North Carolina 6th Grade Standards

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English Language Arts 60 standards

Reading Literature

Reading Literature
RL.6.1Cite textual evidence to support analysis of what the text says explicitly as well as inferences drawn from the text.
RL.6.2Determine a theme of a text and how it is conveyed through particular details; provide a summary of the text distinct from personal opinions or judgments.
RL.6.3Describe how a particular story’s or drama’s plot unfolds in a series of episodes as well as how the characters respond or change as the plot moves toward a resolution.
RL.6.4Determine the meaning of words and phrases as they are used in a text; analyze the impact of a specific word choice on meaning and tone.
RL.6.5Analyze how a particular sentence, chapter, scene, or stanza fits into the overall structure of a text and contributes to the development of the theme, setting, or plot.
RL.6.6Explain how an author develops the point of view of the narrator or speaker in a text.
RL.6.7Compare and contrast the experience of reading a story, drama, or poem to listening to or viewing an audio, video, or live version of the text, including contrasting what they “see” and “hear” when reading the text to what they perceive when they listen or watch.
RL.6.9Compare and contrast texts in different forms or genres in terms of their approaches to similar themes and topics.
RL.6.10By the end of grade 6, read and understand literature within the 6-8 text complexity band proficiently and independently for sustained periods of time. Connect prior knowledge and experiences to text.

Reading Informational Text

Reading Informational Text
RI.6.1Cite textual evidence to support analysis of what the text says explicitly as well as inferences drawn from the text.
RI.6.2Determine a central idea of a text and how it is conveyed through particular details; provide a summary of the text distinct from personal opinions or judgments.
RI.6.3Analyze in detail how a key individual, event, or idea is introduced, illustrated, and elaborated in a text.
RI.6.4Determine the meaning of words and phrases as they are used in a text; analyze the impact of a specific word choice on meaning.
RI.6.5Analyze how a particular sentence, paragraph, chapter, or section fits into the overall structure of a text and contributes to the development of the ideas.
RI.6.6Determine an author’s point of view or purpose in a text and explain how it is conveyed in the text.
RI.6.7Integrate information presented in different media or formats, including visually and quantitatively, as well as in words to develop a coherent understanding of a topic or issue.
RI.6.8Trace and evaluate the argument and specific claims in a text, distinguishing claims that are supported by reasons and evidence from claims that are not.
RI.6.9Compare and contrast one author’s presentation of events with that of another.
RI.6.10By the end of grade 6, read and understand informational texts within the 6-8 text complexity band proficiently and independently for sustained periods of time. Connect prior knowledge and experiences to text.

Writing

Writing
W.6.1 Write arguments to support claims with clear reasons and relevant evidence.
W.6.1aOrganize information and ideas around a topic to plan and prepare to write.
W.6.1bIntroduce claim(s) and organize the reasons and evidence clearly.
W.6.1cSupport claim(s) with clear reasons and relevant evidence, using credible sources and demonstrating an understanding of the topic or text.
W.6.1dUse words, phrases, and clauses to clarify the relationships among claim(s) and reasons.
W.6.1eEstablish and maintain a formal style.
W.6.1fProvide a concluding statement or section that follows from the argument presented.
W.6.1gWith some guidance and support from peers and adults, develop and strengthen writing as needed by
W.6.2 Write informative/explanatory texts to examine a topic and convey ideas, concepts, and information through the selection, organization, and analysis of relevant content.
W.6.2aOrganize information and ideas around a topic to plan and prepare to write.
W.6.2bIntroduce a topic; organize ideas, concepts, and information, using strategies such as definition, classification, comparison/contrast, and cause/effect; include formatting, graphics, and multimedia when useful to aiding comprehension.
W.6.2cDevelop the topic with relevant facts, definitions, concrete details, quotations, or other information and examples.
W.6.2dUse appropriate transitions to clarify the relationships among ideas and concepts.
W.6.2eUse precise language and domain-specific vocabulary to inform about or explain the topic.
W.6.2fEstablish and maintain a formal style.
W.6.2gProvide a concluding statement or section that follows from the information or explanation presented.
W.6.2hWith some guidance and support from peers and adults, develop and strengthen writing as needed by revising, editing, rewriting, or trying a new approach, with consideration to task, purpose, and audience.
W.6.3 Write narratives to develop real or imagined experiences or events using effective technique, relevant descriptive
W.6.3aOrganize information and ideas around a topic to plan and prepare to write.
W.6.3bEngage and orient the reader by establishing a context and introducing a narrator and/or characters; organize an event sequence that unfolds naturally and logically.
W.6.3cUse narrative techniques, such as dialogue, pacing, and description, to develop experiences, events, and/or characters.
W.6.3dUse a variety of transition words, phrases, and clauses to convey sequence and signal shifts from one time frame or setting to another.
W.6.3eUse precise words and phrases, relevant descriptive details, and sensory language to convey experiences and events.
W.6.3fProvide a conclusion that follows from the narrated experiences or events.
W.6.3gWith some guidance and support from peers and adults, develop and strengthen writing as needed by revising, editing, rewriting, or trying a new approach, with consideration to task, purpose, and audience.
W.6.4Use digital tools and resources to produce and publish writing as well as to interact and collaborate with others; demonstrate sufficient word processing skills.
W.6.5Conduct short research projects to answer a question, drawing on several sources and refocusing the investigation when appropriate."
W.6.6Gather relevant information from multiple print and digital sources; assess the credibility of each source; and quote or paraphrase the data and conclusions of others while avoiding plagiarism and providing basic bibliographic information for sources."

