Common Core State Standards – English Language Arts
Grade 3
Strand: Substrand
RL: Key Ideas and
Details
RI: Craft and
Structure
RF: Phonics and
Word Recognition
Common Core State Standard
CCSS.ELA-Literacy.RL.3.1 Ask and answer questions to demonstrate understanding of a text,
referring explicitly to the text as the basis for the answers.
CCSS.ELA-Literacy.RI.3.5 Use text features and search tools (e.g., key words, sidebars,
hyperlinks) to locate information relevant to a given topic efficiently.
CCSS.ELA-Literacy.RF.3.3 Know and apply grade-level phonics and word analysis skills in
decoding words.
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W: Text Types and
Purposes
CCSS.ELA-Literacy.RF.3.3a Identify and know the meaning of the most common prefixes and
derivational suffixes.
CCSS.ELA-Literacy.RF.3.3b Decode words with common Latin suffixes.
CCSS.ELA-Literacy.RF.3.3c Decode multi-syllable words.
CCSS.ELA-Literacy.RF.3.3d Read grade-appropriate irregularly spelled words.
CCSS.ELA-Literacy.W.3.3 Write narratives to develop real or imagined experiences or events
using effective technique, descriptive details, and clear event sequences.

CCSS.ELA-Literacy.W.3.3a Establish a situation and introduce a narrator and/or characters;
organize an event sequence that unfolds naturally.
 CCSS.ELA-Literacy.W.3.3b Use dialogue and descriptions of actions, thoughts, and feelings to
develop experiences and events or show the response of characters to situations.
 CCSS.ELA-Literacy.W.3.3c Use temporal words and phrases to signal event order.
CCSS.ELA-Literacy.W.3.3d Provide a sense of closure.
SL:
Comprehension
and Collaboration
CCSS.ELA-Literacy.SL.3.2 Determine the main ideas and supporting details of a text read aloud or
information presented in diverse media and formats, including visually, quantitatively, and orally.
Grade 4
Strand: Substrand
RL: Integration of
Knowledge and
Ideas
RI: Key Ideas and
Details
RF: Phonics and
Word Recognition
W: Production and
Distribution
SL: Presentation of
Knowledge and
Ideas
Common Core State Standard
CCSS.ELA-Literacy.RL.4.7 Make connections between the text of a story or drama and a visual or
oral presentation of the text, identifying where each version reflects specific descriptions and
directions in the text.
CCSS.ELA-Literacy.RI.4.3 Explain events, procedures, ideas, or concepts in a historical, scientific,
or technical text, including what happened and why, based on specific information in the text.
CCSS.ELA-Literacy.RF.4.3 Know and apply grade-level phonics and word analysis skills in
decoding words.

CCSS.ELA-Literacy.RF.4.3a Use combined knowledge of all letter-sound correspondences,
syllabication patterns, and morphology (e.g., roots and affixes) to read accurately unfamiliar multisyllabic words in context and out of context.
CCSS.ELA-Literacy.W.4.4 Produce clear and coherent writing in which the development and
organization are appropriate to task, purpose, and audience.
CCSS.ELA-Literacy.SL.4.6 Differentiate between contexts that call for formal English (e.g.,
presenting ideas) and situations where informal discourse is appropriate (e.g., small-group
discussion); use formal English when appropriate to task and situation. (See grade 4 Language
standards 1 for specific expectations.)
WA-AIM CCSS Access Points developed by Grade: English Language Arts
Grade 5
Strand
RL
RI
RF
W
SL
Common Core State Standard
Grade 5
CCSS.ELA-Literacy.RL.5.5 Explain how a series of chapters, scenes, or stanzas fits
together to provide the overall structure of a particular story, drama, or poem.
CCSS.ELA-Literacy.RI.5.7 Draw on information from multiple print or digital sources,
demonstrating the ability to locate an answer to a question quickly or to solve a problem
efficiently.
CCSS.ELA-Literacy.RF.5.3 Know and apply grade-level phonics and word analysis skills
in decoding words.
 CCSS.ELA-Literacy.RF.5.3a Use combined knowledge of all letter-sound
correspondences, syllabication patterns, and morphology (e.g., roots and affixes) to
read accurately unfamiliar multisyllabic words in context and out of context.
CCSS.ELA-Literacy.W.5.7 Conduct short research projects that use several sources to
build knowledge through investigation of different aspects of a topic.
CCSS.ELA-Literacy.SL.5.2 Summarize a written text read aloud or information presented
in diverse media and formats, including visually, quantitatively, and orally.
Grade 6
Strand: Substrand
RL: Key Ideas and
Details
RI: Key Ideas and
Details
W: Text Types and
Purposes
Common Core State Standard
CCSS.ELA-Literacy.RL.6.2 Determine a theme or central idea of a text and how it is conveyed
through particular details; provide a summary of the text distinct from personal opinions or
judgments.
CCSS.ELA-Literacy.RI.6.3 Analyze in detail how a key individual, event, or idea is introduced,
illustrated, and elaborated in a text (e.g., through examples or anecdotes).
CCSS.ELA-Literacy.W.6.2 Write informative/explanatory texts to examine a topic and convey
ideas, concepts, and information through the selection, organization, and analysis of relevant
content.
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CCSS.ELA-Literacy.W.6.2a Introduce a topic; organize ideas, concepts, and information, using
strategies such as definition, classification, comparison/contrast, and cause/effect; include
formatting (e.g., headings), graphics (e.g., charts, tables), and multimedia when useful to aiding
comprehension.
CCSS.ELA-Literacy.W.6.2b Develop the topic with relevant facts, definitions, concrete details,
quotations, or other information and examples.
CCSS.ELA-Literacy.W.6.2c Use appropriate transitions to clarify the relationships among ideas and
concepts.
CCSS.ELA-Literacy.W.6.2d Use precise language and domain-specific vocabulary to inform about
or explain the topic.
CCSS.ELA-Literacy.W.6.2e Establish and maintain a formal style.
CCSS.ELA-Literacy.W.6.2f Provide a concluding statement or section that follows from the
information or explanation presented.
WA-AIM CCSS Access Points developed by Grade: English Language Arts
Grade 6 Continued
Strand: Substrand
SL:
Comprehension
and Collaboration
Common Core State Standard
CCSS.ELA-Literacy.SL.6.1 Engage effectively in a range of collaborative discussions (one-onone, in groups, and teacher-led) with diverse partners on grade 6 topics, texts, and issues, building
on others’ ideas and expressing their own clearly.

