American Language Association Standards

K-12 English Language Arts Benchmarks Print as PDF
By the end of the 5-7 program:

Research (R)

1. Formulate open-ended research questions suitable for inquiry and investigation and develop a plan for gathering information.
2. Locate and summarize important information from multiple sources.
3. Organize information in a systematic way.
4. Acknowledge quoted and paraphrased information and document sources used.
5. Communicate findings orally, visually and in writing or through multimedia.

Communication: Oral and Visual (C)

1. Use effective listening strategies, summarize major ideas and draw logical inferences from presentations and visual media.
2. Explain a speaker's point of view and use of persuasive techniques in presentations and visual media.
3. Vary language choice and use effective presentation techniques including voice modulation and enunciation.
4. Select an organizational structure appropriate to the topic, audience, setting and purpose.
5. Present ideas in a logical sequence and use effective introductions and conclusions that guide and inform a listener's understanding of key ideas.
6. Give presentations using a variety of delivery methods, visual materials and technology.

K-12 English Language Arts Benchmarks (Writing) Print as PDF
By the end of the 5-7 program:

Writing Processes (WP)

1. Generate writing topics and establish a purpose appropriate for the audience.
2. Determine audience and purpose for self-selected and assigned writing tasks.
3. Clarify ideas for writing assignments by using graphics or other organizers.
4. Use revision strategies to improve the overall organization, the clarity and consistency of ideas within and among paragraphs and the logic and effectiveness of word choices.
5. Select more effective vocabulary when editing by using a variety of resources and reference materials.
6. Edit to improve fluency, grammar and usage.
7. Apply tools to judge the quality of writing.
8. Prepare writing for publication that is legible, follows an appropriate format and uses techniques such as electronic resources and graphics.

Writing Applications (WA)

1. Use narrative strategies (e.g., dialogue and action) to develop characters, plot and setting and to maintain a consistent point of view.
2. Write responses to literature that extend beyond the summary and support judgments through references to the text.
3. Produce letters (e.g., business, letters to the editor, job applications) that address audience needs, stated purpose and context in a clear and efficient manner.
4. Produce informational essays or reports that convey a clear and accurate perspective and support the main ideas with facts, details, examples and explanations.
5. Use persuasive strategies, including establishing a clear position in support of a proposition or a proposal with organized and relevant evidence.

Writing Conventions (WC)

1. Use correct spelling conventions.
2. Use conventions of punctuation and capitalization in written work.
3. Use grammatical structures to effectively communicate ideas in writing.