English Language Arts Standards »
Language » Grades 11-12
Conventions of Standard English
CCSS.ELA-Literacy.L.11-12.1 Demonstrate command of the conventions of standard English grammar and usage when writing or speaking.
CCSS.ELA-Literacy.L.11-12.1a Apply the understanding that usage is a matter of convention, can change over time, and is sometimes contested.
CCSS.ELA-Literacy.L.11-12.1b Resolve issues of complex or contested usage, consulting references (e.g., Merriam-Webster’s Dictionary of English Usage, Garner’s
Modern American Usage) as needed.
CCSS.ELA-Literacy.L.11-12.2 Demonstrate command of the conventions of standard English capitalization, punctuation, and spelling when writing.
CCSS.ELA-Literacy.L.11-12.2a Observe hyphenation conventions.
CCSS.ELA-Literacy.L.11-12.2b Spell correctly.
Knowledge of Language
CCSS.ELA-Literacy.L.11-12.3 Apply knowledge of language to understand how language functions in different contexts, to make effective choices for meaning or style, and to
comprehend more fully when reading or listening.
CCSS.ELA-Literacy.L.11-12.3a Vary syntax for effect, consulting references (e.g., Tufte’s Artful Sentences) for guidance as needed; apply an understanding of syntax
to the study of complex texts when reading.
Vocabulary Acquisition and Use
CCSS.ELA-Literacy.L.11-12.4 Determine or clarify the meaning of unknown and multiple-meaning words and phrases based on grades 11–12 reading and content, choosing
flexibly from a range of strategies.
CCSS.ELA-Literacy.L.11-12.4a Use context (e.g., the overall meaning of a sentence, paragraph, or text; a word’s position or function in a sentence) as a clue to the
meaning of a word or phrase.
CCSS.ELA-Literacy.L.11-12.4b Identify and correctly use patterns of word changes that indicate different meanings or parts of speech (e.g., conceive, conception,
conceivable).
CCSS.ELA-Literacy.L.11-12.4c Consult general and specialized reference materials (e.g., dictionaries, glossaries, thesauruses), both print and digital, to find the
pronunciation of a word or determine or clarify its precise meaning, its part of speech, its etymology, or its standard usage.
CCSS.ELA-Literacy.L.11-12.4d Verify the preliminary determination of the meaning of a word or phrase (e.g., by checking the inferred meaning in context or in a
dictionary).
CCSS.ELA-Literacy.L.11-12.5 Demonstrate understanding of figurative language, word relationships, and nuances in word meanings.
CCSS.ELA-Literacy.L.11-12.5a Interpret figures of speech (e.g., hyperbole, paradox) in context and analyze their role in the text.
CCSS.ELA-Literacy.L.11-12.5b Analyze nuances in the meaning of words with similar denotations.
CCSS.ELA-Literacy.L.11-12.6 Acquire and use accurately general academic and domain-specific words and phrases, sufficient for reading, writing, speaking, and listening at the
college and career readiness level; demonstrate independence in gathering vocabulary knowledge when considering a word or phrase important to comprehension or
expression.
Grades 11 – 12
Conventions of Standard English
CCSS.ELA-Literacy.L.11-12.1 Demonstrate command of the conventions of standard English grammar and usage when writing or speaking.
Anchor Performance 1: Apply the Conventions of Grammar and Usage in Writing and Speaking
Essential Strategy: Grammar Connections
Sentence Dissection (p.23-25)
Real Grammar, Real Life (p. 25-26)
CCSS.ELA-Literacy.L.11-12.1a Apply the understanding that usage is a matter of convention, can change over time, and is sometimes contested.
Example context for language use: Students
Level 1-3
Students copy
using illustrated
with a partner.
Level 2-4 Students recite and copy
Using
with a partner.
Level 3-5
Students say and
with a partner.
