Mississippi College and Career Readiness Standards: Grade 10
Skills available for Mississippi tenth-grade language arts standards
Strand
Print skill plan
RL.10
Reading Literature
Key Ideas and Details
RL.10.1 Cite strong and thorough textual evidence to support analysis of what the text says explicitly as well as inferences drawn from the text.
Text evidence
Text evidence in literary passages
RL.10.1 Cite strong and thorough textual evidence to support analysis of what the text says explicitly as well as inferences drawn from the text.
Text evidence
Text evidence in literary passages
RL.10.2 Determine the theme(s) or central idea(s) of a text and analyze in detail the development over the course of the text, including how details of a text interact and build on one another to shape and refine the theme(s) or central idea(s); provide an accurate summary of the text based upon this analysis.
RL.10.2 Determine the theme(s) or central idea(s) of a text and analyze in detail the development over the course of the text, including how details of a text interact and build on one another to shape and refine the theme(s) or central idea(s); provide an accurate summary of the text based upon this analysis.
RL.10.3 Analyze how complex characters (e.g., those with multiple or conflicting motivations) develop over the course of a literary text, interact with other characters, and advance the plot or develop the theme.
RL.10.3 Analyze how complex characters (e.g., those with multiple or conflicting motivations) develop over the course of a literary text, interact with other characters, and advance the plot or develop the theme.
Craft and Structure
RL.10.4 Determine the meaning of words and phrases as they are used in the text, including figurative and connotative meanings; analyze the cumulative impact of specific word choices on meaning and tone (e.g., how the language evokes a sense of time and place; how it sets a formal or informal tone).
Vocabulary in context
Word choice and usage
Figurative language
Tone
Word choice in literary passages
RL.10.4 Determine the meaning of words and phrases as they are used in the text, including figurative and connotative meanings; analyze the cumulative impact of specific word choices on meaning and tone (e.g., how the language evokes a sense of time and place; how it sets a formal or informal tone).
Vocabulary in context
Word choice and usage
Figurative language
Tone
Word choice in literary passages
RL.10.5 Analyze how an author's choices concerning how to structure a text, order events within it (e.g., parallel plots), and manipulate time (e.g., pacing, flashbacks) create such effects as mystery, tension, or surprise.
RL.10.5 Analyze how an author's choices concerning how to structure a text, order events within it (e.g., parallel plots), and manipulate time (e.g., pacing, flashbacks) create such effects as mystery, tension, or surprise.
RL.10.6 Analyze a particular point of view or cultural experience reflected in a work of literature from outside the United States, drawing on a wide reading of world literature.
RL.10.6 Analyze a particular point of view or cultural experience reflected in a work of literature from outside the United States, drawing on a wide reading of world literature.
Integration of Knowledge and Ideas
RL.10.7 Analyze the representation of a subject or a key scene in two different artistic mediums, including what is emphasized or absent in each treatment (e.g., Auden's "Musée des Beaux Arts" and Breughel's Landscape with the Fall of Icarus).
RL.10.7 Analyze the representation of a subject or a key scene in two different artistic mediums, including what is emphasized or absent in each treatment (e.g., Auden's "Musée des Beaux Arts" and Breughel's Landscape with the Fall of Icarus).
RL.10.9 Analyze how an author draws on and transforms source material in a specific work (e.g., how Shakespeare treats a theme or topic from Ovid or the Bible or how a later author draws on a play by Shakespeare).
RL.10.9 Analyze how an author draws on and transforms source material in a specific work (e.g., how Shakespeare treats a theme or topic from Ovid or the Bible or how a later author draws on a play by Shakespeare).
Range of Reading and Level of Text Complexity
RL.10.10 By the end of grade 10, read and comprehend literature, including stories, dramas, and poems, at the high end of the grades 9–10 text complexity band independently and proficiently.
RL.10.10 By the end of grade 10, read and comprehend literature, including stories, dramas, and poems, at the high end of the grades 9–10 text complexity band independently and proficiently.
