Intro to Lit - Select a Category
Reading Literature
Textual Evidence and Inference in Literature (ELA.9.1): Grade 9 ELA skill practice focused on Textual Evidence and Inference in Literature.
Theme and Objective Summary - Determine universal or central themes and analyze how plot, setting, and character choices develop them; produce objective summaries distinct from personal evaluation. (CCSS RL.9–10.2; TEKS §110.36(c)(6)(A), (6)(D); FL ELA.9.R.1.2; VA 9.RL.1A; GA ELAGSE9–10RL2; TN 9–10.RL.KID.2)
Complex Characters and Interactions (ELA.9.3): Grade 9 ELA skill practice focused on Complex Characters and Interactions.
Plot Structure and Causality (ELA.9.4): Grade 9 ELA skill practice focused on Plot Structure and Causality.
Diction, Figurative Language, and Tone - Determine meanings (figurative and connotative) and analyze how imagery and word choices shape tone, mood, and meaning. (CCSS RL.9–10.4; TEKS §110.36(c)(8)(F); FL ELA.9.R.3.1; VA 9.RL.2A–C; GA ELAGSE9–10RL4; TN 9–10.RL.CS.4)
Symbolism and Motif - Interpret symbols and recurring motifs and explain how they reinforce character arcs and thematic ideas over the course of a text. (CCSS RL.9–10.4; TEKS §110.36(c)(8)(F); FL ELA.9.R.3.1; VA 9.RL.2A–C; GA ELAGSE9–10RL4; TN 9–10.RL.CS.4)
Point of View, Perspective, and Irony (ELA.9.7): Grade 9 ELA skill practice focused on Point of View, Perspective, and Irony.
Structure and Time Techniques (Flashback, Foreshadowing, Pacing) - Explain how techniques that manipulate time (parallel plots, flashbacks/‑forwards, pacing) create effects such as mystery, tension, or surprise. (CCSS RL.9–10.5; TEKS §110.36(c)(6)(C); VA 9.RL.2; GA ELAGSE9–10RL5; TN 9–10.RL.CS.5)
Cross‑Medium Analysis (Text × Audio/Video/Art) - Compare a key scene/idea across two media and explain what each treatment emphasizes or omits—and why those choices matter. (CCSS RL.9–10.7; TEKS §110.36(c)(7)(F), (8)(C); VA 9.RI/9.RL Integration; GA ELAGSE9–10RL7; TN 9–10.RL.IKI.7)
Source Material and Allusions - Analyze how authors draw on source material, myths, traditional stories, Biblical references, and literary allusions to shape meaning, character, tone, and theme. (CCSS RL.9–10.9; TEKS §110.36(c)(5)(F); FL ELA.9.R.3.1; VA 9.RL.4; GA ELAGSE9–10RL9; TN 9–10.RL.IKI.9)
Compare Themes Across Works (ELA.9.11): Grade 9 ELA skill practice focused on Compare Themes Across Works.