Topic-related language: Students of ALL proficiency levels will interact with grade-level words and expressions such as:
Levels 1-3
Linguistic
Complexity
Discourse
Level
Language
Forms &
Conventions
Sentence
Level
Vocabulary
Usage
Word/Phrase
Level
Levels 2–4
Levels 3–5
Grades 11 – 12
Conventions of Standard English
CCSS.ELA-Literacy.L.11-12.1 Demonstrate command of the conventions of standard English grammar and usage when writing or speaking.
Anchor Performance 1: Apply the Conventions of Grammar and Usage in Writing and Speaking
Essential Strategy: Grammar Connections
Sentence Dissection (p.23-25)
Real Grammar, Real Life (p. 25-26)
CCSS.ELA-Literacy.L.11-12.1b Resolve issues of complex or contested usage, consulting references (e.g., Merriam-Webster’s Dictionary of English Usage, Garner’s Modern
American Usage) as needed.
Example context for language use:
Level 1-3
Level 2-4
Level 3-5
Topic-related language:
Levels 1-3
Linguistic
Complexity
Discourse Level
Language Forms
& Conventions
Sentence Level
Vocabulary Usage
Word/Phrase
Level
Levels 2–4
Levels 3–5
Grades 11 – 12
Conventions of Standard English
CCSS.ELA-Literacy.L.11-12.2 Demonstrate command of the conventions of standard English capitalization, punctuation, and spelling when writing.
Anchor Performance 2: Apply the Conventions of Punctuation and Spelling When Writing
Essential Strategy: Hands-on Work With Words
Resourcing (p.27)
Personal Dictionaries or Word-Study Books (p.27) Mentor Texts (p. 27-28)
CCSS.ELA-Literacy.L.11-12.2a Observe hyphenation conventions.
Example context for language use: Students write
Level 1-3
Students copy correctly
Level 2-4
Students
Level 3-5
Students
Topic-related language: Students of ALL proficiency levels will interact with grade-level words and expressions such as:
Levels 1-3
Linguistic
Complexity
Discourse
Level
Language
Forms &
Conventions
Sentence
Level
Vocabulary
Usage
Word/Phrase
Level
Levels 2–4
Levels 3–5
Grades 11 – 12
Conventions of Standard English
CCSS.ELA-Literacy.L.11-12.2 Demonstrate command of the conventions of standard English capitalization, punctuation, and spelling when writing.
Anchor Performance 2: Apply the Conventions of Punctuation and Spelling When Writing
Essential Strategy: Hands-on Work With Words
Resourcing (p.27)
Personal Dictionaries or Word-Study Books (p.27) Mentor Texts (p. 27-28)
CCSS.ELA-Literacy.L.11-12.2b Spell correctly.
Example context for language use:
Level 1-3
Level 2-4
Level 3-5
Topic-related language:
Levels 1-3
Linguistic
Complexity
Discourse Level
Language Forms
& Conventions
Sentence Level
Vocabulary Usage
Word/Phrase
Level
Levels 2–4
Levels 3–5
Grades 11 – 12


Knowledge of Language
CCSS.ELA-Literacy.L.11-12.3 Apply knowledge of language to understand how language functions in different contexts, to make effective choices for meaning or style, and to
comprehend more fully when reading or listening.
Anchor Performance 3: Understand How Language is Used in Different Contexts
Essential Strategy: Integrate all Four Language Skills Meaningfully, Purposefully (and Playfully Whenever Possible)
Skits and Role-plays (p. 25)
Read It and Speak It (and Write It, too) (p. 25)
Theme Reading, Theme Listening Across Genres. (p.26)
Jeopardy Game for Style Shifting (p. 27)
CCSS.ELA-Literacy.L.11-12.3a Vary syntax for effect, consulting references (e.g., Tufte’s Artful Sentences) for guidance as needed; apply an understanding of syntax to the
study of complex texts when reading.
