
Course Content
A. Sentences, Fragments, and Run-ons
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A.01. Identify declarative, interrogative, imperative, and exclamatory sentences.
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A.02. Choose punctuation to correct sentence fragments and run-on sentences.
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A.03. Identify sentence fragments.
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A.04. Identify run-on sentences.
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A.05. Differentiate between complete sentences, sentence fragments, and run-on sentences.
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A.06. Understand how sentence structure impacts the overall meaning and flow of writing.
B. Phrases and Clauses
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B.01. Identify prepositional phrases within sentences.
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B.02. Determine whether a group of words is a phrase or a clause.
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B.03. Identify appositives and appositive phrases and explain their function.
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B.04. Differentiate between dependent and independent clauses.
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B.05. Classify sentences as simple, compound, complex, or compound-complex.
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B.06. Combine sentences effectively using relative clauses to improve clarity and conciseness.
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B.07. Analyze how different types of clauses contribute to sentence complexity and meaning.
C. Nouns and Pronouns
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C.01. Form and use plural nouns correctly, including irregular forms.
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C.02. Form and use plurals of compound nouns accurately.
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C.03. Review the basic rules for forming and using plural nouns.
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C.04. Identify and correct errors in the use of subject and object pronouns.
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C.05. Correct pronoun errors with ‘who’ and ‘whom’.
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C.06. Use relative pronouns (who, whom, whose, which, that) correctly in sentences.
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C.07. Use appropriate pronouns after ‘than’ and ‘as’ in comparative constructions.
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C.08. Review the correct use of subject and object pronouns in various sentence structures.
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C.09. Identify vague pronoun references and clarify them by providing clear antecedents.
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C.10. Identify all possible antecedents for a given pronoun in a complex sentence.
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C.11. Correct inappropriate shifts in pronoun number and person to maintain consistency.
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C.12. Master the nuances of pronoun usage for clear and precise communication.
D. Verb Usage
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D.01. Identify transitive and intransitive verbs within sentences.
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D.02. Identify linking verbs, predicate adjectives, and predicate nouns.
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D.03. Identify participles and explain what words they modify.
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D.04. Identify gerunds and describe their functions within sentences.
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D.05. Identify infinitives and infinitive phrases.
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D.06. Understand how different verb types contribute to sentence meaning and structure.
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. Identify and correct errors with indefinite pronoun-verb agreement.
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E.03. Correct verb agreement errors when using compound subjects.
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E.04. Apply the rules of subject-verb agreement in complex sentence structures.
F. Verb Tense
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F.01. Form the progressive verb tenses (present, past, future progressive).
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F.02. Form the perfect verb tenses (present, past, future perfect).
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F.03. Identify and correct inappropriate shifts in verb tense within paragraphs.
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F.04. Use verb tenses consistently and accurately to convey time and sequence effectively.
G. Adjectives and Adverbs
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G.01. Form and use comparative and superlative adjectives correctly.
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G.02. Use “good, better, best, bad, worse, and worst” appropriately in sentences.
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G.03. Form and use comparative and superlative adverbs to modify verbs, adjectives, and other adverbs.
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G.04. Use “well, better, best, badly, worse, and worst” correctly.
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G.05. Apply the rules for comparative and superlative forms in complex sentence structures.
H. Conjunctions
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H.01. Use correlative conjunctions correctly (e.g., either/or, neither/nor).
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H.02. Understand the role of conjunctions in connecting words, phrases, and clauses.
I. Active and Passive Voice
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I.01. Identify sentences written in active and passive voice.
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I.02. Rewrite sentences from passive to active voice to improve clarity and directness.
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I.03. Analyze the effects of active and passive voice on the tone and impact of writing.
J. Misplaced and Dangling Modifiers
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J.01. Identify misplaced modifiers in sentences using visual aids.
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J.02. Select the misplaced or dangling modifier in a sentence.
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J.03. Determine if modifiers are used correctly and revise sentences for clarity.
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J.04. Correct sentences with misplaced or dangling modifiers to ensure clear and logical meaning.
K. Punctuation
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K.01. Use commas correctly with direct addresses, introductory words, interjections, interrupters, and antithetical phrases.
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K.02. Use commas correctly with compound and complex sentences.
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K.03. Use commas with coordinate adjectives to enhance clarity.
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K.04. Use semicolons and commas to separate clauses effectively.
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K.05. Use semicolons, colons, and commas correctly when creating lists.
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K.06. Review and apply the correct usage of semicolons, colons, and commas in various contexts.