Range and Text Complexity (Literature) - Read and comprehend grade-level complex literary texts; analyze nuanced language, structure, symbolism, inference, and theme in increasingly challenging passages. (CCSS RL.9–10.10; TEKS §110.36(c)(5); FL ELA.9.R.1; VA 9.RL; GA ELAGSE9–10RL10; TN 9–10.RL.RRTC.10)
Reading Literature — Mini Skills
Tone vs. Mood vs. Voice - Differentiate the writer’s attitude (tone), the emotional atmosphere (mood), and stylistic voice; justify conclusions with diction and imagery. (CCSS RL.9–10.4; TEKS §110.36(c)(8)(F); FL ELA.9.R.3.1; VA 9.RL.2A–C; GA ELAGSE9–10RL4; TN 9–10.RL.CS.4)
Shakespearean Language Basics - Interpret archaic syntax, wordplay, and figurative language in Shakespeare; paraphrase accurately and analyze rhetorical effects. (CCSS RL.9–10.4; TEKS §110.36(c)(8)(F); FL ELA.9.R.3.1; VA 9.RL.2A–C; GA ELAGSE9–10RL4; TN 9–10.RL.CS.4; CCSS RL.9–10.9; TEKS §110.36(c)(7)(A), (8)(E); FL ELA.9.R.3.3; VA 9.RL.1/2; GA ELAGSE9–10RL9; TN 9–10.RL.IKI.9)
Poetic Meter, Rhyme Scheme, and Sound Devices (Scansion) - Scan lines to identify meter (iambic, trochaic, anapestic, dactylic), mark rhyme schemes, and analyze sound devices (alliteration, assonance, consonance) to explain how sound shapes meaning and tone. (CCSS RL.9–10.4; CA RL.9–10.4; MA RL.9–10.4; NY 9R4; VA 9.RL.2; TX §110.36(c)(8)(F); FL ELA.9.R.3.1)
Annotation Strategies for Complex Literary Texts - Apply purposeful annotation (chunking, questioning, paraphrasing, text coding) to monitor comprehension, prepare evidence, and track theme, motif, and character development across a text. (CCSS RL.9–10.1; CA RL.9–10.1; MA RL.9–10.1; NY 9R1; VA 9.RL.1; TX §110.36(c)(4)(F), (5)(C); FL ELA.9.R.1.1)
Reading Informational Text
Textual Evidence and Inference (Informational) - Cite strong, thorough evidence for explicit statements and inferences; separate relevant from insufficient or irrelevant evidence. (CCSS RI.9–10.1; TEKS §110.36(c)(4)(F), (5)(C), (7)(D); FL ELA.K12.EE.1.1, ELA.9.R.2.2; VA 9.RI.3A–B; GA ELAGSE9–10RI1; TN 9–10.RI.KID.1)
Central Idea and Objective Summary (Informational) - Determine central ideas and explain how key details develop them over the text; produce an objective, no‑opinion summary. (CCSS RI.9–10.2; TEKS §110.36(c)(4)(G), (7)(D)(i); FL ELA.9.R.2.2; VA 9.RI; GA ELAGSE9–10RI2; TN 9–10.RI.KID.2)
Development of Ideas and Claims - Explain how sentences, paragraphs, and larger sections develop, refine, or connect ideas and claims; analyze problem/solution, cause/effect, comparison, and definition structures. (CCSS RI.9–10.3 & RI.9–10.5; TEKS §110.36(c)(8)(B); FL ELA.9.R.2.1; VA 9.RI.3; GA ELAGSE9–10RI3, RI5; TN 9–10.RI.CS.5)
Word Meaning, Rhetoric, and Tone in Informational Texts (ELA.9.20): Grade 9 ELA skill practice focused on Word Meaning, Rhetoric, and Tone in Informational Texts.
Author’s Purpose, Point of View, and Bias - Analyze how authors establish purpose and viewpoint; detect loaded language, selection/omission of facts, and other signals of bias. (CCSS RI.9–10.6; TEKS §110.36(c)(8)(A), (8)(G), (11)(G); FL ELA.9.R.2.3–2.4; VA 9.RI.3B; GA ELAGSE9–10RI6; TN 9–10.RI.IKI.8)
Argument Structure and Evaluating Claims - Trace claims, reasons, and evidence; evaluate whether the reasoning is valid and the evidence relevant and sufficient. (CCSS RI.9–10.8; TEKS §110.36(c)(8)(A), (8)(G), (11)(G); FL ELA.9.R.2.4; VA 9.RI.3B; GA ELAGSE9–10RI8; TN 9–10.RI.IKI.8)