Example context for language use:
Level 1-3
Level 2-4
Level 3-5
Topic-related language:
Levels 1-3
Linguistic
Complexity
Discourse
Level
Language
Forms &
Conventions
Sentence
Level
Vocabulary
Usage
Word/Phrase
Level
Levels 2–4
Levels 3–5
Grades 11 – 12
Vocabulary Acquisition and Use
CCSS.ELA-Literacy.L.11-12.4 Determine or clarify the meaning of unknown and multiple-meaning words and phrases based on grades 11–12 reading and content, choosing
flexibly from a range of strategies.
Anchor Performance 4: Determine or Clarify the Meaning of Unknown and Multiple-Meaning Words and Phrases
Essential Strategy: Use Visual and Contextual Support
Picture It. (p. 35)
Student-Friendly Definitions and Concept Maps. (p. 35)
Look inside and Outside of the Word. (p. 35-37)
CCSS.ELA-Literacy.L.11-12.4a Use context (e.g., the overall meaning of a sentence, paragraph, or text; a word’s position or function in a sentence) as a clue to the meaning of
a word or phrase.
Example context for language use:
Level 1-3
Level 2-4
Level 3-5
Topic-related language:
Levels 1-3
Linguistic
Complexity
Discourse
Level
Language
Forms &
Conventions
Sentence
Level
Vocabulary
Usage
Word/Phrase
Level
Levels 2–4
Levels 3–5
Grades 11 – 12
Vocabulary Acquisition and Use
CCSS.ELA-Literacy.L.11-12.4 Determine or clarify the meaning of unknown and multiple-meaning words and phrases based on grades 11–12 reading and content, choosing
flexibly from a range of strategies.
Anchor Performance 4: Determine or Clarify the Meaning of Unknown and Multiple-Meaning Words and Phrases
Essential Strategy: Use Visual and Contextual Support
Picture It. (p. 35)
Student-Friendly Definitions and Concept Maps. (p. 35)
Look inside and Outside of the Word. (p. 35-37)
CCSS.ELA-Literacy.L.11-12.4b Identify and correctly use patterns of word changes that indicate different meanings or parts of speech (e.g., conceive, conception, conceivable).
Example context for language use:
Level 1-3
Level 2-4
Level 3-5
Topic-related language:
Levels 1-3
Linguistic
Complexity
Discourse
Level
Language
Forms &
Conventions
Sentence
Level
Vocabulary
Usage
Word/Phrase
Level
Levels 2–4
Levels 3–5
Grades 11 – 12
Vocabulary Acquisition and Use
CCSS.ELA-Literacy.L.11-12.4 Determine or clarify the meaning of unknown and multiple-meaning words and phrases based on grades 11–12 reading and content, choosing
flexibly from a range of strategies.
Anchor Performance 4: Determine or Clarify the Meaning of Unknown and Multiple-Meaning Words and Phrases
Essential Strategy: Use Visual and Contextual Support
Picture It. (p. 35)
Student-Friendly Definitions and Concept Maps. (p. 35)
Look inside and Outside of the Word. (p. 35-37)
CCSS.ELA-Literacy.L.11-12.4c Consult general and specialized reference materials (e.g., dictionaries, glossaries, thesauruses), both print and digital, to find the pronunciation
of a word or determine or clarify its precise meaning, its part of speech, its etymology, or its standard usage.
Example context for language use:
Level 1-3
Level 2-4
Level 3-5
Topic-related language:
Levels 1-3
Linguistic
Complexity
Discourse
Level
Language
Forms &
Conventions
Sentence
Level
Vocabulary
Usage
Word/Phrase
Level
Levels 2–4
Levels 3–5
Grades 11 – 12
Vocabulary Acquisition and Use
CCSS.ELA-Literacy.L.11-12.4 Determine or clarify the meaning of unknown and multiple-meaning words and phrases based on grades 11–12 reading and content, choosing
flexibly from a range of strategies.
