State of Ohio Standards for Ninth Grade Language Arts Individual Student Checklist

These are the skills and content knowledge required of all ninth grade language arts students in the State of Ohio. They are also the required skills for your Ohio Graduation Test (OGT), which you will practice for this year and take for real next year. Simply put, this is what we must learn in order to complete ninth grade English successfully. Each of you will track your progress towards these standards using this checklist to record the date you accomplish each standard and the proof you have of your accomplishment. Sometimes, you will fill in a completed standard on your own and then report it to me; other times, I will tell you that you have completed a standard. Finally, you can use these standards to drive your mission statement or more likely, your goals.

Ratings Key

Proficient: uses skill or knowledge consistently with 90% or better accuracy

Competent: uses skill or knowledge acceptably with 70% or better accuracy; 80% strongly encouraged

Not Yet Achieved: has not met standard; below 70% accuracy

Standard 1: Acquisition of Vocabulary	Standard 6: Research
Standard 2: Communication: Oral & Visual	Standard 7: Writing Applications
Standard 3: Reading Applications: Informational, Technical & Persuasive Text	Standard 8: Writing Conventions
Standard 4: Reading Applications: Literary Text	Standard 9: Writing Processes
Standard 5: Reading Process: Concepts of Print, Comprehension Strategies & Self-Monitoring Strategies

Standard 1: Acquisition of Vocabulary (back to top)

	Proficient	Competent	Not Yet Achieved
1. Define unknown words through context clues & author’s use of comparison/contrast; cause & effect.	Date: ________ Proof:	Date: _______ Proof:	Date: ________
2. Analyze the relationships of pairs of words in analogical statements (e.g., synonyms and antonyms, connotation and denotation) and infer word meanings from these relationships.	Date: ________ Proof:	Date: _______ Proof:	Date: ________
3. Infer the literal and figurative meaning of words and phrases and discuss the function of figurative language, including metaphors, similes, idioms and puns.	Date: ________ Proof:	Date: _______ Proof:	Date: ________
4. Examine and discuss ways historical events have influenced the English language.	Date: ________ Proof:	Date: _______ Proof:	Date: ________
5. Use knowledge of Greek, Latin and Anglo-Saxon roots, prefixes and suffixes to understand complex words and new subject- area vocabulary (e.g., unknown words in science, mathematics and social studies).	Date: ________ Proof:	Date: _______ Proof:	Date: ________
6. Determine the meanings and pronunciations of unknown words by using dictionaries, thesauruses, glossaries, technology and textual features, such as definitional footnotes or sidebars.	Date: ________ Proof:	Date: _______ Proof:	Date:________

Standard 2: Communication: Oral and Visual (back to top)