Seminal U.S. Documents (Rhetoric and Themes) - Evaluate how foundational U.S. documents address related themes and concepts and use rhetoric to advance claims. (CCSS RI.9–10.9; TEKS §110.36(c)(7)(D)–(E), (8)(G); FL ELA.9.R.2.4; VA 9.RI.3A–B; GA ELAGSE9–10RI9; TN 9–10.RI.IKI.9)
Text Features and Organization (Informational) - Analyze how headings, graphics, and sectioning fit into overall structure and guide readers to central ideas. (CCSS RI.9–10.3 & RI.9–10.5; TEKS §110.36(c)(8)(B); FL ELA.9.R.2.1; VA 9.RI.3; GA ELAGSE9–10RI3, RI5; TN 9–10.RI.CS.5)
Reading Informational Text — Mini Skills
Interpret Charts, Graphs, and Tables - Read and explain what quantitative displays show; translate between visuals and text to answer questions and draw conclusions. (CCSS RI.9–10.7; TEKS §110.36(c)(8)(C), (7)(F); FL ELA.9.R.2.1, ELA.9.C.5.1–5.2; VA 9.RI.3; GA ELAGSE9–10RI7; TN 9–10.RI.IKI.7)
Choose Effective Visuals and Captions - Select visuals and captions that clarify or emphasize key ideas in an explanation or argument; justify your choices. (CCSS SL.9–10.5; TEKS §110.36(c)(7)(F), (8)(C), (11)(I); FL ELA.9.C.5.1–5.2; VA 9.W/9.LU media; GA ELAGSE9–10SL5; TN 9–10.SL.PKI.5)
Identify Misleading Visuals or Statistics - Spot cherry‑picked scales, truncated axes, and other distortions; explain how they mislead and how to correct them. (CCSS RI.9–10.7; TEKS §110.36(c)(8)(C), (7)(F); FL ELA.9.R.2.1, ELA.9.C.5.1–5.2; VA 9.RI.3; GA ELAGSE9–10RI7; TN 9–10.RI.IKI.7; CCSS SL.9–10.2; TEKS §110.36(c)(8)(C), (7)(F); FL ELA.9.C.5.1; VA 9.RI.3, 9.W/9.LU media; GA ELAGSE9–10SL2; TN 9–10.SL.CC.2)
Evaluate Source Credibility and Bias (Digital) - Judge authority, purpose, currency, and bias across digital sources; corroborate with multiple sources. (CCSS W.9–10.8; TEKS §110.36(c)(11)(E–H); FL ELA.K12.EE.5.1, ELA.9.C.4.1; VA 9.LU.2B–C; GA ELAGSE9–10W8; TN 9–10.W.RBPK.8; CCSS RI.9–10.6; TEKS §110.36(c)(8)(A), (8)(G), (11)(G); FL ELA.9.R.2.3–2.4; VA 9.RI.3B; GA ELAGSE9–10RI6; TN 9–10.RI.IKI.8)
Distinguish Objective Reporting from Opinion - Identify language that signals objective reporting vs. opinion or advocacy; classify claims, evidence, and commentary. (CCSS RI.9–10.6; TEKS §110.36(c)(8)(A), (8)(G), (11)(G); FL ELA.9.R.2.3–2.4; VA 9.RI.3B; GA ELAGSE9–10RI6; TN 9–10.RI.IKI.8)
Cross‑Medium Rhetorical Choices (Ads, Public Service Media) - Analyze how design, audio, and visual elements create ethos/pathos/logos and influence audience perceptions. (CCSS RL.9–10.7; TEKS §110.36(c)(7)(F), (8)(C); VA 9.RI/9.RL Integration; GA ELAGSE9–10RL7; TN 9–10.RL.IKI.7; CCSS SL.9–10.5; TEKS §110.36(c)(7)(F), (8)(C), (11)(I); FL ELA.9.C.5.1–5.2; VA 9.W/9.LU media; GA ELAGSE9–10SL5; TN 9–10.SL.PKI.5)
Logical Fallacies (Identify and Explain) - Identify common fallacies (ad hominem, false dilemma, slippery slope, circular reasoning) and explain why the reasoning is unsound. (CCSS RI.9–10.8; TEKS §110.36(c)(8)(A), (8)(G), (11)(G); FL ELA.9.R.2.4; VA 9.RI.3B; GA ELAGSE9–10RI8; TN 9–10.RI.IKI.8)
CCSS RI.9–10.7; TEKS §110.36(c)(8)(C), (7)(F); FL ELA.9.R.2.1, ELA.9.C.5.1–5.2; VA 9.RI.3; GA ELAGSE9–10RI7; TN 9–10.RI.IKI.7 - Interpret information presented visually, quantitatively, or in words; explain how media choices influence meaning and credibility.