CCSS.ELA-Literacy.SL.6.1a Come to discussions prepared, having read or studied required
material; explicitly draw on that preparation by referring to evidence on the topic, text, or issue to
probe and reflect on ideas under discussion.
CCSS.ELA-Literacy.SL.6.1b Follow rules for collegial discussions, set specific goals and deadlines,
and define individual roles as needed.
CCSS.ELA-Literacy.SL.6.1c Pose and respond to specific questions with elaboration and detail by
making comments that contribute to the topic, text, or issue under discussion.
CCSS.ELA-Literacy.SL.6.1d Review the key ideas expressed and demonstrate understanding of
multiple perspectives through reflection and paraphrasing.
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
L: Conventions of
Standard English
CCSS.ELA-Literacy.L.6.2 Demonstrate command of the conventions of standard English
capitalization, punctuation, and spelling when writing.

CCSS.ELA-Literacy.L.6.2a Use punctuation (commas, parentheses, dashes) to set off
nonrestrictive/parenthetical elements.*
CCSS.ELA-Literacy.L.6.2b Spell correctly.

Grade 7
Strand: Substrand
RL: Integration of
Knowledge and
Ideas
RI: Integration of
Knowledge and
Ideas
W: Production and
Distribution
SL:
Comprehension
and Collaboration
L: Vocabulary
Acquisition and
Use
Common Core State Standard
CCSS.ELA-Literacy.RL.7.7 Compare and contrast a written story, drama, or poem to its audio,
filmed, staged, or multimedia version, analyzing the effects of techniques unique to each medium
(e.g., lighting, sound, color, or camera focus and angles in a film).
CCSS.ELA-Literacy.RI.7.9 Analyze how two or more authors writing about the same topic shape
their presentations of key information by emphasizing different evidence or advancing different
interpretations of facts.
CCSS.ELA-Literacy.W.7.5 With some guidance and support from peers and adults, develop and
strengthen writing as needed by planning, revising, editing, rewriting, or trying a new approach,
focusing on how well purpose and audience have been addressed. (Editing for conventions should
demonstrate command of Language standards 1–3 up to and including grade 7.)
CCSS.ELA-Literacy.SL.7.3 Delineate a speaker’s argument and specific claims, evaluating the
soundness of the reasoning and the relevance and sufficiency of the evidence.
CCSS.ELA-Literacy.L.7.5 Demonstrate understanding of figurative language, word relationships,
and nuances in word meanings.
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CCSS.ELA-Literacy.L.7.5a Interpret figures of speech (e.g., literary, biblical, and mythological
allusions) in context.
CCSS.ELA-Literacy.L.7.5b Use the relationship between particular words (e.g., synonym/antonym,
analogy) to better understand each of the words.
CCSS.ELA-Literacy.L.7.5c Distinguish among the connotations (associations) of words with
similar denotations (definitions) (e.g., refined, respectful, polite, diplomatic, condescending)
WA-AIM CCSS Access Points developed by Grade: English Language Arts
Grade 8
Strand: Substrand
RI: Craft and
Structure
RI: Integration of
Knowledge and
Ideas
W: Research to
Build and Present
Knowledge
SL: Presentation of
Knowledge and
Ideas
L: Knowledge of
Language
Common Core State Standard
CCSS.ELA-Literacy.RI.8.6 Determine an author’s point of view or purpose in a text and analyze
how the author acknowledges and responds to conflicting evidence or viewpoints.
CCSS.ELA-Literacy.RI.8.9 Analyze a case in which two or more texts provide conflicting
information on the same topic and identify where the texts disagree on matters of fact or
interpretation.
CCSS.ELA-Literacy.W.8.8 Gather relevant information from multiple print and digital sources,
using search terms effectively; assess the credibility and accuracy of each source; and quote or
paraphrase the data and conclusions of others while avoiding plagiarism and following a standard
format for citation.
CCSS.ELA-Literacy.SL.8.4 Present claims and findings, emphasizing salient points in a focused,
coherent manner with relevant evidence, sound valid reasoning, and well-chosen details; use
appropriate eye contact, adequate volume, and clear pronunciation.
CCSS.ELA-Literacy.L.8.3 Use knowledge of language and its conventions when writing, speaking,
reading, or listening.

