Language Arts for Grade 7
1 Reading Comprehension
1-1 Understanding the Main Idea
1-2 Identifying Supporting Details
1-3 Making Inferences
1-4 Analyzing Character Development
1-5 Understanding Themes and Messages
1-6 Recognizing Literary Devices
1-7 Interpreting Figurative Language
1-8 Understanding Tone and Mood
1-9 Summarizing Texts
1-10 Comparing and Contrasting Texts
2 Vocabulary Development
2-1 Learning Root Words and Affixes
2-2 Understanding Synonyms and Antonyms
2-3 Using Context Clues
2-4 Learning Academic Vocabulary
2-5 Expanding Word Knowledge Through Reading
2-6 Using a Dictionary and Thesaurus
2-7 Applying Vocabulary in Writing
3 Grammar and Mechanics
3-1 Subject-Verb Agreement
3-2 Pronoun Usage
3-3 Verb Tenses
3-4 Adjectives and Adverbs
3-5 Prepositions and Conjunctions
3-6 Sentence Structure and Types
3-7 Punctuation (Commas, Periods, Quotation Marks, etc )
3-8 Capitalization Rules
3-9 Commonly Confused Words
3-10 Editing and Proofreading
4 Writing Skills
4-1 Writing Clear and Concise Sentences
4-2 Developing Paragraphs
4-3 Writing Narratives
4-4 Writing Expository Essays
4-5 Writing Persuasive Essays
4-6 Writing Descriptive Essays
4-7 Writing Research Papers
4-8 Using Evidence and Examples
4-9 Incorporating Sources and Citations
4-10 Revising and Editing Writing
5 Speaking and Listening
5-1 Active Listening Skills
5-2 Participating in Group Discussions
5-3 Delivering Oral Presentations
5-4 Using Clear and Effective Communication
5-5 Responding to Questions and Feedback
5-6 Understanding Nonverbal Communication
5-7 Listening for Main Ideas and Details
5-8 Summarizing Information Heard
5-9 Engaging in Debates and Discussions
5-10 Evaluating the Credibility of Sources
6 Literature Study
6-1 Reading and Analyzing Poetry
6-2 Reading and Analyzing Short Stories
6-3 Reading and Analyzing Novels
6-4 Reading and Analyzing Plays
6-5 Understanding Genres and Subgenres
6-6 Exploring Cultural and Historical Contexts
6-7 Analyzing Author's Purpose and Style
6-8 Comparing and Contrasting Authors
6-9 Engaging with Literary Criticism
6-10 Creating Literary Analyses and Essays
7 Media Literacy
7-1 Understanding Media Texts
7-2 Analyzing Media Messages
7-3 Evaluating Media Sources
7-4 Recognizing Bias in Media
7-5 Understanding Advertising Techniques
7-6 Using Media to Enhance Learning
7-7 Creating Media Projects
7-8 Understanding Copyright and Fair Use
7-9 Engaging with Digital Media Responsibly
7-10 Analyzing Media Influence on Society
8 Independent Reading
8-1 Setting Reading Goals
8-2 Selecting Appropriate Reading Materials
8-3 Keeping a Reading Log
8-4 Participating in Book Discussions
8-5 Writing Book Reviews
8-6 Exploring Different Genres
8-7 Reading for Pleasure and Information
8-8 Reflecting on Reading Experiences
8-9 Sharing Favorite Books with Others
8-10 Developing a Personal Reading List
5-10 Evaluating the Credibility of Sources

5-10 Evaluating the Credibility of Sources

Key Concepts

Authority

Authority refers to the expertise and credentials of the source's author or publisher. A credible source is written by someone who is knowledgeable and recognized in their field.

Example: A research paper on climate change written by a climate scientist from a reputable university is likely to be more authoritative than an article from an unknown blogger.

Analogy: Think of authority as the qualifications of a doctor. Just as you trust a doctor with a medical degree more than someone without, you trust a source written by an expert more than one written by an amateur.

Accuracy

Accuracy means the information provided is correct and free from errors. A credible source will have facts that can be verified and will not contain misleading or false information.

Example: A news article that cites multiple reliable sources and provides evidence for its claims is more accurate than one that makes unsupported statements.

Analogy: Accuracy is like a well-calibrated scale. Just as a scale that measures weight accurately is reliable, a source that provides accurate information is trustworthy.

Objectivity

Objectivity involves the source presenting information without bias or personal opinion. A credible source will strive to be fair and impartial, presenting both sides of an argument when appropriate.

Example: A scientific journal that presents research findings without editorializing is more objective than a blog that includes the author's personal opinions.

Analogy: Objectivity is like a neutral referee in a sports match. Just as a referee ensures fairness, an objective source ensures unbiased information.

Currency

Currency refers to the timeliness of the information. A credible source will be up-to-date and relevant to current events or recent developments in the field.

Example: A report on the latest technological advancements published in 2023 is more current than a similar report published in 2003.

Analogy: Currency is like the latest edition of a textbook. Just as you use the most recent edition to get the latest information, you use the most current sources to get up-to-date information.

Coverage

Coverage means the source provides comprehensive and thorough information on the topic. A credible source will cover all relevant aspects of the subject without omitting important details.

Example: A comprehensive history book that covers all significant events and perspectives is more thorough than a brief article that only touches on a few points.

Analogy: Coverage is like a complete puzzle. Just as a complete puzzle has all its pieces, a thorough source covers all aspects of the topic.