	Mastered	Competent	Not Yet Achieved
1. Apply active listening strategies (e.g., monitoring message for clarity, selecting and organizing essential information, noting cues such as changes in pace) in a variety of settings.	Date: ______ Proof:	Date: ______ Proof:	Date:______
2. Identify types of arguments used by the speaker, such as authority and appeals to emotion.	Date: ______ Proof:	Date: ______ Proof:	Date:______
3. Analyze the credibility of the speaker (e.g., hidden agendas, slanted or biased material) and recognize fallacies of reasoning used in presentations and media messages.	Date: ______ Proof:	Date: ______ Proof:	Date:______
4. Identify the speaker’s choice of language and delivery styles (e.g., repetition, appeal to emotion, eye contact) and explain how they contribute to meaning.	Date: ______ Proof:	Date: ______ Proof:	Date:______
5. Demonstrate an understanding of the rules of the English language and select language appropriate to purpose and audience.	Date: ______ Proof:	Date: ______ Proof:	Date:______
6. Adjust volume, phrasing, enunciation, voice modulation and inflection to stress important ideas and impact audience response.	Date: ______ Proof:	Date: ______ Proof:	Date:______
7. Vary language choices as appropriate to the context of the speech.	Date: ______ Proof:	Date: ______ Proof:	Date:______
8. Deliver informational presentations (e.g., expository, research) that:	Date: ______ Proof:	Date: ______ Proof:	Date:______
a. demonstrate an understanding of the topic and present events or ideas in a logical sequence	Date: ______ Proof:	Date: ______ Proof:	Date:______
b. support the controlling idea or thesis with well-chosen and relevant facts, details, examples, quotations, statistics, stories and anecdotes;	Date: ______ Proof:	Date: ______ Proof:	Date:______
c. include an effective introduction and conclusion and use a consistent organizational structure (e.g., cause-effect, compare-contrast, problem- solution);	Date: ______ Proof:	Date: ______ Proof:	Date:______
d. use appropriate visual materials (e.g., diagrams, charts, illustrations) and available technology to enhance presentation; and	Date: ______ Proof:	Date: ______ Proof:	Date:______
e. draw from multiple sources, including both primary and secondary sources, and identify sources used.	Date: ______ Proof:	Date: ______ Proof:	Date:______
9. Deliver formal and informal descriptive presentations that convey relevant information and descriptive details.	Date: ______ Proof:	Date: ______ Proof:	Date:______
10. Deliver persuasive presentations that:	Date: ______ Proof:	Date: ______ Proof:	Date:______
establish and develop a logical and controlled argument;	Date: ______ Proof:	Date: ______ Proof:	Date:______
include relevant evidence, differentiating between evidence and opinion, to support a position and to address counter-arguments or listener bias;	Date: ______ Proof:	Date: ______ Proof:	Date:______
use persuasive strategies, such as rhetorical devices, anecdotes and appeals to emotion, authority and reason;	Date: ______ Proof:	Date: ______ Proof:	Date:______
use common organizational structures as appropriate (e.g., cause-effect, compare-contrast, problem-solution); and	Date: ______ Proof:	Date: ______ Proof:	Date:______
use speaking techniques (e.g., reasoning, emotional appeal, case studies or analogies).	Date: ______ Proof:	Date: ______ Proof:	Date:______

Standard 3: Reading Applications: Informational, Technical and Persuasive Text (back to top)

	Proficient	Competent	Not Yet Achieved
1. Identify and understand organizational patterns (e.g., cause-effect, problem-solution) and techniques, including repetition of ideas, syntax and word choice, that authors use to accomplish their purpose and reach their intended audience.	Date: ______ Proof:	Date: ______ Proof:	Date:______
2. Critique the treatment, scope and organization of ideas from multiple sources on the same topic.	Date: ______ Proof:	Date: ______ Proof:	Date:______
3. Analyze information found in maps, charts, tables, graphs, diagrams, cutaways and overlays.	Date: ______ Proof:	Date: ______ Proof:	Date:______
4. Assess the adequacy, accuracy and appropriateness of an author's details, identifying persuasive techniques (e.g., bandwagon, testimonial, transfer, glittering generalities, emotional word repetition, bait and switch) and examples of propaganda, bias and stereotyping.	Date: ______ Proof:	Date: ______ Proof:	Date:______
5. Analyze an author’s implicit and explicit argument, perspective or viewpoint in text.	Date: ______ Proof:	Date: ______ Proof:	Date:______
6. Analyze the author’s development of key points to support argument or point of view.	Date: ______ Proof:	Date: ______ Proof:	Date:______
7. Compare and contrast the effectiveness of the features (e.g., format, sequence, headers) used in various consumer documents (e.g., warranties, product information, instructional materials), functional or workplace documents (e.g., job-related materials, memoranda, instructions) and public documents (e.g., speeches or newspaper editorials).	Date: ______ Proof:	Date: ______ Proof:	Date:______
8. Identify the features of rhetorical devices used in common types of public documents, including newspaper editorials and speeches.	Date: ______ Proof:	Date: ______ Proof:	Date:______

Standard 4: Reading Applications: Literary Text (back to top)

