-Language Expressions-

The learner will be able to:

• write a paragraph that best develops a given topic sentence.
• edit papers for errors such as double negatives, verb forms, verb tense, and subject verb agreement.
• create coherent passages by eliminating irrelevant information.
• recognize and follow the implicit and explicit rules which govern language conventions and usage.

The learner will be able to:

• determine which words require capitalization when writing a paper.
• edit written works for correct use of apostrophes.
• identify and correct incorrect uses of standard written English.

The learner will be able to:

• identify the main idea in a long passage.
• infer word meaning from context.
• identify persuasive language.
• determine whether a reading passage is written in sequential/chronological order.
• identify purpose of introductory paragraph.
• infer meaning of figurative language.
• draw a conclusion from implicit information found in a reading passage.
• classify, organize, and recall details read in a non-fiction passage.
• analyze informational sources.
• analyze the elements of a story (characters, setting, plot, mood, tone, climax, resolution) and how the elements are connected.
• predict character response.
• identify the main idea, events, and supporting details of passage.
• identify both the problem and solution within a reading section.
• compare and contrast literary selections.
• make inferences from a short passage.
• make inferences from a poem.
• analyze the theme of a literary selection.
• analyze the structure of stories.
• analyze and judge the importance and relevance of story elements.
• analyze how imagery functions within a reading selection.
• analyze a symbol in a passage.
• apply theme to another context.
• identify recurring themes in reading passages.

The learner will be able to:

• identify the word that is spelled incorrectly in a given sentence.

The learner will be able to:

• select appropriate reference source.
• identify pertinent information for notes and note cards.
• identify irrelevant information.
• develop and understand a Works Cited page.
• synthesize information from reference materials.
• collect and organize data, and create graphical forms to communicate the data to others.
• interpret information from various forms of data.

The learner will be able to:

• show sensitivity to sexism, and the physical and cultural biases inherent in certain vocabulary words.
• define unfamiliar words using context clues such as affixes, figures of speech, root words, possessives, plurals, verb tense, sentence construction, and the details of a given sentence or passage.
• use the context of a sentence to determine the meaning of a specified word.
• determine the meaning of unfamiliar words by analyzing word structure (bases, affixes).
• determine the meaning of unfamiliar words by analyzing language expressions and conventions (including antonyms, synonyms, definitions, explanations, descriptions, examples, etc.).
• determine the meaning of unfamiliar technical terms by analyzing the context (a paragraph or more) in which the words are used.

The learner will be able to:

• choose a universal theme from literature and the human experience and write an essay which connects the theme to the student's personal life.
• read and understand a historical passage.
• read and understand a persuasive passage.
• read and understand a fictitious story.
• read and understand text the provides public information.
• construct meaning from non-fiction essays.

The learner will be able to:

• write a response to a literary topic which includes a clear thesis statement, an effective introduction, paragraphs which provide supporting details, elaboration, and examples, and a strong conclusion which ties the ideas and concepts presented in the essay together.
• develop a personal piece of writing.
• compile a portfolio of writing samples which may include personal pieces, persuasive pieces, expository pieces, and speeches with drafts from each stage of the writing process.  The writing should reflect the writer's growth in such areas as writing strategies, vocabulary, and language conventions.
• write to persuade a given audience on a given topic utilizing word choices, language expressions, examples, and other persuasion techniques.
• organize ideas and details in a composition.
• write a composition which includes a main idea and supporting details.
• utilize pre-writing strategies (drawing, webbing, brainstorming, discussing) to begin the writing process.
• understand the drafting stage of the writing process and how to write drafts using ideas generated in the prewriting stage.
• understand the revising stage of the writing process, and how to approach drafts with specific goals for revisions.
• revise writing to improve transition sentences.
• understand the rewriting stage of the writing process as an opportunity to apply peer and teacher input, to add to the content, to improve the style, and even to begin a new draft.
• understand the editing stage of the writing process, and how to apply editing skills to his/her own written works and to the written works of peers.
• prepare and present written works to be shared with others.

The learner will be able to:

• express ideas and opinions to a peer group.
• communicate effectively using appropriate voice modulation, topics, and gestures.
• partake in formal and informal speaking situations.
• evaluate one's own strengths and weaknesses as a communicator.
• understand the requirements for the appropriate and effective use of spoken language.
• use the body to enhance communication.
• analyze an audience and adapt a speech accordingly.
• use role playing to understand communication problems.
• recognize types of interference that interrupt daily communication.
• understand the impact of nonverbal communication upon the spoken message (facial expression, eye contact, gestures, posture, and movement).
• differentiate between standard and nonstandard English.
• recognize the effect of vocal characteristics, such as pitch, rate, and inflection, on spoken messages.
• recognize typical nervous reactions during a speech and practice ways of dealing with these actions.
• deal successfully with factors affecting delivery such as timing, feedback, and distractions.
• understand the importance of using audio visual aids in presenting effective public speaking.
• prepare clear speaking notes and use them effectively.
• identify a specific purpose for each speech they create.
• write a thesis statement for each speech he creates.
• write speech appropriate introductions.
• compose appropriate conclusions for speeches.
• avoid memorizing speeches by practicing various words while rehearsing.
• gather material from their personal experiences.
• present a speech based on personal experience.
• present an extemporaneous speech.
• present a speech which explains how to do something and/or demonstrates a process.
• clearly and effectively prepare an informative speech.
• participate effectively in a group discussion.
• identify the methods for reaching a decision in a group discussion.
• deliver a persuasive speech.
• order ideas logically in a speech.

The learner will be able to:

• critique a speaker for speech content.
• formulate questions which require a speaker to clarify meaning, analyze, and synthesize information.
• distinguish between relevant and irrelevant details in an orally read passage.
• effectively use the techniques of active listening.
• provide effective feedback to speakers in conversations and informal group discussions.