Classical texts refer to texts that are widely acknowledged for their outstanding and enduring qualities. Students should be able to identify and evaluate traits that define a classical work of literature such as artistic quality, relevance to multiple generations, or universal appeal. Students are expected to understand that classical texts stand the test of time and are connected to many aspects of their present life.

Contemporary texts are defined as literature written after World War II, in other words, literature that is written in the present time about the present time. Students are expected to recognize and analyze how this type of literature reflects the current events, problems, or viewpoints of modern societies.

Students will engage with written works that represent a range of regional, economic, social, and ethnic experiences as well as a range of literary genres and formats (e.g., novels, scripts, and graphic novels). Students are expected to recognize that regardless of the type, context in which they are written, or time/location they represent, stories share common elements that can be presented in a variety of ways.

the type or class of a work, usually categorized by form, technique, or content Literary genres include tragedy, comedy, poetry, novel, short story, creative/literary nonfiction, etc. and the sub genres of fantasy, science fiction, mystery, horror, satire, etc.; nonfiction genres include biography, essay, memoir, historical text, scientific text, academic reporting, etc.

As students become more proficient readers, the texts they engage with and draw meaning from should become more complex in structure, language, and/or content. Within and across grade levels, students are expected to be exposed to challenging texts that allow them the opportunity to practice and master new skills.

Students are expected to recognize and carefully examine the basic components, such as setting, plot, characterization, point of view, theme, and tone, in a variety of literary works. Students should be able to differentiate among these components, analyze the function of those components in a literary text, and determine how the components interact with each other. Literary elements represent the framework of literary genres such as adventure stories, fantasy, mystery, drama, and poetry.

Traditional stories derive from the oldest records of oral and written narratives throughout history (e.g., myths). Students should acknowledge the nature and origin of traditional texts as well as the dual purpose of explaining a natural phenomenon and providing moral teachings. Myths are one example of traditional texts. A myth is typically a story that attempts to provide an explanation for a common cultural belief or a natural occurrence (e.g., why thunder follows lightening or how mountains were formed).