Course Content
A. Vocabulary Fundamentals
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A.01. Identify and define common prefixes and suffixes (e.g., pre-, re-, -ful, -less).
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A.02. Recognize and understand words containing common prefixes (e.g., pre-, re-, sub-).
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A.03. Recognize and understand words containing common suffixes (e.g., -ful, -less, -able).
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A.04. Determine the meaning of a word by analyzing its prefix, suffix, and root.
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A.05. Understand and apply knowledge of Greek and Latin roots to decipher word meanings.
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A.06. Use context clues to determine the meanings of unfamiliar words.
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A.07. Determine the meaning of domain-specific words using visual aids.
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A.08. Analyze how the meaning of a word changes with different prefixes and suffixes.
B. Word Relationships and Nuances
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B.01. Identify and select appropriate synonyms for given words.
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B.02. Identify and select appropriate antonyms for given words.
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B.03. Distinguish between words with similar meanings but different connotations.
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B.04. Determine whether a word has a positive or negative connotation.
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B.05. Choose the correct homophone in a sentence.
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B.06. Match the correct definition of a word to its use in a sentence.
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B.07. Determine the meaning of words through analogies.
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B.08. Solve challenging analogies that require a deeper understanding of word relationships.
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B.09. Compare and contrast related words to understand their subtle differences in meaning.
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B.10. Analyze the effect of connotation on the tone and meaning of a text.
C. Grammar Basics: Sentences and Their Parts
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C.01. Identify the four types of sentences: declarative, interrogative, imperative, and exclamatory.
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C.02. Distinguish between the complete subject and complete predicate of a sentence.
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C.03. Identify the simple subject and simple predicate of a sentence.
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C.04. Identify compound subjects and compound predicates within sentences.
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C.05. Determine if a group of words is a complete sentence, a fragment, or a run-on.
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C.06. Correctly identify and classify phrases and clauses within sentences.
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C.07. Distinguish between appositives and appositive phrases.
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C.08. Differentiate between dependent and independent clauses.
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C.09. Identify the sentence structure as simple, compound, complex, or compound-complex.
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C.10. Combine sentences effectively using relative clauses.
D. Noun Usage
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D.01. Form plural nouns correctly.
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D.02. Form plural nouns correctly, including compound nouns.
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D.03. Recognize the difference between plural nouns, singular possessives, and plural possessives.
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D.04. Form singular and plural possessive nouns correctly.
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D.05. Identify and correct errors in the use of plural and possessive nouns.
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D.06. Identify and correct errors in compound and joint possession.
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D.07. Apply rules for forming irregular plural nouns correctly.
E. Pronoun Usage
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E.01. Identify pronouns and their corresponding antecedents within sentences.
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E.02. Use pronouns that agree in number and gender with their antecedents.
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E.03. Correct inappropriate shifts in pronoun number and person.
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E.04. Identify and correct vague pronoun references.
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E.05. Determine all possible antecedents for a given pronoun in context.
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E.06. Distinguish between subject and object pronouns.
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E.07. Use ‘I’ and ‘me’ correctly in compound subjects and objects.
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E.08. Use pronouns correctly in compound subjects and objects.
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E.09. Choose between personal and reflexive pronouns appropriately.
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E.10. Use reflexive pronouns correctly.
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E.11. Determine whether a pronoun is reflexive or intensive.
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E.12. Use relative pronouns (who, whom) correctly.
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E.13. Use relative pronouns (who, whom, whose, which, that) correctly.
F. Verb Usage: Tense, Agreement, and Voice
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F.01. Identify transitive and intransitive verbs within sentences.
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F.02. Identify linking verbs, predicate adjectives, and predicate nouns.
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F.03. Correct errors in subject-verb agreement.
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F.04. Correct errors in indefinite pronoun-verb agreement.
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F.05. Use the correct verb form with compound subjects.
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F.06. Use irregular past tense verbs correctly.
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F.07. Use simple past, present, and future tenses correctly.
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F.08. Identify and correct inappropriate shifts in verb tense.
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F.09. Form progressive verb tenses correctly.
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F.10. Form perfect verb tenses correctly.
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F.11. Identify participles and understand their modifying function.
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F.12. Identify gerunds and understand their functions within sentences.
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F.13. Identify infinitives and infinitive phrases.
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F.14. Analyze how verb tense affects the meaning and tone of a sentence.
G. Adjective and Adverb Usage
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G.01. Identify adjectives within sentences.
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G.02. Order adjectives correctly according to standard English conventions.
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G.03. Identify adverbs within sentences.
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G.04. Choose between adjectives and adverbs appropriately.
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G.05. Determine whether a word is functioning as an adjective or an adverb.
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G.06. Form and use comparative and superlative adjectives correctly.
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G.07. Use “good, better, best,” and “bad, worse, worst” correctly.
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G.08. Form and use comparative and superlative adverbs correctly.
