Course Content
A. Sentences, Fragments, and Run-ons
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A.01. Identify the complete subject or complete predicate of a sentence
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A.02. Identify the simple subject or simple predicate of a sentence
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A.03. Identify the compound subject or compound predicate of a sentence
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A.04. Determine if a given sentence is declarative, interrogative, imperative, or exclamatory
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A.05. Distinguish between complete sentences, fragments, and run-on sentences
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A.06. Correct run-on sentences by using appropriate punctuation or conjunctions
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A.07. Rewrite sentence fragments to create complete sentences
B. Phrases and Clauses
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B.01. Differentiate between phrases and clauses
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B.02. Identify appositives and appositive phrases within sentences
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B.03. Distinguish between dependent and independent clauses
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B.04. Determine whether a sentence is simple, compound, complex, or compound-complex
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B.05. Combine sentences effectively using relative clauses
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B.06. Create complex sentences by embedding dependent clauses within independent clauses
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B.07. Analyze the impact of different clause structures on sentence meaning and flow
C. Nouns
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C.01. Review the rules for forming and using plural nouns
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C.02. Form and use plural forms of compound nouns correctly
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C.03. Identify plural nouns, singular possessive nouns, and plural possessive nouns
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C.04. Form singular and plural possessive nouns accurately
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C.05. Identify and correct common errors involving plural and possessive nouns
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C.06. Identify and correct errors with compound and joint possession
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C.07. Apply the rules of possessive nouns in complex sentence structures
D. Pronouns and Antecedents
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D.07. Analyze complex sentences to identify pronoun-antecedent relationships in challenging contexts
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D.01. Identify pronouns and their corresponding antecedents within sentences
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D.02. Use pronouns that agree in number and gender with their antecedents
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D.03. Correct inappropriate shifts in pronoun number and person
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D.04. Identify and revise vague pronoun references to ensure clarity
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D.05. Identify all possible antecedents for a given pronoun in a sentence
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D.06. Rewrite sentences to eliminate vague pronoun references and improve clarity
E. Pronoun Types
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E.01. Choose between subject and object pronouns correctly
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E.02. Use “I” and “me” correctly in compound subjects and objects
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E.03. Use pronouns correctly in compound subjects and objects
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E.04. Differentiate between personal and reflexive pronouns
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E.05. Use reflexive pronouns appropriately within sentences
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E.06. Determine whether a pronoun is used reflexively or intensively
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E.07. Use relative pronouns (who, whom) correctly to introduce relative clauses
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E.08. Use relative pronouns (who, whom, whose, which, that) accurately in various contexts
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E.09. Master the correct usage of all pronoun types in complex sentence structures.
F. Verb Types
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F.01. Identify transitive and intransitive verbs in sentences
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F.02. Identify linking verbs, predicate adjectives, and predicate nouns
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F.03. Differentiate between action verbs and linking verbs and their function in a sentence
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F.04. Construct sentences using various verb types correctly.
G. Subject-Verb Agreement
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G.01. Correct errors in subject-verb agreement in simple sentences
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G.02. Correct errors in subject-verb agreement when using indefinite pronouns
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G.03. Use the correct verb form with compound subjects joined by “and,” “or,” or “nor”
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G.04. Apply subject-verb agreement rules in sentences with intervening phrases or clauses
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G.05. Master subject-verb agreement in complex sentences and with collective nouns
H. Verb Tense
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H.01. Review the forms of irregular verbs in the past tense
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H.02. Use simple past, present, and future tenses correctly
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H.03. Identify and correct inappropriate shifts in verb tense within a passage
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H.04. Form the progressive verb tenses (present, past, future progressive)
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H.05. Form the perfect verb tenses (present, past, future perfect)
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H.06. Identify participles and determine what they modify in a sentence
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H.07. Identify gerunds and analyze their functions within sentences
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H.08. Identify infinitives and infinitive phrases and their roles in sentence structure
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H.09. Employ verb tenses consistently and accurately to convey time and sequence effectively.
