
Course Content
A. Sentences and Sentence Structure
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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 group of words is a complete sentence, a fragment, or a run-on.
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A.05. Determine if a sentence is declarative, interrogative, imperative, or exclamatory.
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A.06. Determine if a sentence is simple, compound, complex or compound-complex?
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A.07. Combine sentences using relative clauses.
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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.
B. Parts of Speech: Nouns
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B.01. Form the plurals of nouns (review).
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B.02. Form and use plurals of compound nouns correctly.
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B.03. Differentiate between plurals, singular possessives, and plural possessives.
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B.04. Form the singular or plural possessive of a given noun.
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B.05. Identify and correct errors with plural and possessive nouns.
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B.06. Identify and correct errors with compound and joint possession.
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B.07. Distinguish between count and non-count nouns and use them correctly.
C. Parts of Speech: Pronouns
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C.01. Identify pronouns and their antecedents in a sentence.
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C.02. Use pronouns that agree with their antecedents in number and gender.
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C.03. Correct inappropriate shifts in pronoun number and person within a sentence.
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C.04. Identify vague pronoun references and revise sentences for clarity.
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C.05. Identify all possible antecedents for a pronoun in a complex sentence.
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C.06. Choose between subject and object pronouns correctly.
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C.07. Use ‘I’ and ‘me’ correctly in compound subjects and objects.
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C.08. Use personal and reflexive pronouns accurately.
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C.09. Determine if a pronoun is reflexive or intensive.
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C.10. Use relative pronouns (who, whom, whose, which, that) correctly.
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C.11. Distinguish between demonstrative and indefinite pronouns.
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C.12. Apply pronoun case rules in complex sentences.
D. Parts of Speech: Verbs
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D.01. Identify transitive and intransitive verbs in sentences.
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D.02. Identify linking verbs, predicate adjectives, and predicate nouns.
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D.03. Use irregular past tense verbs correctly (review).
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D.04. Use simple past, present, and future tenses correctly (review).
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D.05. Identify and correct inappropriate shifts in verb tense within a passage.
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D.06. Form the progressive verb tenses accurately.
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D.07. Form the perfect verb tenses accurately.
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D.08. Identify participles and explain what they modify.
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D.09. Identify gerunds and explain their functions in a sentence.
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D.10. Identify infinitives and infinitive phrases.
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D.11. Form and use the subjunctive mood to express wishes, suggestions, or hypothetical situations.
E. Subject-Verb Agreement
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E.01. Correct errors in subject-verb agreement in simple sentences.
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E.02. Correct errors in indefinite pronoun-verb agreement.
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E.03. Use the correct verb form with compound subjects joined by ‘and’ or ‘or.’
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E.04. Apply subject-verb agreement rules in sentences with intervening phrases.
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E.05. Demonstrate understanding of subject-verb agreement with collective nouns.
F. Parts of Speech: Adjectives and Adverbs
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F.01. Identify adjectives in a sentence.
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F.02. Order adjectives correctly according to standard English conventions.
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F.03. Identify adverbs in a sentence.
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F.04. Differentiate between adjectives and adverbs in terms of their function.
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F.05. Determine if a given word is functioning as an adjective or an adverb.
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F.06. Form and use comparative and superlative adjectives correctly.
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F.07. Use ‘good, better, best, bad, worse, and worst’ appropriately.
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F.08. Form and use comparative and superlative adverbs correctly.
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F.09. Use ‘well, better, best, badly, worse, and worst’ appropriately.
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F.10. Use coordinating adjectives effectively to enhance descriptions.
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F.11. Distinguish between relative and absolute adjectives.
G. Phrases and Clauses
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G.01. Differentiate between phrases and clauses.
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G.02. Identify appositives and appositive phrases and understand their function.
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G.03. Identify dependent and independent clauses within complex sentences.
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G.04. Distinguish between essential and nonessential clauses and phrases.
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G.05. Use phrases and clauses to add detail and complexity to writing.
H. Punctuation: Commas
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H.01. Use commas correctly in compound and complex sentences.
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H.02. Use commas with direct addresses, introductory words, interjections, and interrupters.
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H.03. Use commas with coordinate adjectives.
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H.04. Use commas to separate items in a series.
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H.05. Apply comma rules to set off nonrestrictive clauses and phrases.
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H.06. Use commas to prevent misreading.
I. Punctuation: Semicolons, Colons, and Dashes
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I.01. Use semicolons and commas correctly to separate clauses in sentences.
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I.02. Use semicolons, colons, and commas correctly with lists.
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I.03. Use dashes effectively to set off parenthetical elements or indicate a sudden break.
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I.04. Distinguish between the proper uses of semicolons, colons, and commas.
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I.05. Combine sentences using semicolons to show relationships between ideas.
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I.06. Use colons to introduce lists, explanations, or quotations.
