Course Content
A. Vocabulary: Prefixes and Suffixes
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A.04. Construct new words by adding appropriate prefixes and suffixes to root words.
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A.05. Analyze how prefixes and suffixes change a word’s meaning and part of speech.
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A.06. Evaluate the use of prefixes and suffixes in context to determine the precise meaning of unfamiliar words.
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A.07. Apply knowledge of prefixes and suffixes to infer the meanings of complex vocabulary in various texts.
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A.01. Identify the meaning of common prefixes such as pre-, re-, sub-, mis-.
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A.02. Recognize and use words with prefixes un-, dis-, in-, im-, and non-.
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A.03. Define and utilize words with suffixes -ful, -less, -able, and -ible.
B. Vocabulary: Greek and Latin Roots
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B.01. Use common Greek and Latin roots as clues to determine the meanings of words.
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B.02. Identify words that contain specific Greek and Latin roots.
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B.03. Match words to the meanings of their Greek and Latin roots.
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B.04. Determine the meanings of common Greek and Latin roots.
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B.05. Analyze how Greek and Latin roots contribute to the meanings of words in scientific and technical contexts.
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B.06. Evaluate the effectiveness of using root words as a vocabulary-building strategy.
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B.07. Synthesize understanding of multiple roots within a single word to derive its full meaning.
C. Vocabulary: Synonyms and Antonyms
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C.01. Identify synonyms for given words.
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C.02. Identify antonyms for given words.
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C.03. Distinguish between shades of meaning among synonyms.
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C.04. Select the most appropriate synonym or antonym for a specific context.
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C.05. Analyze how the choice of synonyms and antonyms can affect the tone and style of writing.
D. Vocabulary: Word Choice and Usage
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D.01. Describe the subtle differences between related words.
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D.02. Recognize and use words with positive and negative connotations.
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D.03. Apply an understanding of connotation to enhance the impact of your writing.
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D.04. Differentiate between denotation and connotation in various contexts.
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D.05. Evaluate the appropriateness of word choice based on audience and purpose.
E. Vocabulary: Homophones
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E.01. Use the correct homophone in a sentence (e.g., there, their, they’re).
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E.02. Match the correct definition of a homophone to its use in a sentence.
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E.03. Select the sentence that correctly uses a given homophone.
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E.04. Explain the importance of context in determining the correct usage of homophones.
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E.05. Construct sentences that demonstrate the correct use of commonly confused homophones.
F. Vocabulary: Analogies
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F.01. Identify the relationship between word pairs in analogies.
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F.02. Complete analogies by identifying the word that shares the same relationship with the third word as the first two.
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F.03. Solve complex analogies requiring abstract reasoning.
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F.04. Create original analogies to demonstrate understanding of word relationships.
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F.05. Analyze different types of analogical relationships (e.g., part to whole, cause to effect).
G. Vocabulary: Context Clues
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G.01. Identify unfamiliar words within a given context.
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G.02. Determine the meaning of words using synonyms found in context.
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G.03. Determine the meaning of words using antonyms found in context.
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G.04. Use a variety of context clues (definition, example, contrast) to infer the meaning of a word.
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G.05. Evaluate which type of context clue is most helpful in determining the meaning of an unfamiliar word.
H. Vocabulary: Domain-Specific Vocabulary
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H.01. Determine the meaning of domain-specific words with visual aids.
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H.02. Define domain-specific vocabulary related to various subjects (e.g., science, history).
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H.03. Use domain-specific vocabulary accurately in written and oral communication.
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H.04. Analyze how the meaning of a word can change depending on the context of use.
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H.05. Synthesize information from multiple sources to understand complex domain-specific concepts.
I. Vocabulary: Reference Skills
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I.01. Arrange words in alphabetical order.
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I.02. Use guide words to locate entries in a dictionary or other reference material.
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I.03. Understand and use dictionary entries to find definitions, pronunciations, and etymologies.
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I.04. Use dictionary definitions to select the correct meaning of a word in context.
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I.05. Use thesaurus entries to find synonyms and antonyms for a given word.
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I.06. Evaluate the credibility and relevance of information from various reference sources.
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I.07. Synthesize information from multiple reference sources to gain a comprehensive understanding of a topic.
J. Grammar and Mechanics: Sentences, Fragments, and Run-ons
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J.01. Identify declarative, interrogative, imperative, and exclamatory sentences.