Two Authors on the Same Topic - Compare how two authors treat the same event or idea, noting differences in emphasis, evidence, and conclusions. (CCSS RI.9–10.9; TEKS §110.36(c)(7)(D)–(E), (8)(G); FL ELA.9.R.2.4; VA 9.RI.3A–B; GA ELAGSE9–10RI9; TN 9–10.RI.IKI.9)
Integrate Quantitative Information (Charts, Tables, Graphs) - Synthesize a text with data displays to answer complex questions and explain processes clearly. (CCSS RI.9–10.7; TEKS §110.36(c)(8)(C), (7)(F); FL ELA.9.R.2.1, ELA.9.C.5.1–5.2; VA 9.RI.3; GA ELAGSE9–10RI7; TN 9–10.RI.IKI.7)
Media Bias and Reliability - Evaluate claims and evidence across digital media; cross‑check for credibility, currency, and bias. (CCSS RI.9–10.6; TEKS §110.36(c)(8)(A), (8)(G), (11)(G); FL ELA.9.R.2.3–2.4; VA 9.RI.3B; GA ELAGSE9–10RI6; TN 9–10.RI.IKI.8; CCSS W.9–10.8; TEKS §110.36(c)(11)(E–H); FL ELA.K12.EE.5.1, ELA.9.C.4.1; VA 9.LU.2B–C; GA ELAGSE9–10W8; TN 9–10.W.RBPK.8; CCSS SL.9–10.2; TEKS §110.36(c)(8)(C), (7)(F); FL ELA.9.C.5.1; VA 9.RI.3, 9.W/9.LU media; GA ELAGSE9–10SL2; TN 9–10.SL.CC.2)
RI.9–10.6 - Locate and evaluate appeals in articles, speeches, and advertisements; explain how each appeal targets audience beliefs and emotions and how it supports or weakens the overall claim. Associated standards listed with this skill: CCSS RI.9–10.6; CA RI.9–10.6; MA RI.9–10.6; NY 9R6; VA 9.RI.3; TX §110.36(c)(8)(A), (8)(G), (11)(G); FL ELA.9.R.2.3–2.4.
Analyze Rhetorical Strategies in Historical Texts - Trace how authors use diction, syntax, parallelism, allusion, and analogy to advance ideas in historical documents; evaluate the impact on credibility and persuasiveness. (CCSS RI.9–10.6; CA RI.9–10.6; MA RI.9–10.6; NY 9R6; VA 9.RI.3; TX §110.36(c)(7)(D)–(E), (8)(G); FL ELA.9.R.2.4)
Compare Subjective and Objective Tone Across Accounts - Distinguish language that signals objective reporting from evaluative or emotive language; compare two accounts to determine how tone shapes readers’ understanding. (CCSS RI.9–10.6; CA RI.9–10.6; MA RI.9–10.6; NY 9R6; VA 9.RI.3; TX §110.36(c)(8)(A), (8)(G); FL ELA.9.R.2.3)
Writing
Thesis and Focus - Craft a precise, arguable thesis or controlling idea appropriate to task, purpose, and audience; sustain focus throughout. (CCSS W.9–10.1(a–e); TEKS §110.36(c)(7)(E), (10)(C), (9)(B–D); FL ELA.9.C.1.3; VA 9.W.1–2; GA ELAGSE9–10W1; TN 9–10.W.TTP.1; CCSS W.9–10.2(a–f); TEKS §110.36(c)(7)(D), (10)(B), (9)(B–D); FL ELA.9.C.1.4; VA 9.W.1–2; GA ELAGSE9–10W2; TN 9–10.W.TTP.2; CCSS W.9–10.4; TEKS §110.36(c)(9)(A–C); FL ELA.9.C.1.5; VA 9.W.1–3; GA ELAGSE9–10W4; TN 9–10.W.PDW.4)
Claim, Counterclaim, and Rebuttal - Develop clear claims and reasonable counterclaims; anticipate and rebut with relevant reasons and evidence. (CCSS W.9–10.1(a–e); TEKS §110.36(c)(7)(E), (10)(C), (9)(B–D); FL ELA.9.C.1.3; VA 9.W.1–2; GA ELAGSE9–10W1; TN 9–10.W.TTP.1)
Select and Integrate Evidence (Quotations, Paraphrases) - Choose the most relevant evidence; integrate quotations smoothly with context and commentary; maintain accurate paraphrases. (CCSS W.9–10.1(a–e); TEKS §110.36(c)(7)(E), (10)(C), (9)(B–D); FL ELA.9.C.1.3; VA 9.W.1–2; GA ELAGSE9–10W1; TN 9–10.W.TTP.1; CCSS W.9–10.9(a–b); TEKS §110.36(c)(5)(C), (7)(D–E); FL ELA.K12.EE.1.1; VA 9.W.1–3; GA ELAGSE9–10W9; TN 9–10.W.RBPK.9)
Explain How Evidence Supports Reasoning (ELA.9.43): Grade 9 ELA skill practice focused on Explain How Evidence Supports Reasoning.
