Make connections within and between texts.  In responding to test questions, the student may be asked to

	compare and contrast information;
	determine author’s purpose; and
	analyze characteristics of genres/elements of poetry.

Evaluate text for clarity and accuracy.  In responding to test questions, the student may be asked to

	determine undocumented statements/inadequate support; and
	analyze author’s use of bias and propaganda techniques.

Analyze the relationships among thesis, evidence, and argument in informational texts.  In responding to test questions, the student may be asked to

	determine the main idea (thesis);
	determine details that support the thesis; and
	analyze arguments for undocumented statements/inadequate support for opinions.

Draw conclusions and make inferences.  In responding to test questions, the student may be asked to

	draw conclusions and make inferences;
	make predictions about texts; and
	compare and contrast findings from two or more texts.

Paraphrase and synthesize ideas of several authors on one topic.  In responding to test questions, the student may be asked to

	summarize, paraphrase, analyze and evaluate texts; and
	compare and contrast findings from two or more texts.

Follow multi-step directions such as those for preparing applications and completing forms.

Analyze influences on plots, characters, settings, and themes in literature.  In responding to test questions, the student may be asked to

	determine impact of cause and effect relationships on plot, character, and theme;
	analyze author’s use of characters (static, dynamic, round, and flat); and
	determine author’s purpose.

Use a knowledge of internal structures to compare selections from works in a variety of genres.  In responding to test questions, the student may be asked to

	determine impact of conflict on plot and character;
	analyze structural elements of plot; and
	compare and contrast conflict in two or more texts.

Evaluate an author’s use of stylistic elements.  In responding to test questions, the student may be asked to analyze text for

Compare and contrast universal literary themes within and between texts.

Compare and contrast authors’ styles on the basis of such elements as word choice and sentence structure (syntax) within and between texts.  In responding to test questions, the student may be asked to

	compare and contrast an author’s word choice and syntax within text; and
	compare and contrast authors’ word choices and syntax in two or more texts.

 Identify and analyze point of view, and analyze how the author’s choice of narrator affects a work of fiction.  In responding to test questions, the student may be asked to

	determine the speaker in literary works; and
	analyze how point of view affects a literary work.

Use knowledge of roots and affixes to analyze the meaning of complex words.
 

Use context analysis to determine the meanings of unfamiliar or multiple-meaning words.
 

Use a general dictionary, a specialized dictionary, and a thesaurus.
 

Analyze analogies, idioms, and words with precise connotations and denotations.

Content/Development

Organization

Voice

Conventions

Generate drafts that use a logical progression of ideas to develop a topic for a specific audience to explain, inform, describe, persuade, and analyze.
 

Develop an extended response around a central idea, using relevant supporting details.
 

Revise writing for clarity, sentence variety, precise vocabulary, and effective phrasing through self-evaluation.  In responding to test questions, the student may need to consider the following:

Edit for language conventions such as spelling, capitalization, punctuation, agreement, sentence structure, and word usage.  In responding to test questions, the student may need to consider the following:

 Ask questions to guide research inquiry.

Ask questions to investigate all aspects of a topic, including various viewpoints.

Evaluate credibility of sources, including consideration of accuracy and bias.

Gather and evaluate information for its relevance to one’s research questions.  In responding to test questions, students may be asked to

	evaluate relevance of information and sources; and
	organize and classify information by categorizing and sequencing.