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G.09. Use “well, better, best,” and “badly, worse, worst” correctly.
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G.10. Explain how adjectives and adverbs contribute to descriptive writing.
H. Additional Parts of Speech and Sentence Structure
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H.01. Identify prepositional phrases within sentences.
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H.02. Distinguish between direct and indirect objects.
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H.03. Use correlative conjunctions correctly in sentences.
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H.04. Understand how interjections function within sentences.
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H.05. Use interjections effectively to convey emotion and emphasis.
I. Punctuation and Mechanics: Clarity and Style
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I.01. Identify and correct misplaced modifiers with visual aids.
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I.02. Select and correct misplaced or dangling modifiers.
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I.03. Evaluate whether modifiers are used correctly in a sentence.
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I.04. Use commas correctly with non-restrictive elements.
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I.05. Use commas correctly in compound and complex sentences.
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I.06. Use commas with direct addresses, introductory words, interjections, and interrupters.
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I.07. Use commas correctly with coordinate adjectives.
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I.08. Use semicolons and commas effectively to separate clauses.
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I.09. Use semicolons, colons, and commas correctly in lists.
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I.10. Use dashes correctly for emphasis and interruption.
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I.11. Use hyphens correctly in compound adjectives.
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I.12. Determine whether ellipses are used appropriately.
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I.13. Apply parallel structure in writing for clarity and balance.
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I.14. Remove redundant words or phrases to improve conciseness.
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I.15. Use the correct form of frequently confused words (e.g., “there,” “their,” “they’re”).
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I.16. Correct errors involving frequently confused words.
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I.17. Suggest appropriate revisions to improve writing quality.
J. Capitalization and Formatting
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J.01. Correct capitalization errors in sentences and paragraphs.
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J.02. Apply capitalization rules correctly when writing titles.
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J.03. Format titles correctly according to standard conventions.
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J.04. Apply formatting and capitalization rules accurately when writing titles.
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J.05. Understand and apply rules for capitalizing proper nouns and adjectives.
K. Research and Academic Integrity
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K.01. Define plagiarism and identify instances of plagiarism.
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K.02. Understand the consequences of plagiarism in academic and professional contexts.
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K.03. Paraphrase and summarize information accurately to avoid plagiarism.
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K.04. Learn effective strategies for note-taking and source management.
L. Reading Comprehension: Strategies and Analysis
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L.01. Determine the main idea of a passage.
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L.02. Match quotations with their corresponding themes.
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L.03. Determine the themes of short stories.
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L.04. Identify the author’s purpose in writing a text.
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L.05. Differentiate between formal and informal language in sentences.
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L.06. Compare passages for tone and identify the author’s attitude.
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L.07. Determine the author’s point of view in a text.
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L.08. Compare and contrast information presented in informational texts.
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L.09. Match causes and effects in informational texts.
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L.10. Match problems with their solutions in texts.
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L.11. Identify different text structures used by authors.
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L.12. Interpret the meaning of an allusion from its source.
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L.13. Recall the source of an allusion when given its meaning.
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L.14. Interpret figures of speech in literature and writing.
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L.15. Classify different types of figures of speech.
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L.16. Analyze the effects of figures of speech on meaning and tone.
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L.17. Analyze short stories to understand literary elements.
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L.18. Read and understand informational passages effectively.
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L.19. Trace and analyze arguments presented in informational texts.
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L.20. Compare two texts with different genres.
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L.21. Compare illustrations of literary and historical subjects.
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L.22. Evaluate the credibility and reliability of sources used in informational texts.
M. Writing Techniques and Argumentation
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M.01. Order topics from broadest to narrowest to create a coherent outline.
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M.02. Organize information by topic for clarity and coherence.
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M.03. Use transitions with conjunctive adverbs to connect ideas smoothly.
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M.04. Distinguish facts from opinions in writing.
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M.05. Choose appropriate evidence to support a claim effectively.
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M.06. Identify supporting details in literary texts.
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M.07. Identify supporting details in informational texts.
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M.08. Identify counterclaims within arguments.
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M.09. Use personification effectively to enhance creative writing.
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M.10. Recognize and use rhetorical devices such as metaphors, similes, and analogies.
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M.11. Develop and refine research questions to guide the writing process.
N. Voice and Style in Writing
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N.01. Identify active and passive voice in sentences.
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N.02. Rewrite sentences from passive to active voice to improve clarity.
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N.03. Apply active and passive voice strategically to achieve different effects.
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N.04. Develop a consistent and appropriate tone for different writing purposes.
O. Reference Skills and Resources
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O.01. Arrange words in alphabetical order.
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O.02. Use guide words effectively to locate entries in a dictionary or other reference material.
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O.03. Interpret information presented in dictionary entries.
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O.04. Use dictionary definitions accurately to understand word meanings.
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O.05. Utilize thesaurus entries to find synonyms and antonyms.
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O.06. Evaluate the appropriateness of different definitions for a word in a specific context.