Organization and Cohesion (Transitions) - Organize ideas logically; use paragraphing and precise transitions to signal sequence, contrast, cause/effect, and emphasis. (CCSS W.9–10.1(a–e); TEKS §110.36(c)(7)(E), (10)(C), (9)(B–D); FL ELA.9.C.1.3; VA 9.W.1–2; GA ELAGSE9–10W1; TN 9–10.W.TTP.1; CCSS W.9–10.2(a–f); TEKS §110.36(c)(7)(D), (10)(B), (9)(B–D); FL ELA.9.C.1.4; VA 9.W.1–2; GA ELAGSE9–10W2; TN 9–10.W.TTP.2)
Style: Precision, Concision, and Tone - Make effective choices for meaning and style in different contexts; revise for concise, audience‑appropriate language. (CCSS W.9–10.4; TEKS §110.36(c)(9)(A–C); FL ELA.9.C.1.5; VA 9.W.1–3; GA ELAGSE9–10W4; TN 9–10.W.PDW.4; CCSS L.9–10.3(a); TEKS §110.36(c)(9)(C), (11)(H); FL ELA.9.C.3.1; VA 9.LU.2B; GA ELAGSE9–10L3; TN 9–10.L.KL.3)
Revision for Clarity and Coherence (ELA.9.46): Grade 9 ELA skill practice focused on Revision for Clarity and Coherence.
Editing: Grammar, Usage, and Punctuation in Context - Edit drafts for agreement, sentence boundaries, punctuation (commas, semicolons, colons, dashes, hyphens), capitalization, and spelling. (CCSS W.9–10.5; TEKS §110.36(c)(9)(B–E); FL ELA.9.C.1.5, ELA.9.C.3.1; VA 9.W.3, 9.LU.1–2; GA ELAGSE9–10W5; TN 9–10.W.PDW.5; CCSS L.9–10.1(a–b); TEKS §110.36(c)(9)(D)(i–iii); FL ELA.9.C.3.1; VA 9.LU.1A–E; GA ELAGSE9–10L1; TN 9–10.L.CSE.1; CCSS L.9–10.2(a–c); TEKS §110.36(c)(9)(D)(iv–vi); FL ELA.9.C.3.1; VA 9.LU.2A, 9.LU.2C; GA ELAGSE9–10L2; TN 9–10.L.CSE.2)
Informative/Explanatory Writing - Develop a topic with relevant facts, concrete details, and analysis; include formatting or graphics when useful to comprehension. (CCSS W.9–10.2(a–f); TEKS §110.36(c)(7)(D), (10)(B), (9)(B–D); FL ELA.9.C.1.4; VA 9.W.1–2; GA ELAGSE9–10W2; TN 9–10.W.TTP.2)
Narrative Techniques (Dialogue, Pacing, Description) - Use narrative techniques and well‑structured event sequences with reflection or resolution that follows from the narrated events. (CCSS W.9–10.3(a–e); TEKS §110.36(c)(10)(A), (9)(B–D); FL ELA.9.C.1.2; VA 9.W.1–2; GA ELAGSE9–10W3; TN 9–10.W.TTP.3)
Use of Technology and Collaboration - Use digital tools to draft, share, and refine writing; apply a style manual when formatting citations and references. (CCSS W.9–10.6; TEKS §110.36(c)(11)(I), (11)(H); FL ELA.9.C.5.1–5.2; VA 9.LU.2B, 9.W.3; GA ELAGSE9–10W6; TN 9–10.W.PDW.6)
Short and Extended Research (ELA.9.51): Grade 9 ELA skill practice focused on Short and Extended Research.
