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Tennessee Standards

Tennessee 6th Grade ELA Standards

All 41 Tennessee English language arts standards for 6th grade, each explained in plain English. The official wording is one click away under each one.

41 standards

Language: Conventions of Standard English

2 standards
Demonstrate command of the conventions of standard English grammar and usage when writing or speaking.
6.L.CSE.1
Explain and use pronouns correctly, like who versus whom or himself, tell what phrases and clauses do, and mix simple, compound and complex sentences.
Official wording
Demonstrate command of the conventions of standard English grammar and usage.aWhen reading or listening, explain the function of pronouns (pronoun case, intensive pronouns, pronoun-antecedent agreement).bWhen writing or speaking, use pronouns (pronoun case, intensive pronouns, pronoun-antecedent agreement) effectively.cWhen reading and listening, explain the function of phrases and clauses.dWhen writing or speaking, use simple, compound, and complex sentences.
Demonstrate command of the conventions of standard English capitalization, punctuation, and spelling when writing.
6.L.CSE.2
Capitalize, punctuate and spell correctly, and explain and use commas, parentheses and dashes to set off extra information inside a sentence.
Official wording
Demonstrate command of the conventions of standard English capitalization, punctuation, and spelling. When reading or writing, explain the functions of commas, parentheses, and dashes to set off parenthetical elements and use them correctly to do so.

Language: Knowledge of Language

1 standard
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.
6.L.KL.3
Mix up sentence lengths and structures to hold a reader's interest while keeping one steady style and tone throughout a piece.
Official wording
When writing and speaking, vary sentence patterns for meaning, reader/listener interest, and style; maintain consistency in style and tone.

Language: Vocabulary Acquisition and Use

3 standards
Determine or clarify the meaning of unknown and multiple-meaning words and phrases by using context clues, analyzing meaningful word parts, and consulting general and specialized reference materials, as appropriate.
6.L.VAU.4
Figure out unfamiliar or multiple-meaning words using context, roots and affixes like bio or graph, word origins, and a dictionary for pronunciation.
Official wording
Determine or clarify the meaning of unknown and multiple-meaning words and phrases based on 6th grade-level text by choosing flexibly from a range of strategies.aUse context as a clue to the meaning of a word or a phrase.bUse common grade-appropriate morphological elements as clues to the meaning of a word or a phrase.cConsult reference materials, both print and digital, to find the pronunciation of a word or phrase.dUse etymological patterns in spelling as clues to the meaning of a word or phrase.
Demonstrate understanding of figurative language, word relationships, and nuances in word meanings.
6.L.VAU.5
Explain and use figures of speech, word relationships and the feelings words carry, like the difference between thrifty and cheap.
Official wording
When reading, listening, writing, and speaking, explain the function of figurative language, word relationships, and connotation/denotation and use them correctly and effectively.
Acquire and use accurately a range of general academic and domain-specific words and phrases sufficient for reading, writing, speaking, and listening at the post-secondary and workforce level; demonstrate independence in gathering vocabulary knowledge when considering a word or phrase important to comprehension or expression.
6.L.VAU.6
Learn and correctly use sixth grade academic and subject words, like analyze or ratio, and dig into words that are key to understanding a text.
Official wording
Acquire and accurately use grade-appropriate general academic and domain-specific words and phrases; develop vocabulary knowledge when considering a word or phrase important to comprehension or expression.

Reading: Key Ideas and Details

6 standards
Read closely to determine what a text says explicitly and to make logical inferences from it; cite specific textual evidence when writing or speaking to support conclusions drawn from the text.
6.RL.KID.1
Study what a story says directly and what it hints at, quoting lines from the text to support each conclusion you draw.
Official wording
Analyze what a text says explicitly and draw logical inferences; cite textual evidence to support conclusions.
6.RI.KID.1
Study what an article states and what it suggests, quoting passages from it as proof for the conclusions you reach.
Official wording
Analyze what a text says explicitly and draw logical inferences; cite textual evidence to support conclusions.
Determine central ideas or themes of a text and analyze their development; summarize the key supporting details and ideas.
6.RL.KID.2
Identify a theme in a story or poem, trace how it builds from beginning to end, and summarize the work without adding opinions.
Official wording
Determine a theme or central idea of a text and analyze its development over the course of the text; provide an objective summary.
6.RI.KID.2
Find the central idea of a nonfiction text, show which details carry it, and write a summary that leaves out personal opinions.
Official wording
Determine a central idea of a text and how it is conveyed through details; provide an objective summary.
Analyze how and why individuals, events, and ideas develop and interact over the course of a text.
6.RL.KID.3
Describe how the events of a story or play unfold step by step and how the characters react and change as things head toward the ending.
Official wording
Describe how the plot of a story or drama unfolds, as well as how the characters respond or change as the plot moves toward a resolution.
6.RI.KID.3
Analyze closely how a text brings in a key person, event or idea, then gives examples and builds on it, like a biography of an inventor.
Official wording
Analyze in detail how a key individual, event, or idea is introduced, illustrated, and developed in a text.