Speaking and Listening

Speaking and Listening
SL.6.1 Engage effectively in a range of collaborative discussions (one on one, in groups, and teacher-led) with diverse partners on grade 6 topics, texts, and issues, building on others’ ideas and expressing their own clearly.
SL.6.1aCome to discussions prepared, having read or studied required material; explicitly draw on that preparation by referring to evidence on the topic, text, or issue to probe and reflect on ideas under discussion.
SL.6.1bFollow rules for collegial discussions, set specific goals and deadlines, and define individual roles as needed.
SL.6.1cPose and respond to specific questions with elaboration and detail by making comments that contribute to the topic, text, or issue under discussion.
SL.6.1dReview the key ideas expressed and demonstrate understanding of multiple perspectives through reflection and paraphrasing.
SL.6.2Interpret information presented in diverse media and formats and explain how it contributes to a topic, text, or issue under study.
SL.6.3Delineate a speaker’s argument and specific claims, distinguishing claims that are supported by reasons and evidence from claims that are not.
SL.6.4Present claims and findings, sequencing ideas logically and using pertinent descriptions, facts, and details to accentuate main ideas or themes; adapt speech to a variety of contexts and tasks.
SL.6.5Include multimedia components and visual displays in presentations to clarify information.

Language

Language
L.6.1Demonstrate command of the conventions of standard English grammar and usage when writing or speaking; demonstrate proficiency within the 6-8 grammar continuum.
L.6.2Demonstrate command of the conventions of standard English capitalization, punctuation, and spelling when writing; demonstrate proficiency within the 6-8 conventions continuum.
L.6.3 Use knowledge of language and its conventions when writing, speaking, reading, or listening.
L.6.3aVary sentence patterns for meaning, reader/listener interest, and style.
L.6.3bMaintain consistency in style and tone.
L.6.4Determine and/or clarify the meaning of unknown and multiple-meaning words and phrases based on grade 6 reading and content, choosing flexibly from a range of strategies: context clues, word parts, word relationships, and reference materials.
L.6.5 Demonstrate understanding of figurative language and nuances in word meanings.
L.6.5aInterpret figures of speech in context based on grade 6 reading and content.
L.6.5bDistinguish among the connotations of words with similar denotations.
L.6.6Acquire and use accurately grade-appropriate general academic and domain-specific words and phrases; develop vocabulary knowledge when considering a word or phrase important to comprehension or expression.

Mathematics 76 standards

Ratio and Proportional Relationships

Understand ratio concepts and use ratio reasoning to solve problems.
NC.6.RP.1 Understand the concept of a ratio and use ratio language to:
Describe a ratio as a multiplicative relationship between two quantities.
Model a ratio relationship using a variety of representations.
NC.6.RP.2Understand that ratios can be expressed as equivalent unit ratios by finding and interpreting both unit ratios in context.
NC.6.RP.3 Use ratio reasoning with equivalent whole-number ratios to solve real-world and mathematical problems by:
Creating and using a table to compare ratios.
Finding missing values in the tables.
Using a unit ratio.
Converting and manipulating measurements using given ratios.
Plotting the pairs of values on the coordinate plane.
NC.6.RP.4 Use ratio reasoning to solve real-world and mathematical problems with percents by:
Understanding and finding a percent of a quantity as a ratio per 100.
Using equivalent ratios, such as benchmark percents (50%, 25%, 10%, 5%, 1%), to determine a part of any given quantity.
Finding the whole, given a part and the percent.

