Course Content
A. Vocabulary Fundamentals
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A.01. Identify common prefixes and suffixes and explain how they modify word meanings.
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A.02. Recognize and use common homophones correctly in sentences.
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A.03. Use context clues (synonyms and antonyms) to infer the meanings of unfamiliar words.
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A.04. Apply knowledge of Greek and Latin roots to deduce the meanings of unfamiliar words.
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A.05. Analyze word patterns and analogies to determine relationships between words.
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A.06. Explore etymologies to understand the origins and evolution of words.
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A.07. Discern subtle differences in meaning (connotation and denotation) to choose the best word for a sentence.
B. Sentence Structure and Types
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B.01. Identify and differentiate between phrases and clauses (prepositional, appositive, dependent, independent).
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B.02. Distinguish between declarative, interrogative, imperative, and exclamatory sentences.
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B.03. Determine whether a group of words forms a complete sentence, a fragment, or a run-on sentence.
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B.04. Recognize simple, compound, complex, and compound-complex sentences.
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B.05. Combine sentences effectively using relative clauses to improve clarity and flow.
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B.06. Apply punctuation correctly to avoid fragments and run-on sentences.
C. Noun and Pronoun Usage
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C.01. Form and use plural nouns correctly, including irregular and compound nouns.
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C.02. Identify and correct errors in subject and object pronoun usage.
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C.03. Use relative pronouns (who, whom, whose, which, that) correctly in sentences.
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C.04. Correct vague pronoun references and ensure clear connections to antecedents.
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C.05. Use pronouns correctly after “than” and “as” in comparisons.
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C.06. Recognize and correct inappropriate shifts in pronoun number and person.
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C.07. Demonstrate mastery of pronoun usage in complex sentence structures.
D. Verb Tense and Voice
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D.01. Identify transitive and intransitive verbs in sentences.
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D.02. Form and use progressive and perfect verb tenses correctly.
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D.03. Identify linking verbs, predicate adjectives, and predicate nouns.
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D.04. Recognize and use participles, gerunds, and infinitives effectively.
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D.05. Identify active and passive voice in sentences.
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D.06. Rewrite sentences from passive to active voice to improve clarity and impact.
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D.07. Correct inappropriate shifts in verb tense within a paragraph or essay.
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D.08. Master the nuances of verb tenses to express time and sequence accurately.
E. Subject-Verb Agreement
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E.01. Identify and correct errors in subject-verb agreement in simple sentences.
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E.02. Correct subject-verb agreement errors when indefinite pronouns are subjects.
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E.03. Ensure correct verb agreement with compound subjects joined by “and” or “or.”
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E.04. Apply rules of subject-verb agreement in sentences with intervening phrases.
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E.05. Demonstrate consistent subject-verb agreement in complex sentence structures.
F. Modifiers: Adjectives and Adverbs
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F.01. Form and use comparative and superlative adjectives and adverbs correctly.
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F.02. Distinguish between “good” and “well,” and “bad” and “badly,” in sentences.
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F.03. Identify and correct misplaced or dangling modifiers to improve clarity.
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F.04. Apply rules of adjective and adverb usage with precision and accuracy.
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F.05. Analyze how adjectives and adverbs contribute to the tone and style of writing.
G. Punctuation
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G.01. Use commas correctly with coordinate adjectives.
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G.02. Use commas with introductory words, interjections, interrupters, and antithetical phrases.
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G.03. Use commas effectively in compound and complex sentences.
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G.04. Apply semicolons and commas to separate clauses in a sentence.
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G.05. Use semicolons, colons, and commas correctly in lists.
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G.06. Use dashes to set off parenthetical elements or to indicate a sudden break in thought.
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G.07. Use hyphens in compound adjectives to clarify meaning.
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G.08. Apply apostrophes correctly to indicate possession and contractions.
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G.09. Determine whether ellipses are used appropriately to indicate omissions.
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G.10. Use punctuation to enhance readability and clarify complex sentences.
