Maryland ELA SL.7.1.b

ELA7th GradeSpeaking and Listening

The Standard

SL.7.1: Engage effectively in a range of collaborative discussions (one-on-one, in groups, and teacher-led) with diverse partners on grade 7 topics, texts, and issues, building on others' ideas and expressing their own clearly. Come to discussions prepared, having read or studied required material; explicitly draw on that preparation and other information known about the topic to explore ideas under discussion. Follow rules for collegial discussions, set specific goals and deadlines, and define individual roles as needed. Pose questions that elicit elaboration and respond to others’ questions and comments with relevant observations and ideas that bring the discussion back on topic as needed. Acknowledge new information expressed by others and, when warranted, modify their own views.

Follow rules for collegial discussions, set specific goals and deadlines, and define individual roles as needed.

Maryland College and Career Ready Standards for English Language Arts (2025)

Teacher's field guide

What Students Need to Do: Students agree on rules for a group discussion and use them while they talk. They set a clear goal and deadline, then decide who will handle each job.
What Mastery Looks Like: A student takes an assigned role, follows the group's rules, and helps the group finish on time. They invite others to speak and bring the talk back to the goal when it drifts.
Common Misconceptions: Students may think taking turns means waiting silently rather than responding to others' ideas. They may set a vague goal like “talk about the book” or assign roles without saying what each person will do.
How to Assess It: Give groups five minutes to decide whether a character made the right choice. Before they begin, have them write two talk rules, a decision deadline, and each person's job; listen for whether they use the rules and finish on time.

Lesson moves

Give groups facilitator, timekeeper, and recorder cards; have them set two talk rules before discussing a chapter's ending.
Ask, “What should a group do when one person keeps interrupting?” Have students write a response, then agree on a rule.
Play discussion bingo with squares for inviting a peer, staying on topic, meeting a deadline, and completing an assigned job.
Have teams plan a class fundraiser, assign jobs, set a decision deadline, and choose one idea to pitch to the principal.

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