	Proficient	Competent	Not Yet Achieved
1. Identify and explain an author’s use of direct and indirect characterization, and ways in which characters reveal traits about themselves, including dialect, dramatic monologues and soliloquies.	Date: ______ Proof:	Date: ______ Proof:	Date:______
2. Analyze the influence of setting in relation to other literary elements.	Date: ______ Proof:	Date: ______ Proof:	Date:______
3. Identify ways in which authors use conflicts, parallel plots and subplots in literary texts.	Date: ______ Proof:	Date: ______ Proof:	Date:______
4. Evaluate the point of view used in a literary text.	Date: ______ Proof:	Date: ______ Proof:	Date:______
5. Interpret universal themes across different works by the same author and different authors.	Date: ______ Proof:	Date: ______ Proof:	Date:______
6. Analyze how an author’s choice of genre affects the expression of a theme or topic.	Date: ______ Proof:	Date: ______ Proof:	Date:______
7. Explain how foreshadowing and flashback are used to shape plot in a literary text.	Date: ______ Proof:	Date: ______ Proof:	Date:______
8. Define and identify types of irony, including verbal, situational and dramatic, used in literary texts.	Date: ______ Proof:	Date: ______ Proof:	Date:______
9. Analyze ways in which the author conveys mood and tone through word choice, figurative language and syntax.	Date: ______ Proof:	Date: ______ Proof:	Date:______
10. Explain how authors use symbols to create broader meanings.	Date: ______ Proof:	Date: ______ Proof:	Date:______
11. Identify sound devices, including alliteration, assonance, consonance and onomatopoeia, used in literary texts.	Date: ______ Proof:	Date: ______ Proof:	Date:______

Standard 5 : Reading Process: Concepts of Print, Comprehension Strategies and Self-Monitoring Strategies (back to top)

In Grades 8 through 12, students should read purposefully and automatically, using the comprehension and self-monitoring strategies outlined in previous grades. As they encounter increasingly challenging content-area and literary texts, students may more consciously employ these strategies and benefit from teacher modeling of the reading process.
	Proficient	Competent	Not Yet Achieved
1. Apply reading comprehension strategies, including making predictions, comparing and contrasting, recalling and summarizing and making inferences and drawing conclusions.	Date: ____ Proof:	Date: ____ Proof:	Date:_____
2. Answer literal, inferential, evaluative and synthesizing questions to demonstrate comprehension of grade-appropriate print texts and electronic and visual media.	Date: ____ Proof:	Date: ____ Proof:	Date:_____
3. Monitor own comprehension by adjusting speed to fit the purpose, or by skimming, scanning, reading on, looking back, note taking or summarizing what has been read so far in text.	Date: ____ Proof:	Date: ____ Proof:	Date:_____
4. Use criteria to choose independent reading materials (e.g., personal interest, knowledge of authors and genres or recommendations from others).	Date: ____ Proof:	Date: ____ Proof:	Date:_____
5. Independently read books for various purposes (e.g., for enjoyment, for literary experience, to gain information or to perform a task).	Date: ____ Proof:	Date: ____ Proof:	Date:_____

Standard 6: Research (back to top)

	Proficient	Competent	Not Yet Achieved
1. Compose open-ended questions for research, assigned or personal interest, and modify questions as necessary during inquiry and investigation to narrow the focus or extend the investigation	Date: ____ Proof:	Date: ____ Proof:	Date:_____
2. Identify appropriate sources and gather relevant information from multiple sources (e.g., school library catalogs, online databases, electronic resources and Internet-based resources).	Date: ____ Proof:	Date: ____ Proof:	Date:_____
3. Determine the accuracy of sources and the credibility of the author by analyzing the sources’ validity (e.g., authority, accuracy, objectivity, publication date and coverage, etc.).	Date: ____ Proof:	Date: ____ Proof:	Date:_____
4. Compile and organize important information and select appropriate sources to support central ideas, concepts and themes.	Date: ____ Proof:	Date: ____ Proof:	Date:_____
5. Integrate quotations and citations into written text to maintain a flow of ideas.	Date: ____ Proof:	Date: ____ Proof:	Date:_____
6. Use style guides to produce oral and written reports that give proper credit for sources and include an acceptable format for source acknowledgement.	Date: ____ Proof:	Date: ____ Proof:	Date:_____
7. Use a variety of communication techniques, including oral, visual, written or multimedia reports to present information that supports a clear position about the topic or research question and to maintain an appropriate balance between researched information and original ideas.	Date: ____ Proof:	Date: ____ Proof:	Date:_____

