All States » NY » Grade 7 » Reading » 7R9

7R9

Description: Integration of Knowledge and Ideas Use established criteria in order to evaluate the quality of texts. Make connections to other texts, ideas, cultural perspectives, eras, and personal experiences.
Maps to Reading Plus skills: 3B, 3C, 9A

Exemplars

3B: Analyzing Plot/Character

3B: Analyzing Plot/Character

Description: Analyzing setting, plot, and character

SeeReader
✓ standard met

Selection: G-13

G-13

Grade level: 7
Word count: 1532 words
Author: Beth Renaud
Synopsis: Gwendolyn Brooks wrote about the people and places around her.
Excerpt: After attending a theater performance that featured street gangs on the South Side, Brooks became so inspired by their raw talent that she organized a poetry writing workshop for gang members. In the workshop, she showed them how to write poetry and express their feelings. Soon her home became a meeting place for young people interested in art and politics, particularly those interested in mixing black art with the ideas of Black Power.

Question: This excerpt shows that Brooks was a person who
  1. strived to give back to her community.
  2. earned privileges because of her reputation.
  3. liked to be recognized for her talent.
  4. shined brightest in a college classroom.

Writing
✓ standard met

Writing prompt: Describe a character with whom you empathize, and explain why you feel this way.

Evaluator

Organization: Certica Solutions

3C: Analyzing Cause/Effect

3C: Analyzing Cause/Effect

Description: Analyzing Cause and Effect

SeeReader
✓ standard met

Selection: G-12

G-12

Grade level: 7
Word count: 1893 words
Author: Anonymous
Synopsis: A plan has been made to trick the Frost King to return the hammer, but will it work?
Excerpt: But Thor held up his hammer and shook it gently as he admitted, "Look now, Loki, it was an excellent joke, and so far you have done well, after your crafty fashion. But now I have my hammer again, and the joke is done. From you, nor from another, I brook no laughter at my expense. Henceforth we will have no mention of this masquerade, nor of these rags which now I throw away. Do you hear?"

Question: Even though the plot was successful, Thor was embarrassed because he
  1. had allowed himself to be disguised as a woman.
  2. had eaten so much food at the banquet.
  3. had kissed the giant so as not to undermine the plot.
  4. had been caught stealing the wedding gift.

Writing
✓ standard met

Writing prompt: How does technology affect how people learn? Use details from a selection you have read, plus your own personal experiences, to explain and support your answer.

Evaluator

Organization: Certica Solutions

9A: Comparing/Contrasting

9A: Comparing/Contrasting

Description: Compare, Contrast, and/or Integrate

SeeReader
✓ standard met

Selection: G-33

G-33

Grade level: 7
Word count: 1677 words
Author: Lionel Beasley
Synopsis: Chris Evert and Martina Navratilova had different personalities and styles of play, but their matches thrilled millions of tennis fans.
Excerpt: Navratilova charged the net behind a powerful serve. She was superior to Evert on the courts that played to these strengths, such as the lawn at Wimbledon or the types of carpets used on the indoor courts. Evert was known for her baseline game, and she avoided the net in favor of sharp ground stokes. She was superior to Navratilova on the courts that favored her game, such as the clay courts used by the U.S. and French Open tournaments.

A comparison of personalities shows similar contrasts. Evert showed little emotion during matches. Navratilova was known for her explosive nature. She argued with the judges over calls, chatted with the courtside fans, and scolded herself over errors. Their differences even extended to the hands they favored. Evert was right handed and Navratilova was a lefty. What they had in common was a drive to be the very best in the game.

Question: What can you conclude from these two excerpts about Evert and Navratilova?
  1. They had different personalities and strengths on the court.
  2. They had absolutely nothing in common when it came to tennis.
  3. They used the same proven strategies to outplay each other.
  4. They preferred playing matches indoors rather than in outdoor stadiums.

Writing
✓ standard met

Writing prompt: Describe how the world today compares and contrasts with the setting of a selection that takes place in the past. Include at least three examples.

Evaluator

Organization: Certica Solutions