H. Capitalization and Formatting
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H.01. Apply correct capitalization rules in sentences and paragraphs.
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H.02. Capitalize titles of works (books, articles, etc.) according to standard conventions.
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H.03. Format titles correctly, using italics, quotation marks, or underlining as appropriate.
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H.04. Demonstrate consistency in capitalization and formatting throughout a piece of writing.
I. Research Skills
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I.01. Understand the definition of plagiarism and explain why it’s unethical.
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I.02. Identify instances of plagiarism in writing samples.
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I.03. Learn and apply strategies to avoid plagiarism in your own writing.
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I.04. Evaluate the credibility and reliability of sources used in research.
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I.05. Properly cite sources using a consistent citation style (MLA, APA, etc.).
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I.06. Synthesize information from multiple sources to support a thesis or argument.
J. Writing Strategies: Organizing Writing
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J.01. Order topics effectively from broadest to narrowest to create a logical flow.
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J.02. Organize information clearly by topic within a paragraph or essay.
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J.03. Craft topic sentences that effectively capture the main idea of a paragraph.
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J.04. Develop and support arguments with relevant evidence and analysis.
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J.05. Distinguish facts from opinions to build credible arguments.
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J.06. Identify stronger and weaker evidence to support a claim.
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J.07. Choose the best evidence to effectively support a claim.
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J.08. Evaluate counterclaims and incorporate rebuttals to strengthen an argument.
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J.09. Construct logical connections between claims, evidence, and analysis in argumentative writing.
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J.10. Transition smoothly between claims, evidence, analysis, and counterclaims.
K. Writing Strategies: Persuasive and Creative Techniques
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K.01. Identify appeals to ethos, pathos, and logos in persuasive texts and advertisements.
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K.02. Use appeals to ethos, pathos, and logos effectively in persuasive writing.
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K.03. Recognize and use personification to create vivid imagery and engage readers.
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K.04. Apply a range of creative techniques to enhance writing and express ideas effectively.
L. Writing Strategies: Clarity and Conciseness
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L.01. Use transitions effectively with conjunctive adverbs to connect ideas smoothly.
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L.02. Avoid double, illogical, and unclear comparisons in writing.
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L.03. Recognize and use parallel structure to improve clarity and rhythm.
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L.04. Remove redundant words or phrases to enhance conciseness.
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L.05. Employ precise language to convey ideas accurately and effectively.
M. Reading Strategies: Main Idea and Tone
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M.06. Draw inferences about the meaning of the text.
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M.07. Understand and explain what explicit and implicit information is.
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M.01. Determine the main idea of a passage or text.
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M.02. Identify the author’s intended audience and purpose in a given text.
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M.03. Compare passages for subjective and objective tone.
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M.04. Analyze and compare passages for differences in tone.
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M.05. Identify the narrative point of view used in a literary text.
N. Reading Strategies: Literary and Rhetorical Devices
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N.01. Interpret figures of speech (metaphor, simile, hyperbole, etc.) in literary texts.
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N.02. Classify figures of speech, including euphemism, hyperbole, oxymoron, and paradox.
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N.03. Analyze the effects of figures of speech on meaning and tone.
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N.04. Match quotations with their underlying themes in literary works.
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N.05. Analyze short stories, focusing on plot, character development, and theme.
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N.06. Trace the development of arguments and ideas in informational passages.
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N.07. Analyze rhetorical strategies used in historical texts.
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N.08. Evaluate the effectiveness of literary and rhetorical devices in conveying meaning.
O. Editing and Revising
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O.01. Use the correct form of frequently confused words (e.g., there/their/they’re).
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O.02. Identify and correct errors with commonly misspelled words.
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O.03. Correct errors in everyday language usage.
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O.04. Suggest appropriate revisions to improve clarity, style, and accuracy.
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O.05. Proofread for errors in punctuation, grammar, and spelling.
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O.06. Evaluate and improve the overall effectiveness of a piece of writing.
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O.07. Refine writing based on feedback from peers and instructors.