J. Punctuation: Hyphens and Ellipses
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J.01. Use hyphens correctly in compound adjectives.
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J.02. Determine whether ellipses are used appropriately to indicate omissions.
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J.03. Apply hyphenation rules for clarity and readability.
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J.04. Use ellipses to create pauses or suggest unfinished thoughts in writing.
K. Mechanics: Capitalisation
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K.01. Correct capitalization errors in sentences.
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K.02. Capitalize titles of works correctly according to standard conventions.
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K.03. Apply capitalization rules for proper nouns, places, and organizations.
L. Formatting
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L.01. Format titles of works correctly (e.g., using italics, quotation marks).
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L.02. Apply formatting and capitalization rules for titles of works.
M. Vocabulary: Prefixes and Suffixes
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M.01. Understand and use words with the prefix ‘pre-‘.
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M.02. Understand and use words with the prefix ‘re-‘.
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M.03. Understand and use words with the prefix ‘sub-‘.
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M.04. Understand and use words with the prefix ‘mis-‘.
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M.05. Understand and use words with the prefixes ‘un-‘, ‘dis-‘, ‘in-‘, ‘im-‘, and ‘non-‘.
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M.06. Understand and use words with the suffix ‘-ful’.
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M.07. Understand and use words with the suffix ‘-less’.
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M.08. Understand and use words with the suffixes ‘-able’ and ‘-ible’.
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M.09. Identify and define words with multiple prefixes and suffixes.
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M.10. Analyze how prefixes and suffixes change the meaning of root words.
N. Vocabulary: Greek and Latin Roots
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N.01. Use Greek and Latin roots as clues to determine the meanings of unfamiliar words.
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N.02. Use familiar words as clues to determine the meanings of Greek and Latin roots.
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N.03. Determine the meanings of common Greek and Latin roots.
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N.04. Determine the meanings of words with Greek and Latin roots by combining root and contextual clues.
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N.05. Explain the origins and historical significance of Greek and Latin roots in the English language.
O. Vocabulary: Synonyms and Antonyms
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O.01. Choose the correct synonym for a given word.
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O.02. Choose the correct antonym for a given word.
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O.03. Identify synonyms and antonyms in context.
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O.04. Explain the nuances in meaning between closely related synonyms.
P. Vocabulary: Word Choice and Connotation
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P.01. Describe the subtle differences between related words with similar meanings.
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P.02. Identify whether a word has a positive or negative connotation.
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P.03. Select words with appropriate connotations for different contexts.
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P.04. Analyze how connotation impacts the tone and message of a text.
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P.05. Explain the role of word choice in persuasive writing.
Q. Vocabulary: Homophones
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Q.01. Use the correct homophone in a sentence.
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Q.02. Select the correct definition of a word based on its use in a sentence.
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Q.03. Choose the sentence that correctly uses a given word, differentiating between homophones.
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Q.04. Identify and correct misuse of homophones in sentences.
R. Vocabulary: Analogies
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R.01. Solve basic analogies by identifying the relationships between words.
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R.02. Solve more challenging analogies involving multiple relationships.
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R.03. Create original analogies to demonstrate understanding of word relationships.
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R.04. Identify different types of analogical relationships (e.g., part to whole, cause to effect).
S. Vocabulary: Context Clues
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S.01. Use context clues to determine the meanings of unfamiliar words.
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S.02. Determine the meaning of a word using synonyms found in the surrounding context.
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S.03. Determine the meaning of a word using antonyms found in the surrounding context.
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S.04. Identify and utilize various types of context clues (e.g., definition, example, contrast).
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S.05. Synthesize multiple context clues to infer the meaning of complex vocabulary.
T. Vocabulary: Domain-Specific Vocabulary
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T.01. Determine the meaning of domain-specific words with the aid of pictures or diagrams.
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T.02. Identify domain-specific vocabulary in various subject areas (e.g., science, history, math).
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T.03. Use domain-specific vocabulary accurately in oral and written communication.
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T.04. Define and explain the importance of domain-specific vocabulary in various fields of study.
U. Reference Skills
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U.01. Arrange words in alphabetical order.
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U.02. Use guide words effectively to locate entries in a dictionary or other reference work.
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U.03. Interpret dictionary entries, including pronunciation, part of speech, and etymology.
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U.04. Use dictionary definitions to determine the meanings of words in context.
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U.05. Use thesaurus entries to find synonyms and antonyms.
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U.06. Evaluate the credibility and reliability of different reference sources.
V. Organising Writing
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V.01. Order topics from broadest to narrowest to create outlines.
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V.02. Organise information by topic using graphic organisers.
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V.03. Use transitions with conjunctive adverbs to connect ideas smoothly.
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V.04. Develop effective thesis statements for different types of essays.
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V.05. Create logical outlines for research papers and presentations.
