English 10: Read Closely, Argue Well, Write With Control

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The 50 topics in English 10

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1. Close reading and citing textual evidence

   Read a text closely, distinguishing what it says explicitly from inferences drawn from it. Teach how to cite strong, thorough textual evidence (quotation, paraphrase, line or paragraph reference) to support claims about literature and informational texts, and how to check that evidence actually supports the claim. Includes determining central ideas and writing an objective summary without personal opinion.

2. Theme and central idea in literature

   Determine a theme or central idea of a story, drama, or poem and trace how it develops across the text through specific details, conflicts, and turning points. Distinguish theme (a statement about life) from topic and plot. Write an objective summary of a literary text that omits personal judgment and captures key events in order.

   Builds on Close reading and citing textual evidence

3. Poetry: sound, form, and structure

   Analyze poems closely for sound devices (rhyme, meter, alliteration, assonance, consonance, onomatopoeia), fixed and free forms (e.g., sonnet, villanelle, free verse), and structural choices such as stanza breaks, line length, enjambment, and volta. Explain how these features shape meaning, emotion, and theme, citing specific lines as evidence.

   Builds on Theme and central idea in literature

4. Complex characters and character development

   Analyze characters with multiple or conflicting motivations, showing how they change over the course of a text, how they interact with other characters, and how their development advances the plot or develops the theme. Support analysis with dialogue, action, and narration.

   Builds on Theme and central idea in literature

5. Narrative structure, pacing, and manipulation of time

   Analyze how an author orders events, uses parallel plots, flashbacks, flash-forwards, pacing, and suspense to create mystery, tension, or surprise. Explain the effect of structural choices on the reader's experience.

   Builds on Theme and central idea in literature

6. Word meaning from context and word patterns

   Determine the meaning of unknown and multiple-meaning words using context clues: the overall sentence, paragraph, or text, and the word's position or function in a sentence. Recognize word-formation patterns that signal part of speech or meaning change (analyze, analysis, analytical; advocate, advocacy) and use them accurately.

   Builds on Close reading and citing textual evidence

7. Reference materials and verifying word meanings

   Consult dictionaries, glossaries, thesauruses, and etymological resources (print and digital) to find pronunciation, precise meaning, part of speech, or origin of a word. Verify a preliminary inferred meaning by checking it in context or in a dictionary, and explain how etymology clarifies meaning.

   Builds on Word meaning from context and word patterns

8. Figurative language and figures of speech

   Identify and interpret figures of speech such as metaphor, simile, personification, irony, hyperbole, understatement, euphemism, and oxymoron in context, and analyze their role in the text. Explain how figurative and connotative meanings shape the meaning and tone of a passage.

   Builds on Word meaning from context and word patterns

9. Word relationships and nuances of similar words

   Analyze nuances in meaning among words with similar denotations (e.g., thrifty, frugal, stingy) by examining connotation, formality, and intensity. Use this to choose precise words in reading and writing, and to explain the cumulative effect of word choices on meaning and tone.

   Builds on Reference materials and verifying word meanings, Figurative language and figures of speech

10. Academic and domain-specific vocabulary

    Acquire and accurately use general academic words (e.g., analyze, evaluate, consequently) and domain-specific terms across history, science, and literature. Practice gathering new vocabulary independently and using it precisely in speaking and writing.

    Builds on Word relationships and nuances of similar words

11. Phrases and clauses for meaning and variety

    Identify and use noun, verb, adjectival, adverbial, participial, prepositional, and absolute phrases, and independent, dependent (noun, relative, adverbial) clauses. Use them deliberately to convey specific meaning, combine ideas, and vary sentence structure.

12. Parallel structure

    Use parallel grammatical structure in lists, paired ideas, and series of phrases or clauses so that items of equal importance share the same form. Identify faulty parallelism and repair it.

    Builds on Phrases and clauses for meaning and variety

13. Semicolons and conjunctive adverbs

    Use a semicolon, with or without a conjunctive adverb (however, therefore, moreover, nevertheless), to join two or more closely related independent clauses. Recognize comma splices and fused sentences and correct them.

