South Dakota ELA 11-12.L.2

11-12.L.2 is a cluster heading. These are the individual standards under it.

• 11-12.L.2.a

  Apply the understanding that mechanics are a matter of convention, can change over time and within different contexts, and are sometimes contested.

• 11-12.L.2.b

  Resolve issues of complex or contested mechanics and conventions.

• 11-12.L.2.c

  Understand the purpose or value of nonstandard English mechanics and conventions (e.g., artistic or stylistic choices in capitalization, punctuation, and spelli...

01

What Students Need to Do

Students edit punctuation, capitalization, and spelling for a given audience. They check a dictionary or style guide when a choice is unclear, and explain when a writer breaks a convention on purpose.

02

What Mastery Looks Like

A student can fix an ambiguous comma and keep list punctuation consistent throughout a document. They can use a style guide to explain their choice and say why lowercase letters might work in a poem but not a formal email.

03

Common Misconceptions

Students may treat every unusual comma or lowercase letter as a mistake. They may think the final comma in a list is always required or never allowed, then switch styles within the same document.

04

How to Assess It

Exit ticket: Rewrite “I thanked my teachers, Ana and Lee” so Ana and Lee are two other people. Explain how your punctuation makes that clear.

1. 01

   Hand pairs an event flyer with mixed capitalization and list commas; have them edit it using a one-page school style sheet.

2. 02

   Show students a lowercase “i” in an e.e. cummings poem; ask them to write what changes if it becomes “I.”

3. 03

   Run a comma-choice relay with four list sentences and two sample style sheets; teams edit each sentence to match their assigned sheet.

4. 04

   Give students a concert poster and a principal email; ask them to adjust capitalization and punctuation for each audience and explain one difference.

• 11-12.L.1

  Demonstrate command of standard English grammar and usage when writing or speaking. Consult references as needed.

• K.L.2

  Demonstrate command of the conventions of standard English when writing.

• 9-10.L.2

  Demonstrate command of standard English mechanics and conventions; consult references as needed.