I. Adjectives and Adverbs
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I.01. Identify adjectives in sentences and explain their function
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I.02. Order adjectives correctly according to standard English conventions
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I.03. Identify adverbs in sentences and explain their function
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I.04. Differentiate between adjectives and adverbs based on their function in a sentence
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I.05. Determine whether a given word is used as an adjective or an adverb
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I.06. Form and use comparative and superlative forms of adjectives correctly
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I.07. Use “good,” “better,” “best,” “bad,” “worse,” and “worst” appropriately
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I.08. Form and use comparative and superlative forms of adverbs correctly
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I.09. Use “well,” “better,” “best,” “badly,” “worse,” and “worst” appropriately as adverbs
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I.10. Master the correct usage of adjectives and adverbs to enhance descriptive writing.
J. Prepositions
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J.01. Identify prepositional phrases within sentences
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J.02. Understand the function of prepositional phrases as modifiers
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J.03. Utilize prepositional phrases to add detail and clarity to writing
K. Direct and Indirect Objects
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K.01. Distinguish between direct objects and indirect objects in sentences
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K.02. Understand the grammatical roles of direct and indirect objects
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K.03. Construct sentences incorporating both direct and indirect objects effectively.
L. Conjunctions
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L.01. Use the correct pairs of correlative conjunctions (e.g., either/or, neither/nor)
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L.02. Understand the function of coordinating and subordinating conjunctions
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L.03. Combine sentences effectively using conjunctions to express various relationships.
M. Capitalisation
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M.01. Correct capitalization errors in sentences and passages
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M.02. Apply capitalization rules for titles of works (books, articles, etc.)
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M.03. Demonstrate mastery of capitalization rules in a variety of writing contexts
N. Formatting
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N.01. Apply correct formatting conventions for titles of works
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N.02. Review and demonstrate proficiency in formatting and capitalizing titles
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N.03. Understand and apply various formatting techniques for different types of writing.
O. Punctuation: Commas
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O.01. Use commas correctly in compound and complex sentences
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O.02. Use commas with direct addresses, introductory words, interjections, and interrupters
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O.03. Use commas with coordinate adjectives that modify the same noun
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O.04. Master the use of commas in various sentence structures and contexts.
P. Punctuation: Semicolons, Colons, and Commas
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P.01. Use semicolons and commas effectively to separate clauses in sentences
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P.02. Use semicolons, colons, and commas correctly when creating lists
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P.03. Differentiate between the appropriate use of semicolons, colons, and commas.
Q. Punctuation: Dashes, Hyphens, and Ellipses
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Q.01. Use dashes appropriately to indicate a break in thought or emphasis
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Q.02. Use hyphens correctly in compound adjectives
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Q.03. Determine whether ellipses are used appropriately to indicate omissions
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Q.04. Understand and apply the proper uses of dashes, hyphens, and ellipses in writing.
R. Misplaced Modifiers
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R.01. Identify misplaced modifiers in sentences with visual aids
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R.02. Select the misplaced or dangling modifier in a sentence
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R.03. Determine whether modifiers are used correctly in sentences
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R.04. Rewrite sentences to correct misplaced or dangling modifiers and improve clarity.
S. Restrictive and Non-restrictive Elements
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S.01. Interpret the meaning conveyed by punctuation marks used with restrictive and non-restrictive elements
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S.02. Use commas correctly with non-restrictive elements (phrases or clauses)
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S.03. Differentiate between restrictive and non-restrictive elements and punctuate them accordingly.
T. Vocabulary: Prefixes and Suffixes
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T.01. Understand and use words with the prefix “pre-“
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T.02. Understand and use words with the prefix “re-“
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T.03. Understand and use words with the prefix “sub-“
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T.04. Understand and use words with the prefix “mis-“
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T.05. Understand and use words with the prefixes “un-,” “dis-,” “in-,” “im-,” and “non-“
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T.06. Understand and use words with the suffix “-ful”
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T.07. Understand and use words with the suffix “-less”
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T.08. Understand and use words with the suffixes “-able” and “-ible”
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T.09. Analyze words to identify prefixes and suffixes and their impact on meaning.