The Number System

Apply and extend previous understandings of multiplication and division to divide fractions by fractions.
NC.6.NS.1 Use visual models and common denominators to:
Interpret and compute quotients of fractions.
Solve real-world and mathematical problems involving division of fractions.
Compute fluently with multi-digit numbers and find common factors and multiples.
NC.6.NS.2Fluently divide using long division with a minimum of a four-digit dividend and interpret the quotient and remainder in context.
NC.6.NS.3Apply and extend previous understandings of decimals to develop and fluently use the standard algorithms for addition, subtraction, multiplication and division of decimals.
NC.6.NS.4 Understand and use prime factorization and the relationships between factors to:
Find the unique prime factorization for a whole number.
Find the greatest common factor of two whole numbers less than or equal to 100.
Use the greatest common factor and the distributive property to rewrite the sum of two whole numbers, each less than or equal to 100.
Find the least common multiple of two whole numbers less than or equal to 12 to add and subtract fractions with unlike denominators.
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-’[Standard: Apply and extend previous understandings of numbers to the system of rational numbers.
NC.6.NS.5 Understand and use rational numbers to:
Describe quantities having opposite directions or values.
Represent quantities in real-world contexts, explaining the meaning of 0 in each situation.
Understand the absolute value of a rational number as its distance from 0 on the number line to:
Interpret absolute value as magnitude for a positive or negative quantity in a real-world context.
Distinguish comparisons of absolute value from statements about order.
NC.6.NS.6 Understand rational numbers as points on the number line and as ordered pairs on a coordinate plane.
a. On a number line:
Recognize opposite signs of numbers as indicating locations on opposite sides of 0 and that the opposite of the opposite of a number is the number itself.
Find and position rational numbers on a horizontal or vertical number line.
On a coordinate plane:
Understand signs of numbers in ordered pairs as indicating locations in quadrants.
Recognize that when two ordered pairs differ only by signs, the locations of the points are related by reflections across one or both axes.
Find and position pairs of rational numbers on a coordinate plane.
NC.6.NS.7 Understand ordering of rational numbers.
Interpret statements of inequality as statements about the relative position of two numbers on a number line diagram.
Write, interpret, and explain statements of order for rational numbers in real-world contexts.
NC.6.NS.8Solve real-world and mathematical problems by graphing points in all four quadrants of the coordinate plane. Include use of coordinates and absolute value to find distances between points with the same first coordinate or the same second coordinate.
NC.6.NS.9 Apply and extend previous understandings of addition and subtraction.
Describe situations in which opposite quantities combine to make 0.
Understand 𝑝+𝑞 as the number located a distance q from p, in the positive or negative direction depending on the sign of q. Show that a number and its additive inverse create a zero pair.
Understand subtraction of integers as adding the additive inverse, 𝑝 − 𝑞 = 𝑝 +(–𝑞). Show that the distance between two integers on the number line is the absolute value of their difference.
Use models to add and subtract integers from -20 to 20 and describe real-world contexts using sums and differences.

Expressions and Equations

Apply and extend previous understandings of arithmetic to algebraic expressions.
NC.6.EE.1Write and evaluate numerical expressions, with and without grouping symbols, involving whole-number exponents.
NC.6.EE.2 Write, read, and evaluate algebraic expressions.
Write expressions that record operations with numbers and with letters standing for numbers.
Identify parts of an expression using mathematical terms and view one or more of those parts as a single entity.
Evaluate expressions at specific values of their variables using expressions that arise from formulas used in real-world problems.
NC.6.EE.3Apply the properties of operations to generate equivalent expressions without exponents.
NC.6.EE.4Identify when two expressions are equivalent and justify with mathematical reasoning.
Reason about and solve one-variable equations.
NC.6.EE.5Use substitution to determine whether a given number in a specified set makes an equation true.
NC.6.EE.6Use variables to represent numbers and write expressions when solving a real-world or mathematical problem.
NC.6.EE.7 Solve real-world and mathematical problems by writing and solving equations of the form:
x + p = q in which p, q and x are all nonnegative rational numbers; and,
p ⋅ x = q for cases in which p, q and x are all nonnegative rational numbers.
Reason about one variable inequalities.
NC.6.EE.8 Reason about inequalities by:
Using substitution to determine whether a given number in a specified set makes an inequality true.
Writing an inequality of the form x > c or x < c to represent a constraint or condition in a real-world or mathematical problem.
Recognizing that inequalities of the form x > c or x < c have infinitely many solutions.
Representing solutions of inequalities on number line diagrams.
Represent and analyze quantitative relationships between dependent and independent variables.
NC.6.EE.9 Represent and analyze quantitative relationships by:
Using variables to represent two quantities in a real-world or mathematical context that change in relationship to one another.
Analyze the relationship between quantities in different representations (context, equations, tables, and graphs).