Reading: Craft and Structure

6 standards
Interpret words and phrases as they are used in a text, including technical, connotative, and figurative meanings, and analyze how specific word choices shape meaning or tone.
6.RL.CS.4
Work out figurative and connotative meanings of words in a story, spot allusions to other works, and explain how word choice shapes meaning and tone.
Official wording
Determine the meaning of words and phrases as they are used in a text, including figurative and connotative meanings; analyze the impact of specific word choices on meaning and tone, including allusions to other texts.
6.RI.CS.4
Work out the meaning of words in a nonfiction text, including figurative uses, the associations a word carries and technical terms like circuit.
Official wording
Determine the meaning of words and phrases as they are used in a text, including figurative, connotative, and technical meanings.
Common Core RI.6.4
Analyze the structure of texts, including how specific sentences, paragraphs, and larger portions of a text (e.g., a section, chapter, scene, or stanza) relate to each other and the whole.
6.RL.CS.5
Explain how one sentence, chapter, scene or stanza fits into the whole work and helps build its theme, setting or plot.
Official wording
Analyze how a particular sentence, chapter, scene, or stanza fits into the overall structure of a text and contributes to the development of the theme, setting, or plot.
Common Core RL.6.5
6.RI.CS.5
Explain what job a given sentence, paragraph or section does in a nonfiction text and how it moves the ideas forward.
Official wording
Analyze how a particular sentence, paragraph, chapter, or section fits into the overall structure of a text and contributes to the development of the ideas.
Common Core RI.6.5
Assess how point of view or purpose shapes the content and style of a text.
6.RL.CS.6
Explain how an author sets up and reveals the narrator's or speaker's point of view, like a first-person narrator who misreads events.
Official wording
Explain how an author establishes and conveys the point of view of the narrator or speaker in a text.
6.RI.CS.6
Figure out an author's viewpoint or purpose in a nonfiction text and explain the clues that reveal it, like word choice or the facts selected.
Official wording
Determine an author’s point of view or purpose in a text and explain how it is conveyed in a text.

Reading: Integration of Knowledge and Ideas

5 standards
Integrate and evaluate content presented in diverse formats and media, including visually and quantitatively, as well as in words.
6.RL.IKI.7
Compare reading a story, play or poem with hearing or watching it as audio, video or a live performance, noting what each version brings.
Official wording
Compare and contrast the written version of a story, drama, or poem to the experience of listening to or viewing an audio, video, or live production of a text.
6.RI.IKI.7
Combine information from charts, images, diagrams and written text to build a clear, complete picture of a topic or issue.
Official wording
Integrate information presented in different media or formats, such as in tables, images, diagrams, and words to develop a coherent understanding of a topic or issue.
Delineate and evaluate the argument and specific claims in a text, including the validity of the reasoning as well as the relevance and sufficiency of the evidence.
6.RI.IKI.8
Follow an author's argument claim by claim and sort the claims backed by reasons and evidence from the ones that are not.
Official wording
Trace and evaluate the argument and specific claims in a text, distinguishing claims that are supported by reasons and evidence from claims that are not.
Common Core RI.6.8
Analyze how two or more texts address similar themes or topics in order to build knowledge or to compare the approaches an author takes.
6.RL.IKI.9
Compare and contrast how works of different genres, like a poem and a novel, handle similar themes and topics.
Official wording
Compare and contrast texts in different forms or genres in terms of their approaches to similar themes and topics.
6.RI.IKI.9
Compare how two or more writers present the same subject or event, like two news accounts of the same storm.
Official wording
Compare and contrast two or more authors’ presentation of the same topic or event.