U. Vocabulary: Greek and Latin Roots
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U.01. Use Greek and Latin roots as clues to determine the meanings of unfamiliar words
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U.02. Use familiar words as clues to understand the meanings of Greek and Latin roots
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U.03. Determine the meanings of common Greek and Latin roots
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U.04. Determine the meanings of words containing Greek and Latin roots
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U.05. Apply knowledge of Greek and Latin roots to expand vocabulary and comprehension.
V. Vocabulary: Synonyms and Antonyms
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V.01. Choose the correct synonym for a given word
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V.02. Choose the correct antonym for a given word
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V.03. Differentiate between shades of meaning among synonyms and antonyms
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V.04. Use synonyms and antonyms effectively to enhance writing style and clarity.
W. Vocabulary: Word Choice and Usage
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W.01. Describe the subtle differences in meaning between related words
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W.02. Distinguish between words with positive and negative connotations
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W.03. Select the most appropriate word based on context and intended meaning
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W.04. Analyze how connotation affects the tone and impact of writing.
X. Vocabulary: Homophones
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X.01. Use the correct homophone (words that sound alike but have different meanings and spellings)
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X.02. Choose the definition of a homophone that matches its use in a given sentence
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X.03. Select the sentence that correctly uses a given homophone based on its definition
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X.04. Master the correct usage of commonly confused homophones in writing.
Y. Vocabulary: Analogies
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Y.01. Solve basic analogies by identifying relationships between pairs of words
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Y.02. Solve more challenging analogies requiring nuanced understanding of word relationships
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Y.03. Create original analogies to demonstrate understanding of complex relationships.
Z. Vocabulary: Context Clues
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Z.01. Identify unfamiliar words using context clues within a passage
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Z.02. Determine the meaning of words using synonyms provided in context
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Z.03. Determine the meaning of words using antonyms provided in context
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Z.04. Use various types of context clues to infer the meaning of unfamiliar words.
AA. Vocabulary: Domain-Specific Vocabulary
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AA.01. Determine the meaning of domain-specific words (words related to a specific subject or field) using visual aids
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AA.02. Understand and use domain-specific vocabulary in appropriate contexts
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AA.03. Research and define domain-specific words encountered in various texts
BB. Vocabulary: Reference Skills
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BB.01. Arrange words in alphabetical order accurately
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BB.02. Use guide words effectively to locate entries in a dictionary or other reference source
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BB.03. Interpret information presented in dictionary entries (definitions, pronunciations, etc.)
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BB.04. Use dictionary definitions to determine the correct meaning of a word in context
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BB.05. Use thesaurus entries to find synonyms and antonyms for a given word
CC. Reading Strategies: Main Idea
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CC.04. Analyze how the author develops and emphasizes the main idea throughout the text.
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CC.01. Determine the main idea of a passage accurately
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CC.02. Summarize a passage concisely, focusing on the central point
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CC.03. Identify supporting details that reinforce the main idea
DD. Reading Strategies: Theme
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DD.01. Match quotations from a text with their corresponding themes
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DD.02. Determine the themes of short stories and other literary works
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DD.03. Analyze how various literary elements contribute to the development of a theme
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DD.04. Compare and contrast themes across different literary works.
EE. Reading Strategies: Author’s Purpose and Tone
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EE.01. Identify the author’s primary purpose in writing a passage (e.g., to inform, persuade, entertain)
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EE.02. Determine which sentence is more formal in tone
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EE.03. Compare passages to identify differences in tone (e.g., serious, humorous, sarcastic)
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EE.04. Analyze how the author’s word choice and style contribute to the overall tone and purpose of the text.
FF. Reading Strategies: Point of View
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FF.01. Determine the author’s point of view in a passage (e.g., first-person, third-person limited, third-person omniscient)
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FF.02. Analyze how point of view affects the reader’s understanding of the story or information
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FF.03. Compare and contrast different points of view and their impact on narrative.