Geometry

Solve real-world and mathematical problems involving area, surface area, and volume.
NC.6.G.1 Create geometric models to solve real-world and mathematical problems to:
Find the area of triangles by composing into rectangles and decomposing into right triangles.
Find the area of special quadrilaterals and polygons by decomposing into triangles or rectangles.
NC.6.G.2Apply and extend previous understandings of the volume of a right rectangular prism to find the volume of right rectangular prisms with fractional edge lengths. Apply this understanding to the context of solving real-world and mathematical problems.
NC.6.G.3 Use the coordinate plane to solve real-world and mathematical problems by:
Drawing polygons in the coordinate plane given coordinates for the vertices.
Using coordinates to find the length of a side joining points with the same first coordinate or the same second coordinate.
NC.6.G.4Represent right prisms and right pyramids using nets made up of rectangles and triangles, and use the nets to find the surface area of these figures. Apply these techniques in the context of solving real-world and mathematical problems.

Statistics and Probability

Develop understanding of statistical variability.
NC.6.SP.1Recognize a statistical question as one that anticipates variability in the data related to the question and accounts for it in the answers.
NC.6.SP.2Understand that a set of data collected to answer a statistical question has a distribution which can be described by its center, spread, and overall shape.
NC.6.SP.3 Understand that both a measure of center and a description of variability should be considered when describing a numerical data set.
Determine the measure of center of a data set and understand that it is a single number that summarizes all the values of that data set.
Understand that a mean is a measure of center that represents a balance point or fair share of a data set and can be influenced by the presence of extreme values within the data set.
Understand the median as a measure of center that is the numerical middle of an ordered data set.
Understand that describing the variability of a data set is needed to distinguish between data sets in the same scale, by comparing graphical representations of different data sets in the same scale that have similar measures of center, but different spreads.
Summarize and describe distributions.
NC.6.SP.4 Display numerical data in plots on a number line.
Use dot plots, histograms, and box plots to represent data.
Compare the attributes of different representations of the same data.
NC.6.SP.5 Summarize numerical data sets in relation to their context.
Describe the collected data by:
Reporting the number of observations in dot plots and histograms.
Communicating the nature of the attribute under investigation, how it was measured, and the units of measurement.
Analyze center and variability by:
Giving quantitative measures of center, describing variability, and any overall pattern, and noting any striking deviations.
Justifying the appropriate choice of measures of center using the shape of the data distribution.

Science 26 standards

Matter and its Interactions

PS.6.1 Understand the structure, states, and physical properties of matter.
PS.6.1.1Use models to illustrate that matter is made of atoms and elements, and are distinguished from each other by the types of atoms that compose them.
PS.6.1.2Use models to explain the relationship between changes in thermal energy in a substance and the motion of its particles (including phase changes).
PS.6.1.3Carry out investigations to compare the physical properties of pure substances that are independent of the amount of matter present including density, melting point, boiling point and solubility to properties that are dependent on the amount of matter present to include volume, mass and weight.

Energy

PS.6.2 Understand characteristics of thermal and electrical energy transfer and interactions of matter and energy.
PS.6.2.1Use models to compare the directional transfer of heat energy of matter through convection, radiation, and conduction.
PS.6.2.2Use models to explain how the transfer of heat and resulting change of temperature impacts the behavior of matter to include expansion, and contraction.
PS.6.2.3Carry out investigations to compare the transfer of thermal energy in insulated and non-insulated materials (examples could include insulated box, solar cooker, or styrofoam cup).
PS.6.2.4Engage in argument from evidence to classify materials as conductors and insulators of energy (both thermal and electrical).
PS.6.2.5Carry out investigations to explain the transfer of electrical energy in electrical circuits, to include how a circuit requires a complete loop through which an electrical current can pass.