Anchor Performance 4: Determine or Clarify the Meaning of Unknown and Multiple-Meaning Words and Phrases
Essential Strategy: Use Visual and Contextual Support
Picture It. (p. 35)
Student-Friendly Definitions and Concept Maps. (p. 35)
Look inside and Outside of the Word. (p. 35-37)
CCSS.ELA-Literacy.L.11-12.4d Verify the preliminary determination of the meaning of a word or phrase (e.g., by checking the inferred meaning in context or in a dictionary).
Example context for language use:
Level 1-3
Level 2-4
Level 3-5
Topic-related language:
Levels 1-3
Linguistic
Complexity
Discourse
Level
Language
Forms &
Conventions
Sentence
Level
Vocabulary
Usage
Word/Phrase
Level
Levels 2–4
Levels 3–5
Grades 9-10
Vocabulary Acquisition and Use
CCSS.ELA-Literacy.L.9-10.5 Demonstrate understanding of figurative language, word relationships, and nuances in word meanings.
Anchor Performance 5: Recognize Word Relationships, Figurative Language, and Nuances in Word Meanings
Essential Strategy: Active Engagement With Challenging Language Segments Presented in Context
Word Sorts (p. 37 - 38)
CCSS.ELA-Literacy.L.9-10.5a Interpret figures of speech (e.g., euphemism, oxymoron) in context and analyze their role in the text.
Example context for language use:
Level 1-3
Level 2-4
Level 3-5
Topic-related language:
Levels 1-3
Linguistic
Complexity
Discourse
Level
Language
Forms &
Conventions
Sentence
Level
Vocabulary
Usage
Word/Phrase
Level
Levels 2–4
Levels 3–5
Grades 9-10
Vocabulary Acquisition and Use
CCSS.ELA-Literacy.L.9-10.5 Demonstrate understanding of figurative language, word relationships, and nuances in word meanings.
Anchor Performance 5: Recognize Word Relationships, Figurative Language, and Nuances in Word Meanings
Essential Strategy: Active Engagement With Challenging Language Segments Presented in Context
Word Sorts (p. 37 - 38)
CCSS.ELA-Literacy.L.9-10.5b Analyze nuances in the meaning of words with similar denotations.
Example context for language use:
Level 1-3
Level 2-4
Level 3-5
Topic-related language:
Levels 1-3
Linguistic
Complexity
Discourse
Level
Language
Forms &
Conventions
Sentence
Level
Vocabulary
Usage
Word/Phrase
Level
Levels 2–4
Levels 3–5
Grades 11 – 12
Vocabulary Acquisition and Use
CCSS.ELA-Literacy.L.11-12.6 Acquire and use accurately general academic and domain-specific words and phrases, sufficient for reading, writing, speaking, and listening at the
college and career readiness level; demonstrate independence in gathering vocabulary knowledge when considering a word or phrase important to comprehension or
expression.
Anchor Performance: Acquire and Use Accurately a Range of General Academic and Domain-Specific Words and Phrases
Essential Strategy: Deconstructing and Reconstructing Academic Language
Vocabulary Self-Assessment (p.38)
Tiered Vocabulary Instruction (p.39)
Frontload, Embed, and Blend. (p. 40)
Chunk it! (p. 40)
Modal Magic (p. 40)
Make Me Passive (p. 41)
Author’s Phrase Palette (p. 42)
CCSS.ELA-Literacy.L.11-12.6 Acquire and use accurately general academic and domain-specific words and phrases, sufficient for reading, writing, speaking, and listening at
the college and career readiness level; demonstrate independence in gathering vocabulary knowledge when considering a word or phrase important to comprehension or
expression.
Example context for language use:
Level 1-3
Level 2-4
Level 3-5
Topic-related language:
Levels 1-3
Linguistic
Complexity
Discourse
Level
Language
Forms &
Conventions
Sentence
Level
Vocabulary
Usage
Word/Phrase
Level
Levels 2–4
Levels 3–5