Course Content
A. Main Idea and Textual Analysis
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A.01. Identify the central idea of a simple passage.
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A.02. Summarize the main points of a passage.
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A.03. Distinguish between stated and implied main ideas.
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A.04. Analyze how supporting details contribute to the main idea.
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A.05. Identify the main idea in complex or nuanced passages.
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A.06. Compare and contrast main ideas across multiple texts.
B. Audience, Purpose, and Tone
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B.01. Identify the intended audience of a text.
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B.02. Determine the author’s purpose in writing a text.
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B.03. Distinguish between objective and subjective tone.
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B.04. Analyze how tone is created through word choice and style.
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B.05. Analyze the effect of tone on the reader.
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B.06. Evaluate the effectiveness of a text in achieving its purpose for a given audience.
C. Literary Devices
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C.01. Identify common literary devices (e.g., simile, metaphor).
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C.02. Explain the effect of a simple literary device on a text.
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C.03. Identify and interpret allusions in literature.
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C.04. Analyze the use of figurative language to enhance meaning and tone.
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C.05. Compare and contrast the effects of different literary devices.
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C.06. Analyze the complex interplay of multiple literary devices in a passage.
D. Analyzing Literature (Short Stories & Poetry)
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D.01. Identify key elements of a short story (plot, characters, setting).
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D.02. Analyze character development in a short story.
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D.03. Analyze the use of symbolism in a short story.
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D.04. Identify and analyze poetic devices (e.g., rhyme, meter).
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D.05. Analyze the themes and meaning of a poem.
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D.06. Compare and contrast different literary styles and techniques across various short stories and poems.
E. Analyzing Informational Texts
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E.01. Identify the main idea and supporting details in informational texts.
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E.02. Analyze the structure and organization of informational texts.
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E.03. Trace the development of an argument in an informational text.
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E.04. Evaluate the credibility and effectiveness of evidence in informational texts.
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E.05. Analyze the use of rhetorical strategies in persuasive texts.
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E.06. Critically evaluate the biases and perspectives presented in informational texts.
F. Analyzing Longer Works (Novels & Nonfiction)
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F.01. Analyze passages from a novel, focusing on character development and plot.
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F.02. Analyze thematic elements within a novel.
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F.03. Analyze the use of literary devices in a novel.
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F.04. Analyze passages from nonfiction works, focusing on argument and evidence.
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F.05. Compare and contrast the styles and techniques used in novels and nonfiction.
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F.06. Analyze the author’s purpose and perspective in a longer work.
G. Business Documents
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G.01. Identify key information in contracts and legal documents.
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G.02. Interpret and summarize the main points of business documents.
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G.03. Evaluate the clarity and effectiveness of business communication.
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G.04. Analyze the structure and format of various business documents.
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G.05. Apply critical reading skills to analyze persuasive strategies in business documents.
H. Organizing and Developing Writing
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H.01. Organize information logically (e.g., chronologically, spatially, topically).
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H.02. Write clear and concise topic sentences.
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H.03. Construct effective thesis statements.
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H.04. Develop and support arguments with relevant evidence.
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H.05. Incorporate and address counterarguments effectively.
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H.06. Construct a well-organized and coherent essay.
I. Argumentation and Persuasion
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I.01. Distinguish between facts and opinions.
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I.02. Identify different types of evidence (e.g., anecdotal, statistical).
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I.03. Evaluate the quality and relevance of evidence.
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I.04. Identify and analyze logical fallacies.
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I.05. Use persuasive appeals (ethos, pathos, logos) effectively.
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I.06. Craft a persuasive argument that incorporates strong evidence and addresses counterclaims.
J. Writing Style and Mechanics
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J.01. Use correct punctuation (commas, semicolons, colons, etc.).
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J.02. Use parallel structure effectively.
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J.03. Use precise word choice to convey meaning effectively.
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J.04. Avoid redundancy and wordiness.
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J.05. Maintain consistent verb tense and pronoun agreement.
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J.06. Write clear, concise, and grammatically correct sentences.
K. Editing and Revising
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K.01. Identify and correct errors in grammar and mechanics.
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K.02. Improve sentence structure and clarity.
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K.03. Enhance word choice and tone.
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K.04. Refine the organization and flow of writing.
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K.05. Revise and edit work for coherence and style.
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K.06. Apply effective strategies for self-editing and peer review.
L. Research Skills and MLA Formatting
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L.01. Create accurate in-text citations using MLA style.
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L.02. Create a properly formatted Works Cited page using MLA style.
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L.03. Avoid plagiarism.
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L.04. Effectively integrate research into writing.
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L.05. Evaluate the credibility of research sources.
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L.06. Synthesize information from multiple sources.
M. Vocabulary Acquisition and Usage
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M.01. Identify and understand the meanings of prefixes, suffixes, and root words.
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M.02. Use context clues to determine the meanings of unfamiliar words.
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M.03. Distinguish between synonyms, antonyms, and homophones.
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M.04. Use a dictionary and thesaurus effectively.
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M.05. Analyze the connotations and denotations of words.
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M.06. Expand vocabulary through active reading and deliberate practice.
N. Grammar and Sentence Structure
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N.01. Distinguish between sentence fragments and run-on sentences.
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N.02. Identify and use different types of phrases and clauses.
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N.03. Correct errors in pronoun agreement and case.
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N.04. Correct errors in subject-verb agreement.
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N.05. Correct errors in verb tense and mood.
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N.06. Apply advanced grammatical concepts to improve writing precision.