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J.02. Identify the complete subject and complete predicate of a sentence.
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J.03. Identify the simple subject and simple predicate of a sentence.
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J.04. Identify the compound subject and compound predicate of a sentence.
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J.05. Distinguish between complete sentences, fragments, and run-on sentences.
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J.06. Correct sentence fragments by adding missing subjects or predicates.
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J.07. Correct run-on sentences by separating them into multiple sentences or using appropriate punctuation.
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J.08. Construct grammatically correct and varied sentence structures.
K. Grammar and Mechanics: Phrases and Clauses
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K.01. Differentiate between phrases and clauses.
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K.02. Identify appositives and appositive phrases.
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K.03. Identify dependent and independent clauses.
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K.04. Classify sentences as simple, compound, complex, or compound-complex.
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K.05. Combine sentences using relative clauses to improve sentence fluency.
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K.06. Analyze the function of different types of clauses within complex sentences.
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K.07. Construct sophisticated sentences using a variety of phrase and clause structures.
L. Grammar and Mechanics: Nouns
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L.01. Form and use plural nouns correctly.
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L.02. Form and use plural forms of compound nouns.
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L.03. Differentiate between plural nouns, singular possessive nouns, and plural possessive nouns.
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L.04. Form the singular and plural possessive forms of nouns correctly.
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L.05. Identify and correct errors in the use of plural and possessive nouns.
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L.06. Identify and correct errors in the use of compound and joint possession.
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L.07. Apply rules of noun usage to ensure clarity and precision in writing.
M. Grammar and Mechanics: Pronouns and Antecedents
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M.01. Identify pronouns and their antecedents in sentences.
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M.02. Use pronouns that agree in number and gender with their antecedents.
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M.03. Correct inappropriate shifts in pronoun number and person.
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M.04. Identify and revise vague pronoun references to improve clarity.
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M.05. Identify all possible antecedents for a given pronoun.
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M.06. Evaluate the effectiveness of pronoun usage in different contexts.
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M.07. Construct sentences with clear and unambiguous pronoun references.
N. Grammar and Mechanics: Pronoun Types
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N.01. Choose between subject and object pronouns correctly.
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N.02. Use ‘I’ and ‘me’ correctly in compound subjects and objects.
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N.03. Use appropriate pronouns in compound subjects and objects.
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N.04. Choose between personal and reflexive pronouns appropriately.
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N.05. Use reflexive pronouns correctly.
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N.06. Distinguish between reflexive and intensive pronouns.
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N.07. Use relative pronouns (who, whom) correctly.
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N.08. Use relative pronouns (who, whom, whose, which, that) correctly.
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N.09. Apply understanding of pronoun types to enhance grammatical accuracy in writing.
O. Grammar and Mechanics: Verb Types
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O.01. Differentiate between transitive and intransitive verbs.
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O.02. Identify linking verbs, predicate adjectives, and predicate nouns.
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O.03. Analyze the role of verb types in sentence structure and meaning.
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O.04. Construct sentences using a variety of verb types to enhance expressiveness.
P. Grammar and Mechanics: Subject-Verb Agreement
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P.01. Correct errors in subject-verb agreement in simple sentences.
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P.02. Correct errors in subject-verb agreement when using indefinite pronouns.
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P.03. Use the correct verb form with compound subjects.
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P.04. Explain the principles of subject-verb agreement in complex sentences.
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P.05. Evaluate sentence structure to ensure proper subject-verb agreement.
Q. Grammar and Mechanics: Verb Tense
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Q.01. Use irregular past tense verbs correctly.
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Q.02. Use simple past, present, and future tenses correctly.
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Q.03. Identify and correct inappropriate shifts in verb tense.
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Q.04. Form the progressive verb tenses (e.g., is running, was running).
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Q.05. Form the perfect verb tenses (e.g., has run, had run).
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Q.06. Identify participles and explain what they modify.
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Q.07. Identify gerunds and explain their functions in sentences.
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Q.08. Identify infinitives and infinitive phrases and explain their functions.
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Q.09. Apply knowledge of verb tenses to convey time and sequence accurately in writing.
R. Grammar and Mechanics: Adjectives and Adverbs
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R.01. Identify adjectives in sentences.
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R.02. Order adjectives correctly according to standard English usage.