RI.10
Reading Informational Text
Key Ideas and Details
RI.10.1 Cite strong and thorough textual evidence to support analysis of what the text says explicitly as well as inferences drawn from the text.
Text evidence
Arguments
Text evidence in nonfiction passages
RI.10.1 Cite strong and thorough textual evidence to support analysis of what the text says explicitly as well as inferences drawn from the text.
Text evidence
Arguments
Text evidence in nonfiction passages
RI.10.2 Determine the central idea(s) of a text and analyze in detail the development over the course of the text, including how details of a text interact and build on one another to shape and refine the central idea(s); provide an accurate summary of the text based upon this analysis.
Central idea
Supporting evidence
Text development
RI.10.2 Determine the central idea(s) of a text and analyze in detail the development over the course of the text, including how details of a text interact and build on one another to shape and refine the central idea(s); provide an accurate summary of the text based upon this analysis.
Central idea
Supporting evidence
Text development
RI.10.3 Analyze how the author unfolds an analysis or series of ideas or events, including the order in which the points are made, how they are introduced and developed, and the connections that are drawn between them.
Arguments
Development of ideas in nonfiction passages
RI.10.3 Analyze how the author unfolds an analysis or series of ideas or events, including the order in which the points are made, how they are introduced and developed, and the connections that are drawn between them.
Arguments
Development of ideas in nonfiction passages
Craft and Structure
RI.10.4 Determine the meaning of words and phrases as they are used in a text, including figurative, connotative, and technical meanings; analyze the cumulative impact of specific word choices on meaning and tone (e.g., how the language of a court opinion differs from that of a newspaper).
Vocabulary in context
Word choice and usage
Figurative language
Tone
Word choice in nonfiction passages
Rhetorical strategies
RI.10.4 Determine the meaning of words and phrases as they are used in a text, including figurative, connotative, and technical meanings; analyze the cumulative impact of specific word choices on meaning and tone (e.g., how the language of a court opinion differs from that of a newspaper).
Vocabulary in context
Word choice and usage
Figurative language
Tone
Word choice in nonfiction passages
Rhetorical strategies
RI.10.5 Analyze in detail how an author's ideas or claims are developed and refined by particular sentences, paragraphs, or larger portions of a text (e.g., a section or chapter).
Text development
Argument development
Analyze structure and development in nonfiction passages
RI.10.5 Analyze in detail how an author's ideas or claims are developed and refined by particular sentences, paragraphs, or larger portions of a text (e.g., a section or chapter).
Text development
Argument development
Analyze structure and development in nonfiction passages
RI.10.6 Determine an author's point of view or purpose in a text and analyze how an author uses rhetoric to advance that point of view or purpose.
Audience and purpose
Tone
Arguments
Rhetorical strategies
Persuasive strategies
RI.10.6 Determine an author's point of view or purpose in a text and analyze how an author uses rhetoric to advance that point of view or purpose.
Audience and purpose
Tone
Arguments
Rhetorical strategies
Persuasive strategies
Integration of Knowledge and Ideas
RI.10.7 Analyze various accounts of a subject told in different mediums (e.g., a person's life story in both print and multimedia), determining which details are emphasized in each account.
RI.10.7 Analyze various accounts of a subject told in different mediums (e.g., a person's life story in both print and multimedia), determining which details are emphasized in each account.
RI.10.8 Delineate and evaluate the argument and specific claims in a text, assessing whether the reasoning is valid and the evidence is relevant and sufficient; identify false statements and fallacious reasoning.
Arguments
Supporting evidence
Logical fallacies
RI.10.8 Delineate and evaluate the argument and specific claims in a text, assessing whether the reasoning is valid and the evidence is relevant and sufficient; identify false statements and fallacious reasoning.