Waves and Their Applications in Technologies for Information Transfer

PS.6.3 Understand the properties of waves and the wavelike property of energy in seismic, electromagnetic (including visible light), and sound waves.
PS.6.3.1Use models of a simple wave to explain wave properties in seismic, light, and sound waves that include: waves having a repeating pattern with a specific amplitude, frequency, and wavelength, and the amplitude of a wave is related to the energy of the wave.
PS.6.3.2Carry out investigations to conclude the relationship between the electromagnetic spectrum (including visible light) and sight.
PS.6.3.3Carry out investigations to conclude the relationship between sound waves (including rate of vibration, the medium through which vibrations travel) and hearing.
PS.6.3.4Use models to explain that various waves (seismic, sound, electromagnetic, including visible light) are reflected, absorbed or transmitted through various materials.

From Molecules to Organisms - Structures and Processes

LS.6.1 Understand the structures, processes, and behaviors of plants that enable them to survive and reproduce.
LS.6.1.1Use models to explain how the processes of photosynthesis, respiration, and transpiration work together to meet the needs of plants.
LS.6.1.2Construct an explanation to compare how vascular and nonvascular plants obtain, transport, and use nutrients and water necessary for survival.
LS.6.1.3Use models to summarize structural adaptations, processes, and responses that flowering plants use for defense, survival and reproduction.

Ecosystems - Interactions, Energy, and Dynamics

LS.6.2 Understand the flow of energy through ecosystems and the responses of populations to the biotic and abiotic factors in their environment.
LS.6.2.1Use models to summarize how energy derived from the sun is used by plants to produce sugars (photosynthesis) and is transferred to consumers and decomposers.
LS.6.2.2Analyze and interpret data to predict how the abiotic factors (such as temperature, water, sunlight, and soil quality) and biotic factors affect the ability of organisms to grow and survive in different biomes (freshwater, marine, temperate forest, rainforest, grassland, desert, taiga, tundra).

Earth’s Place in the Universe

ESS.6.1 Understand the earth/moon/sun system, and the properties, structures and predictable motions of celestial bodies in the Universe.
ESS.6.1.1Use models to explain how the relative motion and relative position of the Sun, Earth and moon affect the seasons, tides, phases of the moon, and eclipses.
ESS.6.1.2Analyze and interpret data to compare the planets in our solar system in terms of: size and gravitational force relative to Earth, surface and atmospheric features, relative distance from the sun, and ability to support life.
ESS.6.1.3Use models to explain how the gravitational forces of the Sun and planets impact the structure of our solar system.
ESS.6.1.4Analyze and interpret data from historical and ongoing space exploration to illustrate the size and scale of the components of our solar system, galaxy, and universe.

Earth’s Systems

ESS.6.2 Understand the lithosphere and how interactions of constructive and destructive forces have resulted in changes in the surface of the earth over time.
ESS.6.2.1Use models to summarize the structure of the earth, including the layers, the mantle and core based on the relative position, composition and density.
ESS.6.2.2Construct an explanation to illustrate how the movement of lithospheric plates can create geologic landforms and cause major geologic events such as earthquakes and volcanic eruptions.
ESS.6.2.3Use models to explain the rock cycle and its relationship to the formation of soil (including how different types of soil come from different types of rocks).

Earth and Human Activity

ESS.6.3 Understand the reciprocal relationship between the lithosphere and humans.
ESS.6.3.1Engage in argument from evidence to explain that the good health of humans and the environment requires: monitoring of the lithosphere, maintaining soil quality and stewardship.
ESS.6.3.2Obtain, evaluate, and communicate information to compare the implications of sustainable and unsustainable land use practices (including agriculture and deforestation) and the importance of stewardship.

More Information: North Carolina Dates, Sources and Homeschool Law

North Carolina Standard Course of Study, published by the North Carolina Department of Public Instruction (NC DPI).

Adopted by the state: English 2017, Math 2017, Science 2023, Social Studies 2021
Last checked by NexStudents: September 25, 2026

Copied from the state's own files, word for word. States revise their standards, so check the state's page for the current version.

English Language Arts (the state's file)
Mathematics (the state's file)
Science (the state's file)
Social Studies (the state's file)

Homeschool Law in North Carolina

School required for ages: 7–16
Ways to homeschool: One
Notice to the state: Yes
Teacher qualifications: Yes
Required subjects: No
Testing or evaluation: Yes
Immunization records: Yes
Instruction time: A regular schedule for at least nine calendar months a year, apart from reasonable holidays.
The law: North Carolina General Statute §115C-563

Written from HSLDA's summary of North Carolina homeschool law, read September 25, 2026. Laws change and this is not legal advice. Read HSLDA's full step-by-step guide before you file anything.