Evaluate Sources and Cite (MLA/APA) - Assess credibility and bias, integrate quotations effectively, and apply MLA/APA for in‑text citations and references. (CCSS W.9–10.8; TEKS §110.36(c)(11)(E–H); FL ELA.K12.EE.5.1, ELA.9.C.4.1; VA 9.LU.2B–C; GA ELAGSE9–10W8; TN 9–10.W.RBPK.8)
Writing — Mini Skills
Ethical Use of Sources and AI-Assisted Writing - Differentiate original ideas, paraphrases, and quotations; attribute ideas accurately; use AI tools only when permitted, documenting prompts and edits transparently. (CCSS W.9–10.8, W.9–10.6; CA W.9–10.8, W.9–10.6; MA W.9–10.8, W.9–10.6; NY 9W8, 9W6; VA 9.LU.2; TX §110.36(c)(11)(E–I); FL ELA.K12.EE.5.1, ELA.9.C.5.1–5.2)
Paraphrase vs. Quote and Avoid Plagiarism (ELA.9.55): Grade 9 ELA skill practice focused on Paraphrase vs. Quote and Avoid Plagiarism.
Writing with Data (Embed and Explain Visuals) - Integrate charts or tables into explanations and arguments; write commentary that interprets quantitative information accurately for readers. (CCSS W.9–10.2, RI.9–10.7; CA W.9–10.2, RI.9–10.7; MA W.9–10.2, RI.9–10.7; NY 9W2, 9R7; VA 9.RI.3; TX §110.36(c)(7)(F), (8)(C); FL ELA.9.C.1.4, ELA.9.C.5.1–5.2)
Transitions with Conjunctive Adverbs (ELA.9.57): Grade 9 ELA skill practice focused on Transitions with Conjunctive Adverbs.
Sentence Combining with Relative and Participial Clauses (ELA.9.58): Grade 9 ELA skill practice focused on Sentence Combining with Relative and Participial Clauses.
Format Quotations and Dialogue in Essays and Narratives - Introduce, punctuate, and integrate quotations and dialogue smoothly with signal phrases, correct internal punctuation, and follow a consistent style manual. (CCSS W.9–10.1, W.9–10.3, L.9–10.2; CA W.9–10.1, W.9–10.3, L.9–10.2; MA W.9–10.1, W.9–10.3, L.9–10.2; NY 9W1, 9W3, 9L2; VA 9.W, 9.LU.2; TX §110.36(c)(9)(D), (10)(A); FL ELA.9.C.1.2–1.3, ELA.9.C.3.1)
Speaking and Listening
Discussion Norms and Evidence-Based Moves (ELA.9.60): Grade 9 ELA skill practice focused on Discussion Norms and Evidence-Based Moves.