Standard 7: Writing Applications (back to top)

	Proficient	Competent	Not Yet Achieved
1. Write narratives that:	Date: ____ Proof:	Date: ____ Proof:	Date:______
a. sustain reader interest by pacing action and developing an engaging plot (e.g., tension and suspense);	Date: ____ Proof:	Date: ____ Proof:	Date:______
b. use a range of strategies and literary devices including figurative language and specific narration; and,	Date: ____ Proof:	Date: ____ Proof:	Date:______
c. include an organized, well developed structure.	Date: ____ Proof:	Date: ____ Proof:	Date:______
2. Write responses to literature that organize an insightful interpretation around several clear ideas, premises or images and support judgments with specific references to the original text, to other texts, authors and to prior knowledge.	Date: ____ Proof:	Date: ____ Proof:	Date:______
3. Write business letters, letters to the editor and job applications that::	Date: ____ Proof:	Date: ____ Proof:	Date:______
a. address audience needs, stated purpose and context in a clear and efficient manner;	Date: ____ Proof:	Date: ____ Proof:	Date:______
b. follow the conventional style appropriate to the text using proper technical terms;	Date: ____ Proof:	Date: ____ Proof:	Date:______
c. include appropriate facts and details;	Date: ____ Proof:	Date: ____ Proof:	Date:______
d. exclude extraneous details and inconsistencies; and	Date: ____ Proof:	Date: ____ Proof:	Date:______
e. provide a sense of closure to the writing.	Date: ____ Proof:	Date: ____ Proof:	Date:______
4. Write informational essays or reports, including research that:	Date: ____ Proof:	Date: ____ Proof:	Date:______
a. pose relevant and tightly drawn questions that engage the reader;	Date: ____ Proof:	Date: ____ Proof:	Date:______
b. provide a clear and accurate perspective on the subject;	Date: ____ Proof:	Date: ____ Proof:	Date:______
c. create an organizing structure appropriate to the purpose, audience and context;	Date: ____ Proof:	Date: ____ Proof:	Date:______
d. support the main ideas with facts, details, examples and explanations from sources; and	Date: ____ Proof:	Date: ____ Proof:	Date:______
e. document sources and include bibliographies.	Date: ____ Proof:	Date: ____ Proof:	Date:______
5. Write persuasive compositions that:	Date: ____ Proof:	Date: ____ Proof:	Date:______
a. establish and develop a controlling idea;	Date: ____ Proof:	Date: ____ Proof:	Date:______
b. support arguments with detailed evidence;	Date: ____ Proof:	Date: ____ Proof:	Date:______
c. exclude irrelevant information; and	Date: ____ Proof:	Date: ____ Proof:	Date:______
d. cite sources of information.	Date: ____ Proof:	Date: ____ Proof:	Date:______
6. Produce informal writings (e.g., journals, notes and poems) for various purposes.	Date: ____ Proof:	Date: ____ Proof:	Date:______

Standard 8: Writing Conventions (back to top)

