Tennessee Standards
Tennessee 7th Grade ELA Standards
All 41 Tennessee English language arts standards for 7th grade, each explained in plain English. The official wording is one click away under each one.
41 standards
Language: Conventions of Standard English
2 standardsDemonstrate command of the conventions of standard English grammar and usage when writing or speaking.
7.L.CSE.1
Explain what phrases and clauses do and write simple, compound and complex sentences with modifiers in the right spot, avoiding mix-ups like a dangling modifier.
Official wording
Demonstrate command of the conventions of standard English grammar and usage.aWhen reading or listening, explain the function of phrases and clauses with effectively-placed modifiers.bWhen writing or speaking, produce simple, compound, and complex sentences with effectively-placed modifiers.
Demonstrate command of the conventions of standard English capitalization, punctuation, and spelling when writing.
7.L.CSE.2
Capitalize, punctuate and spell correctly, and explain and use commas between paired describing words, like a long, tiring hike.
Official wording
Demonstrate command of the conventions of standard English capitalization, punctuation, and spelling. When reading or writing, explain the function of commas to separate coordinate adjectives and use them correctly to do so.
Language: Knowledge of Language
1 standardApply 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.
7.L.KL.3
Pick exact words that say an idea in as few words as needed, like trimming very big to enormous, in writing and speech.
Official wording
When writing and speaking, choose precise language to express ideas concisely.
Language: Vocabulary Acquisition and Use
3 standardsDetermine 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.
7.L.VAU.4
Work out unfamiliar or multiple-meaning words with context, roots and affixes like spect or ject, word origins, and a dictionary for pronunciation.
Official wording
Determine or clarify the meaning of unknown and multiple-meaning words and phrases based on 7th 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.
7.L.VAU.5
Explain and use figurative language, word relationships and shades of meaning, like how stubborn and determined differ in feeling.
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.
7.L.VAU.6
Learn and correctly use seventh grade academic and subject words, like hypothesis or perspective, and look closely at words that are key to 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 standardsRead 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.
7.RL.KID.1
Analyze what a story states and what it implies, backing up each conclusion with several quotations or details from the text.
Official wording
Analyze what a text says explicitly and draw logical inferences; cite several pieces of textual evidence to support conclusions.
7.RI.KID.1
Analyze what a nonfiction text says and suggests, supporting conclusions with several pieces of evidence pulled from it.
Official wording
Analyze what a text says explicitly and draw logical inferences; cite several pieces of textual evidence to support conclusions.
Determine central ideas or themes of a text and analyze their development; summarize the key supporting details and ideas.
7.RL.KID.2
Identify a theme in a story, play or poem, track how it grows through the work, and write a summary free of personal opinion.
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.
7.RI.KID.2
Find the central idea of an article, follow how it develops section by section, and sum up the text without giving your own views.
Official wording
Determine a central idea of a text and analyze its development over the course of the text; provide an objective summary.
Analyze how and why individuals, events, and ideas develop and interact over the course of a text.
7.RL.KID.3
Analyze how parts of a story or play shape one another, like how the setting pushes a character into a key choice.
Official wording
Analyze how specific elements of a story or drama interact with and affect each other.
7.RI.KID.3
Analyze how people, events and ideas in a nonfiction text affect one another, like how a leader's speech sparks a protest.
Official wording
Analyze the relationships and interactions among individuals, events, and/or ideas in a text.
Reading: Craft and Structure
6 standardsInterpret 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.
7.RL.CS.4
Work out figurative and connotative word meanings in literature, and explain how word choice, allusions and repeated phrases shape 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 and repetition of words and phrases.
7.RI.CS.4
Work out figurative, connotative and technical word meanings in nonfiction, and explain how word choice, allusions and repetition shape meaning and tone.
Official wording
Determine the meaning of words and phrases as they are used in a text, including figurative, connotative, and technical meanings; analyze the impact of specific word choices on meaning and tone, including allusions to other texts and repetition of words and phrases.
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.
7.RL.CS.5
Analyze how the way a story, poem or play is built, like a sonnet form or a flashback, supports its theme and meaning.
Official wording
Analyze the form or structure of a story, poem, or drama, considering how text form or structure contributes to its theme and meaning.
7.RI.CS.5
Map how a nonfiction text is organized and explain what each major section contributes to the whole and to the way the ideas build.
Official wording
Analyze the structure an author uses to organize a text, including how the major sections contribute to the whole and to the development of the ideas.
Assess how point of view or purpose shapes the content and style of a text.
7.RL.CS.6
Analyze how an author creates and reveals different characters' or narrators' viewpoints and sets them against each other.
Official wording
Analyze how an author establishes, conveys, and contrasts the points of view of different characters or narrators in a text.
7.RI.CS.6
Identify an author's viewpoint or purpose and analyze how the author sets that position apart from what others argue.
Official wording
Determine an author’s point of view or purpose in a text and analyze how an author distinguishes his or her position from that of others.
Reading: Integration of Knowledge and Ideas
5 standardsIntegrate and evaluate content presented in diverse formats and media, including visually and quantitatively, as well as in words.
7.RL.IKI.7
Compare a written story, play or poem with its audio, film, stage or multimedia version, analyzing what techniques each medium uses to create effects.
Official wording
Compare and contrast a written story, drama, or poem to its audio, filmed, staged, or multi-media version, analyzing the effects of techniques unique to each medium.
7.RI.IKI.7
Compare a nonfiction text with its audio, video or multimedia version, analyzing how each one presents the subject.
Official wording
Compare and contrast a text to an audio, video, or multimedia version of a text, analyzing each medium’s portrayal of the subject.
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.
7.RI.IKI.8
Follow an author's argument and claims and judge whether the evidence is on point and strong enough to support them.