Arguments
Supporting evidence
Logical fallacies
RI.10.9 Analyze seminal U.S. documents of historical and literary significance (e.g., Washington's Farewell Address, the Gettysburg Address, Roosevelt's Four Freedoms speech, King's "Letter from Birmingham Jail"), including how they address related themes and concepts.
RI.10.9 Analyze seminal U.S. documents of historical and literary significance (e.g., Washington's Farewell Address, the Gettysburg Address, Roosevelt's Four Freedoms speech, King's "Letter from Birmingham Jail"), including how they address related themes and concepts.
Range of Reading and Level of Text Complexity
RI.10.10 By the end of grade 10, read and comprehend literary nonfiction at the high end of the grades 9–10 text complexity band independently and proficiently.
RI.10.10 By the end of grade 10, read and comprehend literary nonfiction at the high end of the grades 9–10 text complexity band independently and proficiently.
W.10
Writing
Text Types and Purposes
W.10.1 Write arguments to support claims in an analysis of substantive topics or texts, using valid reasoning and relevant and sufficient evidence.
W.10.1 Write arguments to support claims in an analysis of substantive topics or texts, using valid reasoning and relevant and sufficient evidence.
W.10.1a: Introduce precise claim(s), distinguish the claim(s) from alternate or opposing claims, and create an organization that establishes clear relationships among claim(s), counterclaims, reasons, and evidence.
W.10.1a: Introduce precise claim(s), distinguish the claim(s) from alternate or opposing claims, and create an organization that establishes clear relationships among claim(s), counterclaims, reasons, and evidence.
W.10.1b: Develop claim(s) and counterclaims fairly, supplying evidence for each while pointing out the strengths and limitations of both in a manner that anticipates the audience's knowledge level and concerns.
Supporting evidence
Counterclaims
Logical fallacies
W.10.1b: Develop claim(s) and counterclaims fairly, supplying evidence for each while pointing out the strengths and limitations of both in a manner that anticipates the audience's knowledge level and concerns.
Supporting evidence
Counterclaims
Logical fallacies
W.10.1c: Use words, phrases, and clauses to link the major sections of the text, create cohesion, and clarify the relationships between claim(s) and reasons, between reasons and evidence, and between claim(s) and counterclaims.
W.10.1c: Use words, phrases, and clauses to link the major sections of the text, create cohesion, and clarify the relationships between claim(s) and reasons, between reasons and evidence, and between claim(s) and counterclaims.
W.10.1d: Establish and maintain a formal style and objective tone while attending to the norms and conventions of the discipline in which they are writing.
W.10.1d: Establish and maintain a formal style and objective tone while attending to the norms and conventions of the discipline in which they are writing.
W.10.1e: Provide a concluding statement or section that follows from and supports the argument presented.
W.10.1e: Provide a concluding statement or section that follows from and supports the argument presented.
W.10.2 Write informative/explanatory texts to examine and convey complex ideas, concepts, and information clearly and accurately through the effective selection, organization, and analysis of content.
W.10.2 Write informative/explanatory texts to examine and convey complex ideas, concepts, and information clearly and accurately through the effective selection, organization, and analysis of content.
W.10.2a: Introduce a topic; organize complex ideas, concepts, and information to make important connections and distinctions; include formatting (e.g., headings), graphics (e.g., figures, tables), and multimedia when useful to aiding comprehension.
W.10.2a: Introduce a topic; organize complex ideas, concepts, and information to make important connections and distinctions; include formatting (e.g., headings), graphics (e.g., figures, tables), and multimedia when useful to aiding comprehension.
W.10.2b: Develop the topic with well-chosen, relevant, and sufficient facts, extended definitions, concrete details, quotations, or other information and examples appropriate to the audience's knowledge of the topic.
Development and support
Plagiarism
Formatting
W.10.2b: Develop the topic with well-chosen, relevant, and sufficient facts, extended definitions, concrete details, quotations, or other information and examples appropriate to the audience's knowledge of the topic.
