ELA.11.R.1.1

loading spinner
Export Print
Evaluate how key elements enhance or add layers of meaning and/or style in a literary text.

Clarifications

Clarification 1: Key elements of a literary text are setting, plot, characterization, conflict, point of view, theme, and tone.
Clarification 2: For layers of meaning, any methodology or model may be used as long as students understand that text may have multiple layers and that authors use techniques to achieve those layers. A very workable model for looking at layers of meaning is that of I. A. Richards: 

Layer 1) the literal level, what the words actually mean
Layer 2) mood, those feelings that are evoked in the reader
Layer 3) tone, the author’s attitude
Layer 4) author’s purpose (interpretation of author’s purpose as it is often inferred)
Clarification 3: Style is the way in which the writer uses techniques for effect. It is distinct from meaning but can be used to make the author’s message more effective. The components of style are diction, syntax, grammar, and use of figurative language. Style helps to create the author’s voice.

General Information
Subject Area: English Language Arts (B.E.S.T.)
Grade: 11
Strand: Reading
Standard: Reading Prose and Poetry
Date Adopted or Revised: 08/20
Status: State Board Approved

Related Courses

This benchmark is part of these courses.
1001380: English Honors 3 (Specifically in versions: 2014 - 2015, 2015 - 2022, 2022 and beyond (current))
1001460: Applied Communications 1 (Specifically in versions: 2014 - 2015, 2015 - 2022, 2022 - 2023, 2023 and beyond (current))
1002320: English 3 Through ESOL (Specifically in versions: 2014 - 2015, 2015 - 2022, 2022 and beyond (current))
1005330: Contemporary Literature (Specifically in versions: 2014 - 2015, 2015 - 2022, 2022 - 2023, 2023 and beyond (current))
1005340: Classical Literature (Specifically in versions: 2014 - 2015, 2015 - 2021, 2021 and beyond (current))
1005360: Literature and the Arts 2 Honors (Specifically in versions: 2014 - 2015, 2015 - 2022, 2022 and beyond (current))
1005365: Literature in the Media Honors (Specifically in versions: 2014 - 2015, 2015 - 2022, 2022 and beyond (current))
1020830: Classical Literature Honors (Specifically in versions: 2014 - 2015, 2015 - 2022, 2022 - 2023, 2023 and beyond (current))
1020840: Contemporary Literature Honors (Specifically in versions: 2014 - 2015, 2015 - 2022, 2022 - 2023, 2023 and beyond (current))
1020860: Great Books Honors (Specifically in versions: 2014 - 2015, 2015 - 2022, 2022 - 2023, 2023 and beyond (current))
1009330: Creative Writing 2 (Specifically in versions: 2014 - 2015, 2015 - 2018, 2018 - 2021, 2021 and beyond (current))
1009331: Creative Writing Honors 3 (Specifically in versions: 2014 - 2015, 2015 - 2022, 2022 and beyond (current))
1009350: Play Writing (Specifically in versions: 2014 - 2015, 2015 - 2022, 2022 and beyond (current))
1001370: English 3 (Specifically in versions: 2014 - 2015, 2015 - 2022, 2022 and beyond (current))
1009370: Writing for College Success (Specifically in versions: 2014 - 2015, 2015 - 2022, 2022 - 2023, 2023 and beyond (current))
1001375: English 3 for Credit Recovery (Specifically in versions: 2014 - 2015, 2015 - 2022, 2022 and beyond (current))
1002381: Developmental Language Arts Through ESOL (Reading) (Specifically in versions: 2014 - 2015, 2015 - 2022, 2022 and beyond (current))
7910130: Access English 3 (Specifically in versions: 2013 - 2015, 2015 - 2017, 2017 - 2018, 2018 - 2022, 2022 and beyond (current))
1000416: Intensive Reading 3 (Specifically in versions: 2021 and beyond (current))
1005351: Humane Letters 3 Literature (Specifically in versions: 2020 - 2022, 2022 - 2023, 2023 and beyond (current))
1005352: Humane Letters 3 Literature Honors (Specifically in versions: 2020 - 2022, 2022 - 2023, 2023 and beyond (current))

Related Access Points

Alternate version of this benchmark for students with significant cognitive disabilities.
ELA.11.R.1.AP.1: Analyze how key elements increase understanding of literary text and/or style.