GG. Reading Strategies: Text Structure
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GG.01. Compare and contrast information presented in informational texts
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GG.02. Match causes and effects in informational texts
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GG.03. Match problems with their corresponding solutions in informational texts
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GG.04. Identify different types of text structures (e.g., sequence, description, cause and effect, compare and contrast)
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GG.05. Analyze how the text structure contributes to the overall meaning and organization of the text.
HH. Reading Strategies: Literary Devices
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HH.01. Interpret the meaning of an allusion based on its source
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HH.02. Recall the source of a given allusion
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HH.03. Interpret the meaning of various figures of speech (e.g., metaphor, simile, personification)
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HH.04. Classify different types of figures of speech
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HH.05. Analyze the effects of figures of speech on meaning and tone in a text
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HH.06. Evaluate the effectiveness of literary devices in enhancing a text’s impact.
II. Reading Strategies: Analysing Literature
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II.01. Analyze elements of short stories, such as plot, character, setting, and conflict
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II.02. Interpret the author’s message and purpose within literary works
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II.03. Evaluate the use of literary techniques and their contribution to the overall meaning.
JJ. Reading Strategies: Analysing Informational Texts
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JJ.01. Read and understand informational passages on a variety of topics
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JJ.02. Trace the development of an argument presented in an informational text
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JJ.03. Evaluate the evidence and reasoning used to support claims in informational texts.
KK. Reading Strategies: Comparing Texts
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KK.01. Compare two texts with different genres (e.g., a poem and a short story)
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KK.02. Analyze similarities and differences in theme, style, and purpose between texts
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KK.03. Evaluate the effectiveness of different genres in conveying specific messages.
LL. Reading Strategies: Visual Elements
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LL.01. Compare illustrations depicting literary and historical subjects
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LL.02. Analyze how visual elements contribute to the understanding and interpretation of a text
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LL.03. Evaluate the accuracy and effectiveness of visual representations of literary and historical content.
MM. Writing Strategies: Organising Writing
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MM.01. Order topics from broadest to narrowest in preparation for writing
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MM.02. Organize information effectively by topic to create coherent paragraphs
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MM.03. Use transitions with conjunctive adverbs to connect ideas smoothly
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MM.04. Structure written pieces with clear introductions, body paragraphs, and conclusions.
NN. Writing Strategies: Developing and Supporting Arguments
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NN.01. Distinguish between facts and opinions in written statements
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NN.02. Choose relevant evidence to support a specific claim or argument
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NN.03. Identify supporting details in informational texts that strengthen the author’s point
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NN.04. Identify supporting details in literary texts that contribute to the overall meaning
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NN.05. Identify counterclaims that challenge the main argument
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NN.06. Construct well-reasoned arguments with credible evidence and effective counterarguments.
OO. Writing Strategies: Creative Techniques
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OO.01. Use personification effectively to enhance descriptive writing
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OO.02. Incorporate other creative writing techniques, such as imagery and figurative language, to engage the reader
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OO.03. Experiment with different writing styles and techniques to develop a unique voice.
PP. Writing Strategies: Active and Passive Voice
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PP.01. Identify active and passive voice in sentences
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PP.02. Rewrite sentences from passive voice to active voice to improve clarity and conciseness
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PP.03. Understand the appropriate use of active and passive voice in different writing contexts.
QQ. Writing Strategies: Editing and Revising
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QQ.01. Use parallel structure to create balanced and grammatically correct sentences
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QQ.02. Remove redundant words or phrases to improve clarity and conciseness
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QQ.03. Use the correct form of frequently confused words (e.g., there/their/they’re, to/too/two)
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QQ.04. Correct errors involving frequently confused words in written passages
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QQ.05. Suggest appropriate revisions to improve the overall quality of a piece of writing
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QQ.06. Critically evaluate and revise written work to enhance clarity, coherence, and style.
RR. Writing Strategies: Research Skills
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RR.01. Identify instances of plagiarism in written work
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RR.02. Understand the importance of proper citation and attribution of sources
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RR.03. Apply effective research strategies to gather information and avoid plagiarism.