Development and support
Plagiarism
Formatting
W.10.2c: Use appropriate and varied transitions to link the major sections of the text, create cohesion, and clarify the relationships among complex ideas and concepts.
W.10.2c: Use appropriate and varied transitions to link the major sections of the text, create cohesion, and clarify the relationships among complex ideas and concepts.
W.10.2d: Use precise language and domain-specific vocabulary to manage the complexity of the topic.
W.10.2d: Use precise language and domain-specific vocabulary to manage the complexity of the topic.
W.10.2e: Establish and maintain a formal style and objective tone while attending to the norms and conventions of the discipline in which they are writing.
W.10.2e: Establish and maintain a formal style and objective tone while attending to the norms and conventions of the discipline in which they are writing.
W.10.2f: Provide a concluding statement or section that follows from and supports the information or explanation presented (e.g., articulating implications or the significance of the topic).
W.10.2f: Provide a concluding statement or section that follows from and supports the information or explanation presented (e.g., articulating implications or the significance of the topic).
W.10.3 Write narratives to develop real or imagined experiences or events using effective technique, well-chosen details, and well-structured event sequences.
W.10.3 Write narratives to develop real or imagined experiences or events using effective technique, well-chosen details, and well-structured event sequences.
W.10.3a: Engage and orient the reader by setting out a problem, situation, or observation, establishing one or multiple point(s) of view, and introducing a narrator and/or characters; create a smooth progression of experiences or events.
W.10.3a: Engage and orient the reader by setting out a problem, situation, or observation, establishing one or multiple point(s) of view, and introducing a narrator and/or characters; create a smooth progression of experiences or events.
W.10.3b: Use narrative techniques, such as dialogue, pacing, description, reflection, and multiple plot lines, to develop experiences, events, and/or characters.
W.10.3b: Use narrative techniques, such as dialogue, pacing, description, reflection, and multiple plot lines, to develop experiences, events, and/or characters.
W.10.3c: Use a variety of techniques to sequence events so that they build on one another to create a coherent whole.
W.10.3c: Use a variety of techniques to sequence events so that they build on one another to create a coherent whole.
W.10.3d: Use precise words and phrases, telling details, and sensory language to convey a vivid picture of the experiences, events, setting, and/or characters.
Descriptive details
Word choice and usage
W.10.3d: Use precise words and phrases, telling details, and sensory language to convey a vivid picture of the experiences, events, setting, and/or characters.
Descriptive details
Word choice and usage
W.10.3e: Provide a conclusion that follows from and reflects on what is experienced, observed, or resolved over the course of the narrative.
W.10.3e: Provide a conclusion that follows from and reflects on what is experienced, observed, or resolved over the course of the narrative.
Production and Distribution of Writing
W.10.4 Produce clear and coherent writing in which the development, organization, and style are appropriate to task, purpose, and audience.
Audience and purpose
Organization
Development and support
W.10.4 Produce clear and coherent writing in which the development, organization, and style are appropriate to task, purpose, and audience.
Audience and purpose
Organization
Development and support
W.10.5 Develop and strengthen writing as needed by planning, revising, editing, rewriting, or trying a new approach, focusing on addressing what is most significant for a specific purpose and audience.
Organization
Revision
Editing
W.10.5 Develop and strengthen writing as needed by planning, revising, editing, rewriting, or trying a new approach, focusing on addressing what is most significant for a specific purpose and audience.
Organization
Revision
Editing
W.10.6 Use technology, including the Internet, to produce, publish, and update individual or shared writing products, taking advantage of technology's capacity to link to other information and to display information flexibly and dynamically.
W.10.6 Use technology, including the Internet, to produce, publish, and update individual or shared writing products, taking advantage of technology's capacity to link to other information and to display information flexibly and dynamically.
Research to Build and Present Knowledge
W.10.7 Conduct short as well as more sustained research projects to answer a question (including a self-generated question) or solve a problem; narrow or broaden the inquiry when appropriate; synthesize multiple sources on the subject, demonstrating understanding of the subject under investigation.