CCSS.ELA-Literacy.L.8.3a Use verbs in the active and passive voice and in the conditional and
subjunctive mood to achieve particular effects (e.g., emphasizing the actor or the action; expressing
uncertainty or describing a state contrary to fact)
High School
Strand: Substrand
Key Ideas and
Details
Key Ideas and
Details
Text Types and
Purposes
Common Core State Standard
CCSS.ELA-Literacy.RL.11-12.2 Determine two or more themes or central ideas of a text and
analyze their development over the course of the text, including how they interact and build on one
another to produce a complex account; provide an objective summary of the text.
CCSS.ELA-Literacy.RI.11-12.3 Analyze a complex set of ideas or sequence of events and explain
how specific individuals, ideas, or events interact and develop over the course of the text.
CCSS.ELA-Literacy.W.11-12.1 Write arguments to support claims in an analysis of substantive
topics or texts, using valid reasoning and relevant and sufficient evidence.
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


Research to Build
and Present
Knowledge
CCSS.ELA-Literacy.W.11-12.1a Introduce precise, knowledgeable claim(s), establish the
significance of the claim(s), distinguish the claim(s) from alternate or opposing claims, and create an
organization that logically sequences claim(s), counterclaims, reasons, and evidence.
CCSS.ELA-Literacy.W.11-12.1b Develop claim(s) and counterclaims fairly and thoroughly,
supplying the most relevant evidence for each while pointing out the strengths and limitations of
both in a manner that anticipates the audience’s knowledge level, concerns, values, and possible
biases.
CCSS.ELA-Literacy.W.11-12.1c Use words, phrases, and clauses as well as varied syntax to link
the major sections of the text, create cohesion, and clarify the relationships between claim(s) and
reasons, between reasons and evidence, and between claim(s) and counterclaims.
CCSS.ELA-Literacy.W.11-12.1d Establish and maintain a formal style and objective tone while
attending to the norms and conventions of the discipline in which they are writing.
CCSS.ELA-Literacy.W.11-12.1e Provide a concluding statement or section that follows from and
supports the argument presented.
CCSS.ELA-Literacy.W.11-12.7 Conduct short as well as more sustained research projects to
answer a question (including a self-generated question) or solve a problem; narrow or broaden the
inquiry when appropriate; synthesize multiple sources on the subject, demonstrating understanding
of the subject under investigation.
WA-AIM CCSS Access Points developed by Grade: English Language Arts
High School Continued
Strand: Substrand
Presentation of
Knowledge and
Ideas
Conventions of
Standard English
Common Core State Standard
CCSS.ELA-Literacy.SL.11-12.4 Present information, findings, and supporting evidence,
conveying a clear and distinct perspective, such that listeners can follow the line of reasoning,
alternative or opposing perspectives are addressed, and the organization, development, substance,
and style are appropriate to purpose, audience, and a range of formal and informal tasks.
CCSS.ELA-Literacy.L.11-12.1 Demonstrate command of the conventions of standard English
grammar and usage when writing or speaking.
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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.
WA-AIM CCSS Access Points developed by Grade: English Language Arts