    Builds on Phrases and clauses for meaning and variety

14. Colons to introduce lists and quotations

    Use a colon after an independent clause to introduce a list, an explanation, or a quotation, and recognize when a colon is incorrect (e.g., between a verb and its complement).

    Builds on Phrases and clauses for meaning and variety

15. Spelling and conventions of writing

    Spell correctly using common rules, patterns, and frequently confused words, and apply standard capitalization rules to titles, proper nouns, and quotations. Proofread systematically.

    Builds on Colons to introduce lists and quotations

16. Analyzing structure, rhetoric, and point of view in nonfiction

    Determine an author's point of view, purpose, and rhetorical choices in informational and literary nonfiction; analyze how the order of points, introduction and development of ideas, and connections drawn between them advance the analysis. Analyze how paragraphs and sentences develop claims and how structure emphasizes key points.

    Builds on Close reading and citing textual evidence

17. Connotation, tone, and cumulative word impact in nonfiction

    Analyze technical, figurative, and connotative meanings of words in informational texts, and the cumulative impact of specific word choices on meaning and tone, such as in a legal or political document.

    Builds on Figurative language and figures of speech, Analyzing structure, rhetoric, and point of view in nonfiction

18. Evaluating arguments, reasoning, and fallacies

    Delineate an author's argument and specific claims, assess whether reasoning is valid and evidence relevant and sufficient, and identify false statements and fallacious reasoning (e.g., ad hominem, false cause, slippery slope, hasty generalization). Apply the same evaluation to speakers' arguments.

    Builds on Analyzing structure, rhetoric, and point of view in nonfiction

19. Seminal U.S. documents

    Analyze seminal U.S. documents of historical and literary significance (e.g., Washington's Farewell Address, the Gettysburg Address, Roosevelt's Four Freedoms speech, King's Letter from Birmingham Jail), examining how each addresses related themes and concepts, its rhetoric, and its historical context.

    Builds on Connotation, tone, and cumulative word impact in nonfiction, Evaluating arguments, reasoning, and fallacies

20. Central ideas and processes in science texts

    Determine central ideas or conclusions of a science or technical text, trace its explanation of a complex process or phenomenon, and summarize accurately. Cite precise details from explanations and descriptions as evidence.

    Builds on Close reading and citing textual evidence

21. Concept relationships and domain symbols in technical texts

    Analyze the structure of relationships among concepts in a technical text (e.g., force, friction, reaction force, energy), interpret symbols and key terms in scientific context, and translate between words, tables, charts, and equations.

    Builds on Academic and domain-specific vocabulary, Central ideas and processes in science texts

22. Following technical procedures and author purpose in science

    Follow a complex multistep procedure precisely, attending to special cases or exceptions stated in the text, and analyze the author's purpose in explaining a procedure or experiment and the question it addresses.

    Builds on Concept relationships and domain symbols in technical texts

23. Evaluating and comparing scientific claims and findings

    Assess whether reasoning and evidence in a technical text support the author's claim or recommended solution, and compare and contrast findings across sources, noting when they support or contradict earlier explanations.

    Builds on Evaluating arguments, reasoning, and fallacies, Following technical procedures and author purpose in science

24. Evaluating source credibility and integrating multiple sources

    Gather information from multiple print and digital sources using advanced searches, assess each source's usefulness and credibility (author expertise, date, bias, purpose), and integrate information selectively. Also integrate information presented in diverse media (visual, quantitative, oral) and evaluate speakers' rhetoric and use of evidence.

    Builds on Close reading and citing textual evidence, Evaluating arguments, reasoning, and fallacies

25. Style manual guidelines (MLA and Turabian)

    Format in-text citations, works-cited or bibliography entries, headings, and document layout according to MLA Handbook and Turabian guidelines appropriate to the discipline and writing type. Edit a draft to conform to the chosen manual.

    Builds on Spelling and conventions of writing, Evaluating source credibility and integrating multiple sources

26. Primary and secondary historical sources

    Determine the central ideas of historical primary and secondary sources, cite evidence attending to date and origin, and provide accurate summaries of how events develop. Analyze a series of historical events in detail and distinguish causes from mere sequence (post hoc reasoning). Compare the point of view of two or more authors on the same topic, including which details each includes or emphasizes.