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K.07. Use dashes appropriately to set off parenthetical information or create emphasis.
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K.08. Use hyphens correctly in compound adjectives.
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K.09. Determine whether ellipses are used appropriately to indicate omissions or pauses.
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K.10. Identify and correct errors in the use of plural and possessive nouns.
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K.11. Identify and correct errors in the use of compound and joint possession.
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K.12. Apply punctuation rules to enhance the clarity and flow of writing.
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K.13. Understand how punctuation impacts the reader’s interpretation of written material.
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K.14. Master the art of using punctuation to create rhythm and emphasis in writing.
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K.15. Use commas with non-restrictive elements.
L. Capitalisation and Formatting
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L.05. Apply capitalisation and formatting rules to enhance the readability and professionalism of written work.
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L.01. Correct capitalisation errors in sentences.
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L.02. Apply the correct capitalisation rules when writing titles.
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L.03. Format titles according to standard conventions.
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L.04. Review and apply the rules for formatting and capitalising titles correctly.
M. Vocabulary: Prefixes and Suffixes
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M.01. Complete word pattern analogies using knowledge of prefixes and suffixes.
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M.02. Complete word pattern sentences using prefixes and suffixes to deduce meaning.
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M.03. Define and use words with the prefix “pre-“.
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M.04. Define and use words with the prefix “re-“.
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M.05. Define and use words with the prefix “sub-“.
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M.06. Define and use words with the prefix “mis-“.
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M.07. Define and use words with the prefixes “un-“, “dis-“, “in-“, “im-“, and “non-“.
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M.08. Define and use words with the suffix “-ful”.
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M.09. Define and use words with the suffix “-less”.
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M.10. Define and use words with the suffixes “-able” and “-ible”.
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M.11. Understand how prefixes and suffixes alter the meanings of words.
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M.12. Expand vocabulary and improve reading comprehension through the study of affixes.
N. Vocabulary: Greek and Latin Roots
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N.01. Sort words by shared Greek or Latin roots to identify connections in meaning.
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N.02. Use Greek and Latin roots as clues to determine the meanings of unfamiliar words.
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N.03. Use words as clues to determine the meanings of common Greek and Latin roots.
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N.04. Determine the meanings of common Greek and Latin roots.
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N.05. Determine the meanings of words containing Greek and Latin roots.
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N.06. Understand the historical and cultural significance of Greek and Latin roots in the English language.
O. Vocabulary: Homophones
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O.01. Use the correct homophone (words that sound alike but have different meanings and spellings) in sentences.
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O.02. Identify and correct errors in the use of homophones.
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O.03. Expand vocabulary and improve spelling accuracy by mastering commonly confused homophones.
P. Vocabulary: Foreign Words and Expressions
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P.01. Use etymologies to determine the meanings of unfamiliar words derived from foreign languages.
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P.02. Use context clues to infer the meanings of foreign expressions within texts.
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P.03. Use the correct foreign expression in a given context.
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P.04. Appreciate the diversity of the English language and its global influences.
Q. Vocabulary: Word Usage and Nuance
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Q.01. Choose the word whose connotation and denotation best match the intended meaning of a sentence.
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Q.02. Use words accurately and precisely to convey specific meanings.
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Q.03. Replace words using a thesaurus to improve writing style and vocabulary.
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Q.04. Understand the subtle differences in meaning between words with similar definitions.
R. Vocabulary: Analogies
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R.01. Solve basic analogies by identifying relationships between words.
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R.02. Solve challenging analogies that require a deeper understanding of word meanings and relationships.
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R.03. Develop critical thinking skills through the analysis of analogous relationships.
S. Vocabulary: Context Clues
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S.01. Determine the meaning of words using synonyms found in context.
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S.02. Determine the meaning of words using antonyms found in context.
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S.03. Use surrounding context to identify the meaning of unfamiliar words.
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S.04. Improve reading comprehension by utilizing context clues to decipher word meanings.
T. Vocabulary: Reference Skills
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T.01. Use dictionary entries to understand word origins, pronunciations, and parts of speech.
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T.02. Use dictionary definitions to determine the precise meanings of words.
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T.03. Use dictionary entries to determine correct word usage in different contexts.
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T.04. Use thesaurus entries to find synonyms and antonyms for words.
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T.05. Master the use of dictionaries and thesauruses to enhance vocabulary and writing skills.
U. Organising Writing
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U.01. Order topics from broadest to narrowest to create logical outlines and structures.
