Compare different points of view in a text: for example, when two characters take turns telling a story or when an author argues against other people’s opinions. Understand how a text’s structure affects its meaning. For example, explain why an author might have repeated certain words or put a flashback in the middle of a story. Notice when someone’s argument is not logical. Decide whether the evidence they cite really supports their claim. When making an argument, acknowledge different perspectives: for example, why some people might disagree with the argument.

By The End of Seventh Grade, Students Can:

• Compare how a work of fiction (like a novel) and a nonfiction text (like a news article) describe the same time period, event, or person. 
• Cite several pieces of evidence (like quotations from a text) to support a claim when making an argument. 
• Cite sources in a standard format (like MLA or APA style) when doing research.
• Keep track of progress toward goals and upcoming deadlines when working in a group. 
• Bring group discussions back on topic if they start to go off-track. 
• Use sensory language (like descriptions of sounds and smells) to create a mood (overall feeling) when writing a story or poem. 
• Use commas correctly when describing things like a long, difficult homework assignment or a bright, sunny day.