    Builds on Evaluating arguments, reasoning, and fallacies, Evaluating source credibility and integrating multiple sources

27. Structure and discipline vocabulary in history texts

    Analyze how history and social studies texts use structure to emphasize key points or advance explanations, and interpret political, social, and economic vocabulary as used in those texts.

    Builds on Academic and domain-specific vocabulary, Primary and secondary historical sources

28. Integrating charts and data with historical analysis

    Integrate quantitative or technical information (charts, graphs, tables, research data) with qualitative analysis of a historical text, and compare the information presented in each.

    Builds on Structure and discipline vocabulary in history texts

29. Assessing reasoning and evidence in historical accounts

    Assess the extent to which the reasoning and evidence in a history or social studies text support the author's claims, and compare treatments of the same event across several primary and secondary sources.

    Builds on Integrating charts and data with historical analysis

30. Independent reading of complex grade 9-10 texts

    Read and comprehend literature, literary nonfiction, history/social studies, and science/technical texts in the grade 9-10 complexity band independently and proficiently, using strategies to sustain comprehension across long texts, and report what was understood.

    Builds on Poetry: sound, form, and structure, Complex characters and character development, Narrative structure, pacing, and manipulation of time, Evaluating and comparing scientific claims and findings, Assessing reasoning and evidence in historical accounts

31. Narrowing research questions and planning inquiry

    Formulate a self-generated research question, narrow or broaden the inquiry when appropriate, and plan the search and the sequence of sources needed to answer it.

    Builds on Evaluating source credibility and integrating multiple sources

32. Sustained research and synthesis

    Carry out a sustained research project: gather and synthesize multiple sources on the question, draw evidence from texts to support analysis, reflection, and research, and report findings with integrated evidence.

    Builds on Style manual guidelines (MLA and Turabian), Narrowing research questions and planning inquiry

33. Writing a precise claim and counterclaims

    Introduce a precise claim, distinguish it from alternate or opposing claims, organize the argument so claims, counterclaims, reasons, and evidence are clearly related, and develop claims and counterclaims fairly with relevant and sufficient evidence, noting the strengths and limitations of each for the audience.

    Builds on Phrases and clauses for meaning and variety, Evaluating arguments, reasoning, and fallacies, Evaluating source credibility and integrating multiple sources

34. Concluding arguments and maintaining formal objective style

    Write a concluding section that follows from and supports the argument, and maintain a formal style and objective tone suited to the discipline. Revise an argument's conclusion so it reflects the claims and evidence presented.

    Builds on Writing a precise claim and counterclaims

35. Cohesion, transitions, and formal style in writing

    Use words, phrases, and clauses to link major sections, create cohesion, and clarify relationships between claims, reasons, evidence, and counterclaims. Maintain formal style and objective tone suited to the discipline.

    Builds on Semicolons and conjunctive adverbs, Concluding arguments and maintaining formal objective style

36. Writing informative and explanatory texts

    Write informative or explanatory texts that examine complex ideas: introduce a topic, organize information to show connections and distinctions, use headings, graphics, and multimedia where helpful, develop with facts, extended definitions, quotations, and examples, use precise domain vocabulary, and conclude with significance.

    Builds on Academic and domain-specific vocabulary, Colons to introduce lists and quotations, Spelling and conventions of writing, Cohesion, transitions, and formal style in writing

37. Writing historical, scientific, and technical process narratives

    Write informative texts that narrate historical events, scientific procedures or experiments, or technical processes, with clear sequence, varied transitions and sentence structures, precise language, and a formal objective style.

    Builds on Following technical procedures and author purpose in science, Writing informative and explanatory texts

38. Writing narratives with technique

    Write narratives that orient the reader with a situation, establish point of view and narrator, use dialogue, pacing, description, reflection, and multiple plot lines, sequence events for coherence, and use precise sensory language and a reflective conclusion.