Official wording
Trace and evaluate the argument and specific claims in a text, assessing whether the evidence is relevant and sufficient to support the claims.
Analyze how two or more texts address similar themes or topics in order to build knowledge or to compare the approaches an author takes.
7.RL.IKI.9
Compare a historical account with a fictional version of the same era, place or person, like a novel set during the Civil War.
Official wording
Compare and contrast an historical account with a fictional portrayal of the same time, place, or character.
7.RI.IKI.9
Analyze how two or more writers on one topic shape key information differently by stressing different evidence or offering another explanation.
Official wording
Analyze how two or more authors writing about the same topic shape their presentations of key information by emphasizing different evidence or advancing an alternate explanation of events.
Reading: Range of Reading and Level of Text Complexity
2 standardsRead and comprehend complex literary and informational texts independently and proficiently.
7.RL.RRTC.10
Read and understand stories, plays and poems across the grades 6 to 8 difficulty range, relying less on support as the texts get harder.
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.
7.RI.RRTC.10
Read and understand literary nonfiction, like speeches and biographies, across the grades 6 to 8 difficulty range, with less support over time.
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 standardsPrepare 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.
7.SL.CC.1
Prepare for discussions on seventh grade topics and texts, then work with varied partners, extending their points and stating your own ideas clearly.
Official wording
Prepare for collaborative discussions on 7th 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.
7.SL.CC.2
Analyze main ideas and details from different media, like a podcast or infographic, and explain how they clarify the topic being studied.
Official wording
Analyze the main ideas and supporting details presented in diverse media formats; explain how this clarifies a topic, text, or issue under study.
Evaluate a speaker’s point of view, reasoning, and use of evidence and rhetoric.
7.SL.CC.3
Explain a speaker's argument and claims, judging whether the reasoning makes sense, stays on topic and gives enough support.
Official wording
Explain a speaker’s argument and specific claims, focusing on whether the reasoning is sound, relevant, and sufficient.
Speaking and Listening: Presentation of Knowledge and Ideas
3 standardsPresent 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.
7.SL.PKI.4
Present your claims and findings in a focused way, spotlighting the key points with fitting facts and examples, with eye contact, enough volume and clear speech.
Official wording
Present claims and findings, emphasizing salient points in a focused, coherent manner with pertinent descriptions, facts, details, and examples; use appropriate eye contact, adequate volume, and clear pronunciation.
Make strategic use of digital media and visual displays of data to express information and enhance understanding of presentations.
7.SL.PKI.5
Use multimedia and visuals in presentations to make claims and findings clearer and to highlight the most important points.
Official wording
Include multimedia components and visual displays in presentations to clarify claims and findings and to emphasize major points.
Adapt speech to a variety of contents and communicative tasks, demonstrating command of formal English when indicated or appropriate.
7.SL.PKI.6
Shift your speaking style to suit the setting and task, using formal English where it fits, like a debate or a speech to a school board.
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 standardsWrite arguments to support claims in an analysis of substantive topics or texts, using valid reasoning and relevant and sufficient evidence.
7.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.
Write informative/explanatory texts to examine and convey complex ideas and information clearly and accurately through the effective selection, organization, and analysis of content.
7.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.
Write narratives to develop real or imagined experiences or events using effective techniques, well-chosen details, and well-structured event sequences.
7.W.TTP.3
Write real or imagined narratives that introduce the narrator and characters, flow in logical order, use dialogue, pacing, transitions and vivid detail, and end reflectively.
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 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 standardsProduce clear and coherent writing in which the development and organization are appropriate to task, purpose, and audience.
7.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.)
Develop and strengthen writing as needed by planning, revising, editing, rewriting, or trying a new approach.
7.W.PDW.5
With some help from peers and adults, plan, revise, edit or rethink drafts, checking how well the writing fits its purpose and audience.
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, focusing on how well purpose and audience have been addressed. (Editing for conventions should demonstrate command of Foundational Literacy standard 6 and Language standards 1–3 up to and including grade 7.)
Use technology, including the Internet, to produce and publish writing and to interact and collaborate with others.
7.W.PDW.6
Use technology and the internet to write, publish and collaborate, link to and cite sources, 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; link to and cite sources; type a complete product in a single sitting as defined in W.1-3.
Writing: Research to Build and Present Knowledge
3 standardsConduct short as well as more sustained research projects based on focus questions, demonstrating new understanding of the subject under investigation.
7.W.RBPK.7
Research to answer a question using several sources, and come up with new, focused questions that lead to further investigation.
Official wording
Conduct research to answer a question, drawing on multiple sources and generating additional related, focused questions for further research and investigation.
Integrate relevant and credible information from multiple print and digital sources while avoiding plagiarism.
7.W.RBPK.8
Pull reliable information from print and online sources, quote or paraphrase it without plagiarizing, and cite sources in a standard format like MLA.
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 following a standard format for citation.
Draw evidence from literary or informational texts to support analysis, reflection, and research.
7.W.RBPK.9
Support analyses or research with evidence from literature or nonfiction, using seventh grade reading skills, and check that the evidence is relevant and enough.
Official wording
Support interpretations, analyses, reflections, or research with evidence found in literature or informational texts, applying grade 7 standards for reading; assess whether the evidence is relevant and sufficient to support the claims.
Writing: Range of Writing
1 standardWrite 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.
7.W.RW.10
Write regularly, in extended projects and short sessions, for different subjects, purposes and readers, like a history essay or a quick response.
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 English Language Arts Standards · adopted 2016, revised February 2019 · since 2017-18, through 2028-29
- Tennessee English Language Arts Standards for 2029-30 · coming next · from 2029-30
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.