9th - 10th Grade Language

For ninth and tenth graders, this Common Core area helps students gain mastery of the rules for using the English language, including vocabulary use and language conventions, in order to improve their skills as writers and readers. Among the complete standards for this grade, ninth and tenth graders will be asked to: demonstrate that they understand standard English usage in writing and speaking by showing that they can use parallel structure, noun, verb, adjectival, adverbial, participial, prepositional, absolute phrases, independent, dependent, noun, relative, adverbial clauses, punctuation, including colons and semicolons, spelling, and conjunctive adverbs properly, effectively employ style guides such as MLA Handbook, Turabian's Manual for Writers, maintain consistent style and tone, be
able to use digital and print glossaries, dictionaries, and thesauruses to find meanings and etymology of words, interpret figures of speech like euphemism and oxymoron in context, gather vocabulary knowledge sufficient for reading, writing, speaking, and listening at the college and career readiness level, understand and to assist in word choice and comprehension.

Circle It! Correct Punctuation

Students will practice identifying correctly used punctuation in this printable activity. They will be asked to read through the given sentences and circle the number of the sentences that have correct punctuation. Ideal for 6th – 12th grade, but can be used where needed.

Explaining Oxymorons

This oxymoron worksheet is awfully good!

Oxymoron Match

An oxymoron is some seriously fun figurative language!

Warm Up to Hyperbole!

Most people exaggerate sometimes. Teach your students about hyperboles and have them complete this worksheet as they learn! Free and printable, it is a must for every classroom.

Warm Up to Oxymoron!

Have you ever heard someone say “That is an oxymoron!” and not know what they meant? Print out this free worksheet to help teach students what an oxymoron is. They will learn the definition, how to identify, and even write their oxymoron with this free worksheet!

Adverbial Phrases

Here’s some practice for understanding adverbial phrases.

Brackets: Changing the Text

This punctuation worksheet features using brackets with edited quotations.

Brackets: Clarifying Text

Now let’s work on brackets to clarify meanings.

Colons Used With Explanations

Here is some practice on using colons with explanations.

Colons: Introducing a Quotation

This worksheet features using colons as an introduction to a quotation.

Context Clues for Meaning

Here’s a high school drill for using context clues for finding word meanings.

Context Clues in Julius Caesar

“Julius Caesar” is the text for this context clue worksheet.

Context Clues: Reading for Meaning

A passage from “A Tale of Two Cities” is the focus for this context clues worksheet.

Correct Spelling: Right or Wrong

In this “Right or Wrong” classroom activity, your students will correct spelling mistakes while proofreading the sentences on this worksheet.

Find It! Faulty Parallel Construction

Practice recognizing faulty parallel construction by completing this printable worksheet. This activity focuses on refining editing and proofing skills. It is ideal for high school students, but can be used where appropriate. Because it is made easy to print, this worksheet is great for use both at home and in the classroom by parents, teachers, or students. Click the link below to download and print the worksheet to get started.

Finding Meaning In Context

This worksheet uses a passage from “Jane Eyre” to develop your student’s skills with context clues.