Reading: Range of Reading and Level of Text Complexity

2 standards
Read and comprehend complex literary and informational texts independently and proficiently.
6.RL.RRTC.10
Read and understand stories, plays and poems at the grades 6 to 8 difficulty level, needing less support over time with the hardest texts.
Official wording
Read and comprehend a variety of literature throughout the grades 6-8 text complexity band proficiently, with a gradual release of scaffolding at the high end as needed.
6.RI.RRTC.10
Read and understand literary nonfiction, like memoirs and essays, at the grades 6 to 8 difficulty level, with support easing off on the hardest texts.
Official wording
Read and comprehend a variety of literary nonfiction throughout the grades 6-8 text complexity band proficiently, with a gradual release of scaffolding at the high end as needed.

Speaking and Listening: Comprehension and Collaboration

3 standards
Prepare for and participate effectively in a range of conversations and collaborations with varied partners, building on others’ ideas and expressing one’s own ideas clearly and persuasively.
6.SL.CC.1
Come ready to discuss sixth grade topics and texts, then talk with different partners, adding to their ideas and sharing your own clearly.
Official wording
Prepare for collaborative discussions on 6th grade level topics and texts; engage effectively with varied partners, building on others’ ideas and expressing one’s own ideas clearly.
Integrate and evaluate information presented in diverse media formats, such as visual, quantitative, and oral formats.
6.SL.CC.2
Interpret information from varied media, like a chart or video clip, and explain how it adds to the topic or text being studied.
Official wording
Interpret information presented in diverse media formats; explain how source information contributes to a topic, text, or issue under study.
Evaluate a speaker’s point of view, reasoning, and use of evidence and rhetoric.
6.SL.CC.3
Explain a speaker's argument and claims, sorting the ones backed by reasons and evidence from the ones left unsupported.
Official wording
Explain a speaker’s argument and specific claims, distinguishing claims that are supported by reasons and evidence from claims that are not.

Speaking and Listening: Presentation of Knowledge and Ideas

3 standards
Present information, findings, and supporting evidence such that listeners can follow the line of reasoning; the organization, development, and style are appropriate to task, purpose, and audience.
6.SL.PKI.4
Present claims and findings in a logical order with facts and details that spotlight the main ideas, making eye contact and speaking clearly and loudly enough.
Official wording
Present claims and findings, sequencing ideas logically and using pertinent descriptions, facts, and details to accentuate main ideas or themes; use appropriate eye contact, adequate volume, and clear pronunciation.
Common Core SL.6.4
Make strategic use of digital media and visual displays of data to express information and enhance understanding of presentations.
6.SL.PKI.5
Add multimedia and visuals, like slides, photos or graphs, to a presentation so the information comes across more clearly.
Official wording
Include multimedia components and visual displays in presentations to clarify information.
Adapt speech to a variety of contents and communicative tasks, demonstrating command of formal English when indicated or appropriate.
6.SL.PKI.6
Adjust how you speak to fit different settings and tasks, using formal English when the situation calls for it, like a class presentation.
Official wording
Adapt speech to a variety of contexts and tasks, demonstrating command of formal English when indicated or appropriate.

Writing: Text Types and Protocol

3 standards
Write arguments to support claims in an analysis of substantive topics or texts, using valid reasoning and relevant and sufficient evidence.
6.W.TTP.1
Write an argument with a clear claim, reasons and evidence from credible sources, linking words, a formal style and a conclusion that follows from it.
Official wording
Write arguments to support claims with clear reasons and relevant evidence.aIntroduce claim(s).bSupport claim(s) with logical reasoning and relevant, sufficient evidence; acknowledge alternate or opposing claim(s).cOrganize the reasons and evidence clearly and clarify the relationships among claim(s) and reasons.dUse credible sources and demonstrate an understanding of the topic or source material.eCraft an effective and relevant conclusion that supports the argument presented.fUse precise language and content-specific vocabulary.gUse appropriate transitions to create cohesion and clarify the relationships among ideas and concepts.hUse varied sentence structure to enhance meaning and reader interest.iEstablish and maintain a formal style.
Common Core W.6.1
Write informative/explanatory texts to examine and convey complex ideas and information clearly and accurately through the effective selection, organization, and analysis of content.
6.W.TTP.2
Write an informative piece that introduces a topic, organizes facts, definitions and examples under headings or charts where they help, and ends with a conclusion.
Official wording
Write informative/explanatory texts to examine a topic and convey ideas, concepts, and information through the selection, organization, and analysis of relevant content.aIntroduce a topic clearly, using the introduction to prepare the reader for what is to follow.bOrganize ideas, concepts, and information using effective strategies to create cohesion and aid in comprehension.cDevelop the topic with relevant facts, definitions, concrete details, quotations, or other information and examples.dThoroughly and accurately explain and elaborate on the evidence provided, demonstrating a clear understanding of the topic and the source material.eCraft an effective and relevant conclusion.fInclude formatting, graphics, and multimedia when appropriate.gUse appropriate transitions to create cohesion and clarify the relationships among ideas and concepts.hUse precise language and domain-specific vocabulary.iUse varied sentence structure to enhance meaning and reader interest.jEstablish and maintain a formal style.
Common Core W.6.2
Write narratives to develop real or imagined experiences or events using effective techniques, well-chosen details, and well-structured event sequences.
6.W.TTP.3
Write true or invented stories that set the scene and narrator, sequence events logically, use dialogue, pacing and sensory detail, and end with a reflection.
Official wording
Write narratives (fiction and nonfiction) to develop real or imagined experiences or events using effective techniques, relevant descriptive details, and well-structured event sequences.aEngage and orient the reader by establishing a context and point of view and introducing a speaker/narrator and/or participants/characters.bOrganize an event sequence that unfolds naturally and logically.cCreate a smooth progression of experiences or events.dUse narrative techniques, such as dialogue, pacing, and description when appropriate, to develop experiences, events, and/or characters.eUse a variety of transition words, phrases, and clauses to convey sequence, signal shifts, and show the relationships among experiences and events.fCraft an effective and relevant conclusion that reflects on the narrated experiences or events.gUse precise words and phrases, relevant descriptive details, and sensory language to convey experiences and events.