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U.02. Organise information by topic to improve coherence and clarity in writing.
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U.03. Plan and structure written pieces effectively by arranging information in a logical sequence.
V. Topic Sentences
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V.01. Choose the topic sentence that best captures the main idea of a paragraph.
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V.02. Develop strong topic sentences to guide and focus paragraphs effectively.
W. Developing and Supporting Arguments
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W.01. Distinguish facts from opinions to build sound arguments.
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W.02. Identify stronger and weaker evidence to support a claim.
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W.03. Choose the best evidence to support a given claim.
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W.04. Identify supporting evidence within a text to strengthen arguments.
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W.05. Evaluate counterclaims to build well-rounded and persuasive arguments.
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W.06. Choose the analysis that logically connects the evidence to the claim.
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W.07. Transition logically between claims, evidence, analysis, and counterclaims to create coherent arguments.
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W.08. Construct compelling arguments by using evidence and analysis effectively.
X. Persuasive Strategies
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X.01. Identify appeals to ethos, pathos, and logos in advertisements.
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X.02. Use appeals to ethos, pathos, and logos effectively in persuasive writing.
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X.03. Analyse and critique the use of persuasive strategies in various forms of media.
Y. Writing Clearly and Concisely
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Y.01. Use transitions with conjunctive adverbs to improve sentence flow and coherence.
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Y.02. Avoid double, illogical, and unclear comparisons in writing.
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Y.03. Identify sentences with parallel structure to improve rhythm and clarity.
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Y.04. Use parallel structure effectively in writing to create balance and emphasis.
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Y.05. Remove redundant words or phrases to make writing more concise and impactful.
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Y.06. Cultivate a writing style that is both clear, concise, and engaging for the reader.
Z. Creative Techniques
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Z.01. Use personification effectively to create vivid imagery and engage the reader.
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Z.02. Experiment with different creative writing techniques to express ideas in unique and compelling ways.
AA. Main Idea
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AA.01. Determine the main idea of a passage accurately.
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AA.02. Summarise the key points of a text while retaining the author’s intended meaning.
BB. Audience, Purpose, and Tone
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BB.01. Identify which text is the most formal based on audience and purpose.
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BB.02. Identify the intended audience and purpose of a given text.
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BB.03. Compare passages to distinguish between subjective and objective tone.
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BB.04. Compare passages to analyze differences in tone.
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BB.05. Adapt writing style and tone to suit different audiences and purposes effectively.
CC. Literary Devices
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CC.01. Identify the narrative point of view used in a literary text.
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CC.02. Interpret the meaning of an allusion by understanding its source.
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CC.03. Recall the original source of an allusion.
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CC.04. Interpret the meaning of figures of speech in context.
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CC.05. Classify figures of speech, including euphemism, hyperbole, oxymoron, and paradox.
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CC.06. Review and classify different types of figures of speech.
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CC.07. Analyse the effects of figures of speech on meaning and tone within a text.
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CC.08. Develop a deeper understanding of how literary devices shape the reader’s experience.
DD. Analysing Literature
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DD.01. Match quotations with their corresponding themes in a literary work.
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DD.02. Analyse short stories using various literary techniques (set 1).
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DD.03. Analyse short stories using various literary techniques (set 2).
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DD.04. Develop critical reading skills through the close analysis of literary texts.
EE. Analysing Informational Texts
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EE.01. Analyse the development of ideas in informational passages (set 1).
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EE.02. Analyse the development of ideas in informational passages (set 2).
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EE.03. Trace the development of an argument in informational texts (set 1).
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EE.04. Trace the development of an argument in informational texts (set 2).
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EE.05. Analyse rhetorical strategies used in historical texts (set 1).
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EE.06. Analyse rhetorical strategies used in historical texts (set 2).
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EE.07. Evaluate the effectiveness of different rhetorical strategies in conveying information.
FF. Editing and Revising
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FF.01. Use the correct form of frequently confused words (e.g., there/their/they’re, to/too/two).
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FF.02. Identify and correct errors involving frequently confused words.
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FF.03. Identify and correct errors involving frequently confused pronouns and contractions.
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FF.04. Correct errors with commonly misspelled words.
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FF.05. Correct common errors in everyday use of English.
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FF.06. Suggest appropriate revisions to improve the clarity and accuracy of written work.
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FF.07. Develop strong editing and proofreading skills to refine written pieces effectively.
GG. Research Skills
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GG.01. Identify instances of plagiarism in written work.
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GG.02. Understand the importance of academic integrity and ethical research practices.