Evaluate Speaker’s Reasoning and Evidence - Delineate claims, reasons, and evidence in spoken or multimodal texts; detect unsupported assertions and fallacies. (CCSS SL.9–10.3; TEKS §110.36(c)(11)(G)(ii); FL ELA.9.R.2.4; VA 9.RI.3B; GA ELAGSE9–10SL3; TN 9–10.SL.CC.3)
Presentation Structure (Outline and Evaluate) - Evaluate or design presentation outlines for organization, clarity, and audience‑appropriate sequencing. (CCSS SL.9–10.4; TEKS §110.36(c)(1)(C), (11)(I); FL ELA.9.C.2.1; VA 9.W/9.LU; GA ELAGSE9–10SL4; TN 9–10.SL.PKI.4)
Strategic Use of Digital Media (Plan and Evaluate) - Choose visuals, data displays, and multimedia that enhance a message; credit sources appropriately. (CCSS SL.9–10.5; TEKS §110.36(c)(7)(F), (8)(C), (11)(I); FL ELA.9.C.5.1–5.2; VA 9.W/9.LU media; GA ELAGSE9–10SL5; TN 9–10.SL.PKI.5)
Formal English and Tone (Audience and Purpose) - Revise or select language that fits audience and purpose; demonstrate command of formal English when appropriate. (CCSS SL.9–10.6; TEKS §110.36(c)(1)(A), (9)(C); FL ELA.K12.EE.6.1; VA 9.LU.1; GA ELAGSE9–10SL6; TN 9–10.SL.PKI.6)
Speaking and Listening — Mini Skills
Design and Explain Data Displays for Presentations - Create clear charts and tables to clarify comparisons, trends, and part-to-whole relationships in talks; label axes, units, and sources; narrate the takeaways. (CCSS SL.9–10.5; CA SL.9–10.5; MA SL.9–10.5; NY 9SL5; VA 9.W/9.LU media; TX §110.36(c)(11)(I); FL ELA.9.C.5.1–5.2)
Practice Delivery: Pacing, Emphasis, and Audience Engagement - Rehearse and refine delivery elements (pace, pausing, emphasis, eye contact, and posture) to suit purpose and audience while maintaining clarity and formal tone as appropriate. (CCSS SL.9–10.4, SL.9–10.6; CA SL.9–10.4, SL.9–10.6; MA SL.9–10.4, SL.9–10.6; NY 9SL4, 9SL6; VA 9.LU.1; TX §110.36(c)(1)(C); FL ELA.K12.EE.6.1)
Language
Active vs. Passive Voice (Use and Revision) - Differentiate active from passive; revise for clarity, focus, and appropriate rhetorical effect. (CCSS L.9–10.1(a–b); TEKS §110.36(c)(9)(D)(i–iii); FL ELA.9.C.3.1; VA 9.LU.1A–E; GA ELAGSE9–10L1; TN 9–10.L.CSE.1)
Knowledge of Language and Style (ELA.9.68): Grade 9 ELA skill practice focused on Knowledge of Language and Style.
Vocabulary and Word Study
Context Clues (Sentence, Paragraph, Whole‑Text) - Use context at multiple levels to determine and confirm meanings of unfamiliar words and phrases; verify with references. (CCSS L.9–10.4(a–d); TEKS §110.36(c)(2)(A–C); FL ELA.9.V.1.2–1.3; VA 9.RV.B–D; GA ELAGSE9–10L4; TN 9–10.L.VAU.4)
Greek and Latin Roots and Affixes (Morphology) - Leverage common roots, prefixes, and suffixes to infer meaning and build word families; explain how morphology informs nuance. (CCSS L.9–10.4(a–d); TEKS §110.36(c)(2)(A–C); FL ELA.9.V.1.2–1.3; VA 9.RV.B–D; GA ELAGSE9–10L4; TN 9–10.L.VAU.4)
Connotation vs. Denotation - Differentiate dictionary meaning from implied associations; select words to achieve a specific tone or effect. (CCSS L.9–10.5(a–b); TEKS §110.36(c)(8)(F); FL ELA.9.R.3.1; VA 9.RV.F; GA ELAGSE9–10L5; TN 9–10.L.VAU.5)
Figurative Language and Nuance (Euphemism, Oxymoron) - Interpret figures of speech and analyze nuances among related words and expressions. (CCSS L.9–10.5(a–b); TEKS §110.36(c)(8)(F); FL ELA.9.R.3.1; VA 9.RV.F; GA ELAGSE9–10L5; TN 9–10.L.VAU.5)
