Genres

This unit includes identifying and comparing key characteristics of literary genres.

Reading Operations

This unit includes constructing meaning from fiction and non-fiction selections at comprehension, application, analysis, synthesis, and judgment levels of understanding. Students are able to identify, discuss, and compare both concrete and abstract elements of selections (setting, plot, characterization, genre, historical period, theme, tone, moral message, and psychological and political implications).

Vocabulary

This unit includes studying and applying knowledge of word structure (bases and affixes) to define unfamiliar words and understand technical or informational content.

Listening

This unit includes identifying and distinguishing between sounds and patterns in sounds, and constructing meaning from information delivered verbally.

Speaking

This unit includes practicing techniques and strategies (voice modulation, body language, ordering of ideas, visual aids, etc.) to convey meaning and to present information and opinions to groups. Students learn to choose appropriate topics, and methods of presenting topics, for specific audiences.

Study and Research Skills

This unit includes developing organization and research skills needed to find appropriate resources, to judge resources as relevant or not relevant to a given topic, to categorize and synthesize information, to take notes in class, and to study for exams.