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R.03. Identify adverbs in sentences.
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R.04. Choose between adjectives and adverbs correctly.
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R.05. Determine whether a word is functioning as an adjective or an adverb.
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R.06. Form and use comparative and superlative adjectives correctly.
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R.07. Use good, better, best, bad, worse, and worst correctly.
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R.08. Form and use comparative and superlative adverbs correctly.
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R.09. Use well, better, best, badly, worse, and worst correctly.
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R.10. Analyze the role of adjectives and adverbs in creating vivid and descriptive writing.
S. Grammar and Mechanics: Prepositions
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S.01. Identify prepositional phrases in sentences.
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S.02. Explain the function of prepositional phrases in modifying other words.
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S.03. Construct sentences using a variety of prepositional phrases to add detail and clarity.
T. Grammar and Mechanics: Direct and Indirect Objects
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T.03. Construct sentences using direct and indirect objects to convey complex ideas.
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T.01. Distinguish between direct objects and indirect objects in sentences.
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T.02. Explain the relationship between the subject, verb, and objects in a sentence.
U. Grammar and Mechanics: Conjunctions
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U.01. Use correlative conjunctions correctly (e.g., both/and, either/or).
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U.02. Analyze the role of conjunctions in connecting words, phrases, and clauses.
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U.03. Construct complex sentences using a variety of coordinating and subordinating conjunctions.
V. Grammar and Mechanics: Misplaced Modifiers
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V.01. Identify misplaced modifiers in sentences with visual aids.
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V.02. Select the misplaced or dangling modifier in a sentence.
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V.03. Determine whether modifiers are used correctly in a sentence.
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V.04. Revise sentences to correct misplaced or dangling modifiers.
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V.05. Explain the importance of modifier placement for clarity and precision in writing.
W. Grammar and Mechanics: Restrictive and Non-restrictive Elements
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W.01. Use commas correctly with non-restrictive elements.
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W.02. Differentiate between restrictive and non-restrictive elements in sentences.
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W.03. Explain the function of commas in setting off non-restrictive elements.
X. Grammar and Mechanics: Commas
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X.01. Use commas correctly in compound and complex sentences.
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X.02. Use commas correctly with direct addresses, introductory words, interjections, and interrupters.
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X.03. Use commas correctly with coordinate adjectives.
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X.04. Apply understanding of comma usage to enhance clarity and readability in writing.
Y. Grammar and Mechanics: Semicolons, Colons, and Commas
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Y.01. Use semicolons and commas correctly to separate clauses.
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Y.02. Use semicolons, colons, and commas correctly with lists.
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Y.03. Explain the differences in usage between semicolons, colons, and commas.
Z. Grammar and Mechanics: Dashes, Hyphens, and Ellipses
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Z.01. Use dashes correctly to set off parenthetical information or create emphasis.
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Z.02. Use hyphens correctly in compound adjectives.
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Z.03. Determine whether ellipses are used appropriately to indicate omissions.
AA. Grammar and Mechanics: Capitalization
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AA.01. Correct capitalization errors in sentences.
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AA.02. Capitalize titles correctly according to standard conventions.
BB. Grammar and Mechanics: Formatting
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BB.01. Format titles correctly according to standard conventions.
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BB.02. Format and capitalize titles correctly, reviewing key concepts.
CC. Reading Strategies: Main Idea
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CC.01. Identify the main idea of a passage.
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CC.02. Summarize a passage, accurately conveying the main idea and supporting details.
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CC.03. Differentiate between the main idea and supporting details in a text.
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CC.04. Evaluate how effectively the main idea is communicated in a given passage.
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CC.05. Determine the implied main idea of a passage when it is not explicitly stated.
DD. Reading Strategies: Theme
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DD.01. Match quotations with their corresponding themes.
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DD.02. Determine the themes of short stories.
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DD.03. Analyze how literary devices contribute to the development of themes.
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DD.04. Compare and contrast different themes in a single literary work.
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DD.05. Evaluate the universality and relevance of themes in literature.
EE. Reading Strategies: Author’s Purpose and Tone
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EE.01. Identify the author’s purpose in a given text.
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EE.02. Distinguish between formal and informal language.
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EE.03. Compare passages to analyze differences in tone.
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EE.04. Analyze how an author’s word choice contributes to the tone and purpose of a text.