    Builds on Narrative structure, pacing, and manipulation of time, Phrases and clauses for meaning and variety

39. Drafting and revising writing for purpose

    Draft, then revise writing by focusing on the most significant issues for task, purpose, and audience, trying a new approach when needed, and rewriting so that development, organization, and style fit the task and reader.

    Builds on Cohesion, transitions, and formal style in writing, Writing narratives with technique

40. Editing and routine writing over varied time frames

    Edit writing for conventions (grammar, punctuation, spelling, capitalization) with a systematic proofreading routine, and write routinely over short sittings (a single sitting or a day or two) and extended time frames for a range of discipline-specific tasks, purposes, and audiences.

    Builds on Spelling and conventions of writing, Drafting and revising writing for purpose

41. Digital tools for writing and publishing

    Use technology, including the Internet, to produce, publish, and update writing, linking to other information and displaying it flexibly. Apply to shared documents and online collaborative writing.

    Builds on Editing and routine writing over varied time frames

42. Analyzing literature and source transformation in writing

    Draw evidence from literary texts to support analysis, including analyzing how an author draws on and transforms source material (e.g., Shakespeare and Ovid or the Bible, or a later author adapting a play), and apply reading standards to literary nonfiction by evaluating its argument and claims.

    Builds on Complex characters and character development, Independent reading of complex grade 9-10 texts, Writing a precise claim and counterclaims

43. Comparing a subject across artistic media (optional extension)

    OPTIONAL EXTENSION, not required for the core course: analyze the representation of a subject or key scene in two different artistic mediums (e.g., Auden's Musee des Beaux Arts and Breughel's Landscape with the Fall of Icarus), noting what is emphasized or absent in each, and analyze how accounts of a life told in different media emphasize different details.

    Builds on Seminal U.S. documents, Analyzing literature and source transformation in writing

44. World literature and cultural perspective (optional extension)

    OPTIONAL EXTENSION, not required for the core course: analyze a point of view or cultural experience reflected in a work of literature from outside the United States, drawing on wide reading of world literature, and explain how cultural context shapes the work's themes and perspective.

    Builds on Analyzing literature and source transformation in writing

45. Collaborative discussion: preparation, norms, and roles

    Come to discussions prepared with read and researched material, refer explicitly to textual evidence, and work with peers to set discussion rules, goals, deadlines, and roles. Participate in one-on-one, group, and teacher-led discussions.

    Builds on Close reading and citing textual evidence

46. Propelling discussion and responding to diverse views

    Pose and respond to questions that connect the discussion to broader themes, incorporate others, clarify or challenge ideas, respond thoughtfully to diverse perspectives, summarize agreement and disagreement, and qualify or justify one's own views in light of evidence.

    Builds on Evaluating arguments, reasoning, and fallacies, Collaborative discussion: preparation, norms, and roles

47. Organizing and delivering evidence-based presentations

    Present information, findings, and supporting evidence clearly, concisely, and logically so listeners can follow the line of reasoning, with organization and style adapted to purpose and audience.

    Builds on Evaluating source credibility and integrating multiple sources, Propelling discussion and responding to diverse views

48. Strategic use of digital media in presentations

    Make strategic use of digital media (text, graphics, audio, visual, interactive elements) in presentations to enhance understanding of findings, reasoning, and evidence and to add interest, and evaluate the credibility of information presented in diverse media.

    Builds on Organizing and delivering evidence-based presentations

49. Adapting speech to context and formal English

    Adapt speech to a variety of contexts and tasks, demonstrating command of formal English when indicated or appropriate, and speak with conventions appropriate to formal and informal settings.

    Builds on Strategic use of digital media in presentations

50. Evaluating a speaker's rhetoric and reasoning

    Evaluate a speaker's point of view, reasoning, use of evidence and rhetoric, and identify fallacious reasoning or exaggerated or distorted evidence in spoken arguments such as speeches and debates.

    Builds on Evaluating arguments, reasoning, and fallacies, Propelling discussion and responding to diverse views

Practice questions in English 10

A few of the kinds of questions you will work through, with answers.