Alabama Course of Study in English Language Arts (2007) Grade 9

Source: http://alex.state.al.us/standardAll.php?grade=9&subject=ELA&summary=2

1.) Identify genre, tone, and plot in short stories, drama, and poetry and identify organizational structure in essays and other nonfiction text to comprehend recreational reading materials.

Examples: plot--exposition, conflict, rising action, climax, falling action, denouement

• Reading predominantly world literature

2.) Compare the use of language and literary elements and devices, including rhythm, rhyme scheme, tone, and plot, in various selections, cultures, and genres.

Examples:

- language--Standard English usage versus dialect, length and complexity of sentences, diction

- literary elements and devices--flashback, personification

• Interpreting symbolism and other figurative language

• Recognizing foreshadowing to anticipate events

• Making inferences about characters and their motives

• Determining effectiveness of diction

• Recognizing use of analogy

3.) Read with comprehension a variety of ninth-grade informational and functional reading materials, including recognizing tone and propaganda.

Examples: functional materials--telephone books, labels on medicine containers, consumer product information, directions, newspapers, messages, recipes

• Organizing steps of a process and other sequences

• Identifying organizational structure

Example: matching structure to a graphic organizer

• Recognizing fallacies in logic

• Following complex written directions

4.) Identify literary components that contribute to authors' styles.

Examples: length and complexity of sentences, diction, Standard English usage versus dialect

5.) Identify persuasive strategies, including propaganda, in world literature selections.

6.) Determine word meaning in world literature selections using word analysis and context clues.

• Identifying the etymology of words

7.) Write in narrative, expository, and persuasive modes using figurative language and imagery, including simile and metaphor, when effective and appropriate.

Examples: essay, letter of complaint

• Using an abbreviated writing process to write an essay in timed and untimed situations

• Using verbals to increase sentence complexity

• Using a variety of patterns to organize information in multi-paragraph writings

Examples: chronological order, cause and effect, order of importance

• Developing an effective voice suitable for audience and purpose

• Using a variety of sentence patterns

Example: diagramming selected sentences to illustrate structural variety

• Using active voice and passive voice when appropriate

8.) Critique paragraphs for logical progression of sentences.

9.) Identify factors that influence the development of language.

Examples: geographic location, wars and revolutions, technology, mass media

10.) Determine correct use of commas with appositives and within direct quotations, colons to introduce lists, semicolons with a series of elements separated by commas, and punctuation for a divided quotation.

11.) Identify correct use of parallel words; incorrect verb tense shifts within sentences; correct number and tense in verb forms, including regular and irregular verbs; and correct forms of compound nouns, including singular, plural, and possessive forms.

• Identifying correct parallelism in phrases and clauses

• Identifying incorrect verb tense shifts within paragraphs

• Identifying correct verb form for agreement with collective nouns based on context

• Recognizing subject-verb agreement with indefinite pronouns

• Using parallel structure with verbals

12.) Apply the correct use of subject-verb agreement with collective nouns when verb forms depend on the rest of the sentence; with compound subjects, including those joined by or with the second element as singular or plural; and with the subjunctive mood.

13.) Demonstrate paraphrasing, quoting, and summarizing of primary and secondary sources and various methods of note taking.

Examples: note taking--abbreviations, symbols, paraphrasing

14.) Use the research process to locate, select, retrieve, evaluate, and organize information to support a thesis on a nonliterary topic.

Examples: career, I-Search

• Following a style format to standardize the presentation of information

Examples: Modern Language Association (MLA), American Psychological Association (APA), Turabian

• Managing information by using available technology

• Using paraphrasing and documentation of sources to avoid plagiarism

15.) Identify persuasive strategies in oral and visual presentations.

Examples: transference, bandwagon, snob appeal, expert testimony

• Identifying types of propaganda

16.) Evaluate a speech for use of presentation skills, including use of visual aids.

Examples: eye contact, projection, tone, inflection, tempo

• Applying oral presentation skills in formal and informal situations

Examples: debates, classroom discussions, dramatic activities

17.) Use supporting details to present a position and to respond to an argument.