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EE.05. Evaluate the effectiveness of an author’s tone in achieving their intended purpose.
FF. Reading Strategies: Point of View
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FF.01. Determine the author’s point of view in a text.
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FF.02. Analyze how point of view affects the reader’s understanding of the text.
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FF.03. Compare and contrast different points of view in literature.
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FF.04. Evaluate the reliability of a narrator based on their point of view.
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 solutions in informational texts.
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GG.04. Identify different text structures (e.g., sequence, description, cause and effect).
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GG.05. Analyze how text structure contributes to the overall meaning of a passage.
HH. Reading Strategies: Literary Devices
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HH.01. Interpret figures of speech (e.g., metaphor, simile, personification).
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HH.02. Classify different types of figures of speech.
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HH.03. Analyze the effects of figures of speech on meaning and tone.
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HH.04. Evaluate the effectiveness of literary devices in enhancing a text’s impact.
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HH.05. Apply understanding of literary devices to interpret complex literary works.
II. Reading Strategies: Analyzing Literature
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II.01. Analyze elements of short stories (e.g., plot, character, setting, conflict).
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II.02. Evaluate the impact of literary devices on the overall effectiveness of a short story.
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II.03. Synthesize information from different parts of a short story to draw conclusions about its meaning.
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II.04. Compare and contrast different interpretations of a short story.
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II.05. Create your own short story, incorporating various literary devices and elements.
JJ. Reading Strategies: Analyzing Informational Texts
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JJ.01. Read and understand informational passages.
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JJ.02. Trace an argument presented in an informational text.
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JJ.03. Identify the author’s main claims and supporting evidence in a text.
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JJ.04. Evaluate the credibility and reliability of sources used in an informational text.
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JJ.05. Synthesize information from multiple sources to gain a comprehensive understanding of a topic.
KK. Reading Strategies: Comparing Texts
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KK.01. Compare two texts with different genres on the same topic.
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KK.02. Analyze the similarities and differences in how information is presented in different genres.
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KK.03. Evaluate the effectiveness of each genre in conveying information.
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KK.04. Synthesize information from multiple texts to gain a deeper understanding of a topic.
LL. Reading Strategies: Visual Elements
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LL.01. Compare illustrations of literary and historical subjects.
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LL.02. Analyze how visual elements contribute to the interpretation of a text.
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LL.03. Evaluate the accuracy and effectiveness of visual representations of historical events.
MM. Writing Strategies: Organizing Writing
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MM.01. Order topics from broadest to narrowest.
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MM.02. Organize information by topic in a logical and coherent manner.
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MM.03. Use transitions with conjunctive adverbs to connect ideas smoothly.
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MM.04. Create outlines to structure different types of essays.
NN. Writing Strategies: Developing and Supporting Arguments
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NN.01. Distinguish facts from opinions.
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NN.02. Choose relevant evidence to support a claim.
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NN.03. Identify supporting details in informational texts.
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NN.04. Identify supporting details in literary texts.
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NN.05. Identify counterclaims and rebuttals in argumentative writing.
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NN.06. Formulate well-reasoned arguments supported by credible evidence.
OO. Writing Strategies: Creative Techniques
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OO.01. Use personification effectively in writing.
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OO.02. Experiment with various literary devices to enhance creative expression.
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OO.03. Develop a unique writing style that reflects your personality and 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 to active voice to improve clarity and directness.
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PP.03. Explain the impact of active and passive voice on the tone and emphasis of writing.
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PP.04. Evaluate the effectiveness of active and passive voice in different contexts.
QQ. Writing Strategies: Editing and Revising
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QQ.01. Use parallel structure to improve clarity and rhythm in writing.
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QQ.02. Remove redundant words or phrases to make writing more concise.
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QQ.03. Use the correct frequently confused words (e.g., affect/effect, its/it’s).
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QQ.04. Correct errors with frequently confused words.
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QQ.05. Suggest appropriate revisions to improve the clarity, coherence, and effectiveness of writing.
RR. Writing Strategies: Research Skills
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RR.01. Identify plagiarism and understand its consequences.
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RR.02. Paraphrase information from sources accurately and ethically.
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RR.03. Cite sources properly to avoid plagiarism and give credit to original authors.
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RR.04. Evaluate the credibility and relevance of sources used in research.
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RR.05. Synthesize information from multiple sources to create well-supported research papers.