W.10.7 Conduct short as well as more sustained research projects to answer a question (including a self-generated question) or solve a problem; narrow or broaden the inquiry when appropriate; synthesize multiple sources on the subject, demonstrating understanding of the subject under investigation.
W.10.8 Gather relevant information from multiple authoritative print and digital sources, using advanced searches effectively; assess the usefulness of each source in answering the research question; integrate information into the text selectively to maintain the flow of ideas, avoiding plagiarism and following a standard format for citation.
Analyze sources
Supporting evidence
Plagiarism
Citations
W.10.8 Gather relevant information from multiple authoritative print and digital sources, using advanced searches effectively; assess the usefulness of each source in answering the research question; integrate information into the text selectively to maintain the flow of ideas, avoiding plagiarism and following a standard format for citation.
Analyze sources
Supporting evidence
Plagiarism
Citations
W.10.9 Draw evidence from literary or informational texts to support analysis, reflection, and research.
W.10.9 Draw evidence from literary or informational texts to support analysis, reflection, and research.
W.10.9a: Apply grades 9–10 Reading standards to literature (e.g., "Analyze how an author draws on and transforms source material in a specific work [e.g., how Shakespeare treats a theme or topic from Ovid or the Bible or how a later author draws on a play by Shakespeare]").
W.10.9a: Apply grades 9–10 Reading standards to literature (e.g., "Analyze how an author draws on and transforms source material in a specific work [e.g., how Shakespeare treats a theme or topic from Ovid or the Bible or how a later author draws on a play by Shakespeare]").
W.10.9b: Apply grades 9–10 Reading standards to literary nonfiction and/or informational texts (e.g., "Delineate and evaluate the argument and specific claims in a text, assessing whether the reasoning is valid and the evidence is relevant and sufficient; identify false statements and fallacious reasoning").
Analyze arguments
Supporting evidence
W.10.9b: Apply grades 9–10 Reading standards to literary nonfiction and/or informational texts (e.g., "Delineate and evaluate the argument and specific claims in a text, assessing whether the reasoning is valid and the evidence is relevant and sufficient; identify false statements and fallacious reasoning").
Analyze arguments
Supporting evidence
Range of Writing
W.10.10 Write routinely over extended time frames (time for research, reflection, and revision) and shorter time frames (a single sitting or a day or two) for a range of tasks, purposes, and audiences.
W.10.10 Write routinely over extended time frames (time for research, reflection, and revision) and shorter time frames (a single sitting or a day or two) for a range of tasks, purposes, and audiences.
L.10
Language
Conventions of Standard English
L.10.1 Demonstrate command of the conventions of standard English grammar and usage when writing or speaking.
L.10.1 Demonstrate command of the conventions of standard English grammar and usage when writing or speaking.
L.10.1a: Use parallel structure.
L.10.1a: Use parallel structure.
L.10.1b: Use various types of phrases (noun, verb, adjectival, adverbial, participial, prepositional, absolute) and clauses (independent, dependent; noun, relative, adverbial) to convey specific meanings and add variety and interest to writing or presentations.
Phrases
Clauses
L.10.1b: Use various types of phrases (noun, verb, adjectival, adverbial, participial, prepositional, absolute) and clauses (independent, dependent; noun, relative, adverbial) to convey specific meanings and add variety and interest to writing or presentations.
Phrases
Clauses
L.10.2 Demonstrate command of the conventions of standard English capitalization, punctuation, and spelling when writing.
L.10.2 Demonstrate command of the conventions of standard English capitalization, punctuation, and spelling when writing.
L.10.2a: Use a semicolon (and perhaps a conjunctive adverb) to link two or more closely related independent clauses.
L.10.2a: Use a semicolon (and perhaps a conjunctive adverb) to link two or more closely related independent clauses.
L.10.2b: Use a colon to introduce a list or quotation.