Foreign Words and Expressions - Determine meaning and appropriate usage for common foreign terms; evaluate register and audience. (CCSS L.9–10.4(a–d); TEKS §110.36(c)(2)(A–C); FL ELA.9.V.1.2–1.3; VA 9.RV.B–D; GA ELAGSE9–10L4; TN 9–10.L.VAU.4)
Academic and Domain‑Specific Vocabulary (Tier 2/3) - Acquire and accurately use academic and domain‑specific vocabulary across reading, discussion, and writing. (CCSS L.9–10.6; TEKS §110.36(c)(5)(F); FL ELA.9.V.1.1; VA 9.RV.A, 9.RV.G; GA ELAGSE9–10L6; TN 9–10.L.VAU.6)
Analogies and Word Relationships - Solve analogies and explain the relationship (synonym, antonym, part‑whole, function, cause/effect). (CCSS L.9–10.5(a–b); TEKS §110.36(c)(8)(F); FL ELA.9.R.3.1; VA 9.RV.F; GA ELAGSE9–10L5; TN 9–10.L.VAU.5)
Use Etymologies and Word Origins to Clarify Meaning - Consult print and digital etymologies to determine nuanced meanings, trace semantic shifts, and choose the most precise word for context. (CCSS L.9–10.4; CA L.9–10.4; MA L.9–10.4; NY 9L4; VA 9.RV; TX §110.36(c)(2)(A–C); FL ELA.9.V.1.2)
Grammar and Conventions
Parallel Structure (Words, Phrases, Clauses) - Identify and use parallel structure to improve clarity and rhythm; correct faulty or mixed constructions. (CCSS L.9–10.1(a–b); TEKS §110.36(c)(9)(D)(i–iii); FL ELA.9.C.3.1; VA 9.LU.1A–E; GA ELAGSE9–10L1; TN 9–10.L.CSE.1)
Phrases and Clauses (ELA.9.79): Grade 9 ELA skill practice focused on Phrases and Clauses.
Verb Tense and Mood Consistency (Indicative, Subjunctive, Conditional) - Maintain consistent tenses and appropriate moods across complex sentences and paragraphs. (CCSS L.9–10.1(a–b); TEKS §110.36(c)(9)(D)(i–iii); FL ELA.9.C.3.1; VA 9.LU.1A–E; GA ELAGSE9–10L1; TN 9–10.L.CSE.1)
Pronoun–Antecedent Agreement and Case - Ensure agreement in number and person; choose correct case in compound structures and after prepositions; resolve ambiguity. (CCSS L.9–10.1(a–b); TEKS §110.36(c)(9)(D)(i–iii); FL ELA.9.C.3.1; VA 9.LU.1A–E; GA ELAGSE9–10L1; TN 9–10.L.CSE.1)
Commas, Semicolons, and Colons - Apply punctuation to separate elements, link closely related clauses, and introduce lists or explanations. (CCSS L.9–10.2(a–c); TEKS §110.36(c)(9)(D)(iv–vi); FL ELA.9.C.3.1; VA 9.LU.2A, 9.LU.2C; GA ELAGSE9–10L2; TN 9–10.L.CSE.2)
Dashes, Hyphens, and Ellipses - Use dashes, hyphens, and ellipses correctly to signal breaks, compound modifiers, and omissions. (CCSS L.9–10.2(a–c); TEKS §110.36(c)(9)(D)(iv–vi); FL ELA.9.C.3.1; VA 9.LU.2A, 9.LU.2C; GA ELAGSE9–10L2; TN 9–10.L.CSE.2)
Capitalization, Titles, and Quotations - Capitalize proper nouns and titles; format and punctuate titles and direct quotations accurately. (CCSS L.9–10.2(a–c); TEKS §110.36(c)(9)(D)(iv–vi); FL ELA.9.C.3.1; VA 9.LU.2A, 9.LU.2C; GA ELAGSE9–10L2; TN 9–10.L.CSE.2)
ELA.9.85 - Grade 9 ELA skill practice focused on Sentence Boundaries.
ELA.9.86 - Grade 9 ELA skill practice focused on Frequently Confused Words and Usage.
ELA.9.87 - Grade 9 ELA skill practice focused on Verb Mood: Identify and Correct Shifts.
ELA.9.88 - Grade 9 ELA skill practice focused on Comparative and Superlative Adjectives and Adverbs.
Frequently Confused Pronouns and Contractions - Distinguish and correct errors with pronoun case and commonly confused pronoun–contraction pairs (your/you’re, their/they’re, its/it’s) in context. (CCSS L.9–10.1, L.9–10.2; CA L.9–10.1, L.9–10.2; MA L.9–10.1, L.9–10.2; NY 9L1, 9L2; VA 9.LU.1–2; TX §110.36(c)(9)(D); FL ELA.9.C.3.1)