Writing: Production and Distribution of Writing

3 standards
Produce clear and coherent writing in which the development and organization are appropriate to task, purpose, and audience.
6.W.PDW.4
Match how a piece of writing is developed, organized and styled to its task, its purpose and the people who will read it.
Official wording
Produce clear and coherent writing in which the development, organization, and style are appropriate to task, purpose, and audience. (Grade-specific expectations for writing types are defined in standards 1-3 above.)
Common Core W.6.4
Develop and strengthen writing as needed by planning, revising, editing, rewriting, or trying a new approach.
6.W.PDW.5
With some help from classmates and adults, plan, revise, edit and rewrite drafts, or start fresh with a new approach, to make writing stronger.
Official wording
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. (Editing for conventions should demonstrate command of Foundational Literacy standard 6 and Language standards 1–3 up to and including grade 6.)
Use technology, including the Internet, to produce and publish writing and to interact and collaborate with others.
6.W.PDW.6
Use technology and the internet to write, publish and collaborate on writing, and type a full piece in one sitting.
Official wording
Use technology, including the Internet, to produce and publish writing and to collaborate with others; type a complete product in a single sitting as defined in W.1-3.

Writing: Research to Build and Present Knowledge

3 standards
Conduct short as well as more sustained research projects based on focus questions, demonstrating new understanding of the subject under investigation.
6.W.RBPK.7
Research to answer a question using several sources, narrowing or shifting the question when what you find calls for it.
Official wording
Conduct research to answer a question, drawing on multiple sources and refocusing the inquiry when appropriate.
Integrate relevant and credible information from multiple print and digital sources while avoiding plagiarism.
6.W.RBPK.8
Gather trustworthy information from print and online sources, quote or paraphrase it without plagiarizing, and list basic source details like author and title.
Official wording
Integrate relevant and credible information from print and digital sources; quote or paraphrase the data and conclusions of others while avoiding plagiarism and providing basic bibliographic information for sources.
Draw evidence from literary or informational texts to support analysis, reflection, and research.
6.W.RBPK.9
Back up analyses, reflections or research with evidence from stories or nonfiction, using sixth grade reading skills, like quoting a key line.
Official wording
Support interpretations, analyses, reflections, or research with evidence found in literature or informational texts, applying grade 6 standards for reading.

Writing: Range of Writing

1 standard
Write routinely over extended time frames (time for research, reflection, and revision) and shorter time frames (a single sitting or a day or two) for a range of tasks, purposes, and audiences.
6.W.RW.10
Write often, in long projects and in quick sittings, for many subjects, purposes and audiences, like a lab report or a journal entry.
Official wording
Write routinely over extended time frames and shorter time frames for a range of discipline-specific tasks, purposes, and audiences.

The official Tennessee documents

Tennessee Academic Standards for English Language Arts, Tennessee Department of Education, tn.gov/education.

Common Core State Standards © Copyright 2010. National Governors Association Center for Best Practices and Council of Chief State School Officers. All rights reserved.

The plain-English lines are EMStudio's own explanations, shown beside the official wording. They are not part of the standards.