L.10.2b: Use a colon to introduce a list or quotation.
L.10.2c: Spell correctly.
Spelling
Frequently confused words
Commonly misspelled words
Homophones
L.10.2c: Spell correctly.
Spelling
Frequently confused words
Commonly misspelled words
Homophones
Knowledge of Language
L.10.3 Apply knowledge of language to understand how language functions in different contexts, to make effective choices for meaning or style, and to comprehend more fully when reading or listening.
L.10.3 Apply knowledge of language to understand how language functions in different contexts, to make effective choices for meaning or style, and to comprehend more fully when reading or listening.
L.10.3a: Write and edit work so that it conforms to the guidelines in a style manual (e.g., MLA Handbook, Turabian's Manual for Writers) appropriate for the discipline and writing type.
L.10.3a: Write and edit work so that it conforms to the guidelines in a style manual (e.g., MLA Handbook, Turabian's Manual for Writers) appropriate for the discipline and writing type.
Vocabulary Acquisition and Use
L.10.4 Determine or clarify the meaning of unknown and multiple-meaning words and phrases based on grades 9–10 reading and content, choosing flexibly from a range of strategies.
L.10.4 Determine or clarify the meaning of unknown and multiple-meaning words and phrases based on grades 9–10 reading and content, choosing flexibly from a range of strategies.
L.10.4a: Use context (e.g., the overall meaning of a sentence, paragraph, or text; a word's position or function in a sentence) as a clue to the meaning of a word or phrase.
Vocabulary in context
Word choice and usage
Figurative language
L.10.4a: Use context (e.g., the overall meaning of a sentence, paragraph, or text; a word's position or function in a sentence) as a clue to the meaning of a word or phrase.
Vocabulary in context
Word choice and usage
Figurative language
L.10.4b: Identify and correctly use patterns of word changes that indicate different meanings or parts of speech (e.g., analyze, analysis, analytical; advocate, advocacy).
L.10.4b: Identify and correctly use patterns of word changes that indicate different meanings or parts of speech (e.g., analyze, analysis, analytical; advocate, advocacy).
L.10.4c: Consult general and specialized reference materials (e.g., dictionaries, glossaries, thesauruses), both print and digital, to find the pronunciation of a word or determine or clarify its precise meaning, its part of speech, or its etymology.
L.10.4c: Consult general and specialized reference materials (e.g., dictionaries, glossaries, thesauruses), both print and digital, to find the pronunciation of a word or determine or clarify its precise meaning, its part of speech, or its etymology.
L.10.4d: 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).
L.10.4d: 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).
L.10.5 Demonstrate understanding of figurative language, word relationships, and nuances in word meanings.
L.10.5 Demonstrate understanding of figurative language, word relationships, and nuances in word meanings.
L.10.5a: Interpret figures of speech (e.g., euphemism, oxymoron) in context and analyze their role in the text.
Figurative language
Rhetorical strategies
L.10.5a: Interpret figures of speech (e.g., euphemism, oxymoron) in context and analyze their role in the text.
Figurative language
Rhetorical strategies
L.10.5b: Analyze nuances in the meaning of words with similar denotations.
L.10.5b: Analyze nuances in the meaning of words with similar denotations.
L.10.6 Acquire and use accurately general academic and domain-specific words and phrases, sufficient for reading, writing, speaking, and listening at the college and career readiness level; demonstrate independence in gathering vocabulary knowledge when considering a word or phrase important to comprehension or expression.
Prefixes
Suffixes
Greek and Latin roots
Foreign words and expressions
Vocabulary in context
Word choice and usage
L.10.6 Acquire and use accurately general academic and domain-specific words and phrases, sufficient for reading, writing, speaking, and listening at the college and career readiness level; demonstrate independence in gathering vocabulary knowledge when considering a word or phrase important to comprehension or expression.
Prefixes
Suffixes
Greek and Latin roots
Foreign words and expressions
Vocabulary in context
Word choice and usage