
Synonyms and antonyms
Reference materials
Multiple-meaning words
Word choice and usage
Analogies
7.V.4 Examine words with similar denotations, considering how their connotations and nuances impact the words' meanings.
Connotation and denotation
Word choice and usage
7.V.4 Examine words with similar denotations, considering how their connotations and nuances impact the words' meanings.
Connotation and denotation
Word choice and usage
7.V.5 Determine how word choice, including rhyme and repetition, contributes to the meaning, style, and/or tone of a text.
Tone
Figures of speech
Rhyme scheme
7.V.5 Determine how word choice, including rhyme and repetition, contributes to the meaning, style, and/or tone of a text.
Tone
Figures of speech
Rhyme scheme
7.V.6 Demonstrate an understanding of figurative language in context, including allusions and analogies.
7.V.6 Demonstrate an understanding of figurative language in context, including allusions and analogies.
L
Language
Structure: Language structure involves correct use of parts of speech and creating sentences in speaking and writing, including how the arrangement of words within sentences impacts the meaning.
7.L.1.S Use nouns effectively: direct and indirect objects.
Plural nouns
Plural and possessive nouns
Direct and indirect objects
7.L.1.S Use nouns effectively: direct and indirect objects.
Plural nouns
Plural and possessive nouns
Direct and indirect objects
7.L.2.S Use pronouns properly: intensive and reflexive pronouns and relative pronouns.
Reflexive pronouns
Relative pronouns
7.L.2.S Use pronouns properly: intensive and reflexive pronouns and relative pronouns.
Reflexive pronouns
Relative pronouns
7.L.3.S Ensure pronouns have a clear antecedent and are appropriate in number and person.
7.L.3.S Ensure pronouns have a clear antecedent and are appropriate in number and person.
7.L.4.S Use verbs effectively: perfect verb tenses, shifts in mood, active and passive voice, subject/verb agreement, and linking verbs.
Verb tense
Verb mood
Active and passive voice
Subject-verb agreement
Linking verbs
7.L.4.S Use verbs effectively: perfect verb tenses, shifts in mood, active and passive voice, subject/verb agreement, and linking verbs.
Verb tense
Verb mood
Active and passive voice
Subject-verb agreement
Linking verbs
7.L.5.S Use verbals (gerunds, participles, infinitives) correctly.
7.L.5.S Use verbals (gerunds, participles, infinitives) correctly.
7.L.6.S Use modifiers effectively: proper adjectives and predicate adjectives.
Adjectives
Adverbs
7.L.6.S Use modifiers effectively: proper adjectives and predicate adjectives.
Adjectives
Adverbs
7.L.7.S Correct misplaced and dangling modifiers.
7.L.7.S Correct misplaced and dangling modifiers.
7.L.8.S Produce compound-complex sentences, using dependent clauses, subordinating conjunctions, conjunctive adverbs, correlative conjunctions, and coordinating conjunctions.
Dependent clauses
Compound and complex sentences
Conjunctions
Conjunctive adverbs
7.L.8.S Produce compound-complex sentences, using dependent clauses, subordinating conjunctions, conjunctive adverbs, correlative conjunctions, and coordinating conjunctions.
Dependent clauses
Compound and complex sentences
Conjunctions
Conjunctive adverbs
7.L.9.S Identify types of phrases and clauses based on their functions in sentences.
Phrases
Clauses
7.L.9.S Identify types of phrases and clauses based on their functions in sentences.
Phrases
Clauses
7.L.10.S Choose language that precisely expresses ideas, eliminating redundancy.
7.L.10.S Choose language that precisely expresses ideas, eliminating redundancy.
Conventions: Conventions involve the correct use of mechanics in writing.
7.L.11.C Set off restrictive, nonrestrictive, and parenthetical elements, using commas, parentheses, dashes.
7.L.11.C Set off restrictive, nonrestrictive, and parenthetical elements, using commas, parentheses, dashes.
7.L.12.C Use commas to separate coordinate adjectives, set off series, phrases and clauses, and direct address.
7.L.12.C Use commas to separate coordinate adjectives, set off series, phrases and clauses, and direct address.
7.L.13.C Join elements of a series when individual items of the series already include commas, using a semicolon.
7.L.13.C Join elements of a series when individual items of the series already include commas, using a semicolon.
7.L.14.C Indicate dialogue, quotes, and titles, using quotation marks.
7.L.14.C Indicate dialogue, quotes, and titles, using quotation marks.
7.L.15.C Use knowledge of reading foundational skills, spelling patterns, and generalizations such as syllable patterns, ending rules, and meaningful word parts (i.e., morphology) to spell correctly.
Frequently confused words
Regular plurals
Possessive nouns
Comparatives and superlatives
Homophones
Irregular past tense
7.L.15.C Use knowledge of reading foundational skills, spelling patterns, and generalizations such as syllable patterns, ending rules, and meaningful word parts (i.e., morphology) to spell correctly.
Frequently confused words
Regular plurals
Possessive nouns
Comparatives and superlatives
Homophones
Irregular past tense