	Proficient	Competent	Not Yet Achieved
1. Use correct spelling conventions.	Date: ____ Proof:	Date: ____ Proof:	Date:_____
2. Use correct capitalization and punctuation.	Date: ____ Proof:	Date: ____ Proof:	Date:_____
3. Use clauses (e.g., main, subordinate) and phrases (e.g., gerund, infinitive, participial).	Date: ____ Proof:	Date: ____ Proof:	Date:_____
4. Use parallel structure to present items in a series and items juxtaposed for emphasis.	Date: ____ Proof:	Date: ____ Proof:	Date:_____
5. Use proper placement of modifiers.	Date: ____ Proof:	Date: ____ Proof:	Date:_____
6. Maintain the use of appropriate verb tenses.	Date: ____ Proof:	Date: ____ Proof:	Date:_____

Standard 9: Writing Processes (back to top)

	Proficient	Competent	Not Yet Achieved
1. Generate writing ideas through discussions with others and from printed material, and keep a list of writing ideas.	Date: ____ Proof:	Date: ____ Proof:	Date:_____
2. Determine the usefulness of and apply appropriate pre-writing tasks (e.g., background reading, interviews or surveys).	Date: ____ Proof:	Date: ____ Proof:	Date:_____
3. Establish and develop a clear thesis statement for informational writing or a clear plan or outline for narrative writing.	Date: ____ Proof:	Date: ____ Proof:	Date:_____
4. Determine a purpose and audience and plan strategies (e.g., adapting focus, content structure and point of view) to address purpose and audience.	Date: ____ Proof:	Date: ____ Proof:	Date:_____
5. Use organizational strategies (e.g., notes and outlines) to plan writing.	Date: ____ Proof:	Date: ____ Proof:	Date:_____
6. Organize writing to create a coherent whole with an effective and engaging introduction, body and conclusion, and a closing sentence that summarizes, extends or elaborates on points or ideas in the writing.	Date: ____ Proof:	Date: ____ Proof:	Date:_____
7. Use a variety of sentence structures and lengths (e.g., simple, compound and complex sentences; parallel or repetitive sentence structure).	Date: ____ Proof:	Date: ____ Proof:	Date:_____
8. Use paragraph form in writing, including topic sentences that arrange paragraphs in a logical sequence, using effective transitions and closing sentences and maintaining coherence across the whole through the use of parallel structures.	Date: ____ Proof:	Date: ____ Proof:	Date:_____
9. Use precise language, action verbs, sensory details, colorful modifiers and style as appropriate to audience and purpose and use techniques to convey a personal style and voice.	Date:_____	Date:_____	Date:_____
10. Use available technology to compose text.	Date: ____ Proof:	Date: ____ Proof:	Date:_____
11. Reread and analyze clarity of writing, consistency of point of view and effectiveness of organizational structure.	Date: ____ Proof:	Date: ____ Proof:	Date:_____
12. Add and delete information and details to better elaborate on stated central idea and more effectively accomplish purpose.	Date: ____ Proof:	Date: ____ Proof:	Date:_____
13. Rearrange words, sentences and paragraphs, and add transitional words and phrases to clarify meaning and maintain consistent style, tone and voice.	Date: ____ Proof:	Date: ____ Proof:	Date:_____
14. Use resources and reference materials (e.g., dictionaries and thesauruses) to select effective and precise vocabulary that maintains consistent style, tone and voice.	Date: ____ Proof:	Date: ____ Proof:	Date:_____
15. Proofread writing, edit to improve conventions (e.g., grammar, spelling, punctuation and capitalization), identify and correct fragments and run-ons and eliminate inappropriate slang or informal language.	Date: ____ Proof:	Date: ____ Proof:	Date:_____
16. Apply tools (e.g., rubric, checklist and feedback) to judge the quality of writing.	Date: ____ Proof:	Date: ____ Proof:	Date:_____
17. Prepare for publication (e.g., for display or for sharing with others) writing that follows a manuscript form appropriate for the purpose, which could include such techniques as electronic resources, principles of design (e.g., margins, tabs, spacing and columns) and graphics (e.g., drawings, charts and graphs) to enhance the final product.	Date: ____ Proof:	Date: ____ Proof:	Date:_____