Related Resources

Vetted resources educators can use to teach the concepts and skills in this benchmark.

Lesson Plans

Let Me Introduce You: Character Introductions in The Canterbury Tales:

In this lesson series, students will analyze how Geoffrey Chaucer introduces some of his characters in the prologue to The Canterbury Tales. Students will analyze Chaucer's introduction and portrayal of the characters. They will examine the text for directly stated characteristics, and draw inferences supported by appropriate evidence from the text. The lesson includes a graphic organizer and sample answer key. A number of writing prompts have been included throughout the lesson, and a writing rubric has been provided as well.

Type: Lesson Plan

"Lonesome for a Change": Close Reading an excerpt from Their Eyes Were Watching God:

In this lesson, students will read and mark the text to analyze layers of meaning within figurative language and symbolism. The close reading and provided questions lead students to develop interpretations of Janie's character as she reflects on her past and realizes she likes "being lonesome for a change."

Type: Lesson Plan

Exploring Voice in Poetry:

Students will explore poetic expression, both written and spoken, and evaluate its significance as a medium for social commentary. Students will also examine literary devices including metaphor, simile, symbolism, and point of view.

Type: Lesson Plan

Analyzing Night by Elie Wiesel Using Academic Discussion:

This lesson uses a whole class guided discussion to deepen students' understanding of the text Night by Elie Wiesel. Students will use textual evidence during the discussion and in writing a short response.

Type: Lesson Plan

A Close Reading of Creation Myths - Part 2 of 3:

In Part 2 of this three-lesson mini-unit students will complete close readings of two different creation myths. After looking closely at the texts, they will cite specific textual evidence to compare and contrast these myths and their similarities to other creation stories, to infer what the authors hinted at in terms of creation, and to realize the impact of specific word choices on the general tone of a piece of literature.

Type: Lesson Plan

Show Me a Hero, and I Will Write You a Tragedy – F. Scott Fitzgerald - Part 3:

This is Part three of a three-part series on the writings of F. Scott Fitzgerald. Students will analyze F. Scott Fitzgerald's inspirations for both his characters and stories. In this lesson, students will analyze a 1928 portrait of Louise Brooks by Eugene Robert Richee as a stimulus for creating an original character living during the glitter and glamour of the 1920s. Finally, using compiled textual evidence recorded throughout the three lessons, students will create a narrative in the style of Fitzgerald for Louise Brooks.

Type: Lesson Plan

Show Me a Hero, and I Will Write You a Tragedy – F. Scott Fitzgerald - Part 2:

This is Part two of this three-part series on the writings of F. Scott Fitzgerald. Through reading and analyzing excerpts from F. Scott Fitzgerald's short story "The Offshore Pirate" (1920) in Flappers and Philosophers, students will examine the characterization of Artida and Carlyle and compare the two characters.

Type: Lesson Plan

Close Reading Poetry Analysis Lesson 1: Figurative Language Creates Tone:

Students will identify and analyze how Emily Dickinson uses figurative language to create tone. Students will complete text marking and annotations to show their analysis and will write a response that explains their analysis.

Type: Lesson Plan

Close Reading Poetry Analysis Lesson 2: Figurative Language and Theme:

Students will identify and analyze how two authors use figurative language to support the themes of each of their poems. Students will complete text marking and annotations to show their analysis of each, and will write a response that explains their analysis of each.

Type: Lesson Plan

Student Resources

Vetted resources students can use to learn the concepts and skills in this benchmark.

Parent Resources

Vetted resources caregivers can use to help students learn the concepts and skills in this benchmark.