Virginia Standards of Learning

2024 English Standards

Sixth Grade Literacy

• demonstrate the ability to work with diverse teams working respectfully with others, participating both as a facilitator and as a contributor 

• continue to deliver multimodal presentations individually and in collaborative groups 

• interpret information presented in diverse media formats 

• begin the study of word origins and continue vocabulary development 

• identify elements of narrative structure including identifying theme and analyzing figurative language 

• increase emphasis on nonfiction reading by creating objective summaries and drawing inferences using textual evidence 

• plan, draft, revise, and edit writing in a variety of forms with an emphasis on narrative and reflective writing 

• write multiparagraph compositions with an emphasis on the development of elaboration and unity 

• have greater control over the conventions of writing 

• find, evaluate, and select appropriate resources for an oral, visual, written, or multimodal research product and evaluate the validity and authenticity of texts 

• develop research skills that are foundational to effective critical thinking and responsible use of information 

Seventh Grade Literacy

• Students share responsibility for collaborative work, as both a contributor and a facilitator, while striving for consensus to accomplish goals 

• deliver multimodal presentations and interpret information presented in diverse media formats 

• continue the study of word origins and roots and begin identifying connotations 

• continue to emphasize reading comprehension by comparing fiction and nonfiction texts 

• identify elements of a variety of genres while focusing on an author’s style 

• identify the source, point of view, and purpose of nonfiction texts

• plan, draft, revise, and edit writing in a variety of forms with an emphasis on expository and persuasive writing 

• write multiparagraph compositions with an emphasis on organization 

• have greater control over the conventions of writing 

• evaluate the validity and authenticity of sources, and apply research techniques to quote, summarize, and paraphrase findings 

• learn to cite both primary and secondary sources and follow ethical and legal guidelines for gathering and using information 

• develop research skills that are foundational to effective critical thinking and responsible use of information 

Eighth Grade Literacy

• create multimodal presentations that include different points-of-view, and collaborate with others to exchange ideas, make decisions, and solve problems 

• continue the study of word origins, roots, connotations, and denotations 

• in fiction texts, explain the development of theme(s), and compare/contrast authors’ styles

• in nonfiction texts, analyze authors’ qualifications, point of view, and style 

• plan, draft, revise, and edit writing in a variety of forms with an emphasis on expository and persuasive writing 

• write persuasively and use claims, evidence, and counterclaims to advocate and support a position to fit the audience and purpose 

• expected to have greater control over the conventions of writing 

• apply research techniques to analyze information gathered from diverse sources by identifying misconceptions and possible bias 

• evaluate the validity and credibility of sources, and apply research techniques to quote, summarize, and paraphrase findings 

• follow ethical and legal guidelines for gathering and using information