W. Developing and Supporting Arguments
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W.01. Distinguish between facts and opinions in written texts.
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W.02. Choose appropriate evidence to support a claim or argument.
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W.03. Identify supporting details in informational texts.
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W.04. Identify supporting details in literary texts.
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W.05. Identify counterclaims and assess their validity.
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W.06. Evaluate the strength and relevance of evidence used to support claims.
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W.07. Construct persuasive arguments using logical reasoning and credible evidence.
X. Creative Techniques
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X.01. Use personification effectively to create vivid imagery.
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X.02. Experiment with similes and metaphors to enhance creative writing.
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X.03. Incorporate sensory details to engage the reader’s imagination.
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X.04. Develop unique narrative voices and perspectives in storytelling.
Y. Active and Passive Voice
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Y.01. Identify active and passive voice in sentences.
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Y.02. Rewrite sentences from passive to active voice for clarity and conciseness.
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Y.03. Choose between active and passive voice depending on the desired emphasis.
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Y.04. Analyze the effect of active and passive voice on the tone and meaning of a text.
Z. Editing and Revising
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Z.01. Use parallel structure to create balanced and effective sentences.
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Z.02. Remove redundant words or phrases to improve clarity.
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Z.03. Use the correct frequently confused word (e.g., their/there/they’re, to/too/two).
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Z.04. Correct errors involving frequently confused words in sentences.
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Z.05. Suggest appropriate revisions to improve the clarity, coherence, and style of a piece of writing.
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Z.06. Apply editing techniques to refine grammar, punctuation, and spelling.
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Z.07. Evaluate the effectiveness of revisions based on audience and purpose.
AA. Research Skills
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AA.01. Identify plagiarism and understand its consequences.
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AA.02. Paraphrase information from sources accurately and ethically.
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AA.03. Cite sources correctly using a consistent citation style (e.g., MLA, APA).
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AA.04. Evaluate the credibility and bias of sources.
BB. Literary Devices
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BB.01. Recall the source of an allusion in literature.
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BB.02. Interpret the meaning of an allusion based on its source.
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BB.03. Interpret figures of speech (e.g., metaphors, similes, personification).
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BB.04. Classify figures of speech according to their type.
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BB.05. Analyze the effects of figures of speech on meaning and tone.
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BB.06. Identify and analyze the use of symbolism in literary works.
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BB.07. Explain how literary devices contribute to the overall theme and message of a text.
CC. Analysing Literature
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CC.01. Analyse short stories, focusing on plot, character, and setting.
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CC.02. Identify and explain the significance of literary elements in a poem.
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CC.03. Interpret the themes and motifs in a novel.
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CC.04. Compare and contrast different interpretations of a literary work.
DD. Analysing Informational Texts
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DD.01. Read and understand informational passages on various topics.
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DD.02. Trace the development of an argument in an informational text.
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DD.03. Evaluate the credibility and reliability of sources used in informational texts.
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DD.04. Summarize the main ideas and supporting details of an informational text.
EE. Comparing Texts
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EE.01. Compare two texts with different genres, analysing their similarities and differences.
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EE.02. Compare and contrast the points of view presented in two different articles about the same event.
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EE.03. Analyze how authors use different rhetorical strategies to achieve their purposes.
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EE.04. Synthesize information from multiple sources to form a well-rounded understanding of a topic.
FF. Visual Elements
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FF.01. Compare illustrations of literary and historical subjects, analysing their accuracy and interpretation.
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FF.02. Analyze the use of visual elements (e.g., colour, composition, perspective) to convey meaning.
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FF.03. Interpret the symbolic meaning of images in different cultural contexts.
GG. Main Idea
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GG.01. Determine the main idea of a passage.
HH. Theme
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HH.01. Match the quotations with their themes.
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HH.02. Determine the themes of short stories.
II. Author’s Purpose and Tone
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II.01. Identify the author’s purpose.
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II.02. Which sentence is more formal?
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II.03. Compare passages for tone.
JJ. Point of View
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JJ.01. Determine the author’s point of view
KK. Text Structure
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KK.01. Match causes and effects in informational texts.
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KK.02. Match problems with their solutions.
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KK.03. Compare and contrast in informational texts.
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KK.04. Identify text structures
LL. Misplaced Modifiers
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LL.01. Select the misplaced or dangling modifier.
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LL.02. Are the modifiers used correctly?
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LL.03. Misplaced modifiers with pictures
MM. Prepositions
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MM.01. Identify prepositional phrases.
NN. Direct and Indirect objects
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NN.01. Is it a direct object or an indirect object?
OO. Conjunctions
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OO.01. Use the correct pair of correlative conjunctions.
PP. Restrictive and non-restrictive elements
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PP.01. What does the punctuation suggest?
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PP.02. Commas with non-restrictive elements