MSAD #55

English/Language Arts

Benchmarks/Performance Indicators

English/Language Art Skills

Grade 6

                                                                                                                                      Revised 1/06

 

A.        Students will use the skills and strategies of the reading process to comprehend interpret, evaluate, and appreciate what they have read.  Students will be able to:

 

1.         Formulate questions to be answered while reading.

 

q      a.   Participate in class and small group reading discussions.

q      b.   Demonstrate understanding by answering teacher prepared questions: right there, think and search, on your own.

q      c.   Demonstrate understanding by preparing right there, think and search, on your own questions.

q       

2.         Reflect on what has been discovered and learned while reading, and formulate additional questions.

 

q      a.  Formulate and defend opinions based on evidence presented in materials.

 

3.         Identify specific devices an author uses to involve readers.

            a.         Identify similes and turning points.

 

4.         Use specific strategies (e.g. rereading, consultation) to clarify confusing parts of a text.

 

q      a.  Visualize what you are reading.

b.  Make connections between text and your life.

                              c.  Ask the following: Do I understand what I read?

q      d.  Make predictions.

 

5.         Understand stories and expository texts from the perspective of the social and cultural context in which they were created.

 

q      a. Participate in class and small group reading discussions.

o      b. Develop better understanding through exposure to different cultures and opinions.

 

6.         Identify accurately both the authorŐs purpose and the authorŐs point of view.

 

q      a.  Distinguish between first and third person point of view.

q      b.   Identify an authorŐs purpose: to persuade, to entertain, to explain, to inform.

 

7.             Summarize whole text by selecting and summarizing important and representative passages.

 

q      a.  Summarize the development of plot (rising action), and explain how conflicts are resolved (turning point/climax and resolution).           

 

8.         Read for a wide variety of purposes (e.g. to gain knowledge, to aid in making decisions, to receive instruction, to enjoy.

 

q      a.   Identify the purpose for reading a particular text.

q      b.  Read from a variety of genre.

 

9.         Explain orally and defend opinions formed while reading and viewing.

 

q      a.  Verbalize an opinion formed while reading and viewing.

q      b.  Cite passages from the text that defend their opinion.

q      c.  Develop a respect for otherŐs opinions.

 

10.      Adjust viewing and listening strategies in order to comprehend materials viewed and heard.

                       

q      a.  Determine the appropriate personal strategies for viewing and listening to various material.

q      b.  Share and discuss information gained for the purpose of enhancing comprehension.

 

11.      Generate and evaluate the notes they have taken from course related reading, listening, and viewing.

                       

q      a.  Identify the types of note taking that are personally effective.

q      b.  Identify relevant facts.

q      c.  Use notes to study for tests, to write summaries, and for class discussions.

 

B.        Students will use reading, listening, and viewing strategies to experience, understand, and appreciate literature and culture.  Students will be able to:

 

1.         Demonstrate an understanding that people respond to literature in different and individual ways.

 

q      a.  Identify respect for diverse student reactions and responses to a piece of literature.

 

2.         Identify specific interests and questions and pursue them by identifying pertinent literature and media.

 

q      a.  Read a variety of literature and media on a specific theme/topic.

q      b.  Investigate material to answer questions.

 

3.         Identify the main and subordinate characters in literary works.

 

q      a.  Identify the antagonist, protagonist, and other characters.

q      b.  Discuss how characters change.

 

4.         Explain how the motives of characters or the causes of complex events in texts are similar to and distinct from those in their own experience.

 

q      a.