1. Comprehension
Understanding and interpreting written texts (passages of prose or poetry). Students are asked to identify the main idea, infer meaning from context, and answer specific questions based on the passage.
2. Vocabulary
Understanding and applying word meanings in context. This includes word definitions, synonyms, antonyms, and analogies.
3. Spelling, Punctuation, and Grammar
Ensuring correct use of spelling, punctuation, and grammar in writing. Tests include identifying errors or filling in missing punctuation marks (like commas, apostrophes, and full stops).
4. Sentence Structure
Recognizing different types of sentence structures, including compound and complex sentences, and understanding their use in communication.
5. Cloze Tests
Completing sentences with the correct word or phrase. This tests understanding of grammar, vocabulary, and sentence structure in context.
6. Synonyms and Antonyms
Identifying words with similar or opposite meanings, which helps develop a broader vocabulary and better understanding of the text.
7. Grammar (Parts of Speech)
Understanding different parts of speech, such as nouns, verbs, adjectives, adverbs, prepositions, conjunctions, and interjections, and their role in sentence construction.
8. Punctuation
Correct use of punctuation marks, including commas, full stops, quotation marks, exclamation marks, question marks, colons, and semi-colons, within the context of sentences.
9. Writing Skills (Creative Writing)
Crafting stories or essays that demonstrate proper structure, coherence, creativity, and clarity. This includes an introduction, body, and conclusion.
10. Reading Skills
Analyzing and responding to a variety of texts, including fictional and non-fictional passages, with an emphasis on understanding the theme, character development, and tone.
11. Inference
Going beyond the text to infer hidden meanings or assumptions. This can involve reading between the lines and understanding underlying emotions or messages in the passage.
12. Context Clues
Using surrounding text or the general context to determine the meaning of unfamiliar words.
13. Figures of Speech
Identifying and understanding the use of similes, metaphors, personification, hyperbole, and other literary devices that enhance meaning in texts.
14. Logical Reasoning
Applying logical skills to interpret information in written passages, identifying key themes, arguments, or conclusions presented by the author.
15. Text Analysis
Deeper analysis of the text, focusing on specific literary techniques, the author's purpose, and the effects of word choice on the reader.
16. Summarizing
Writing clear and concise summaries of longer passages, focusing on key ideas while omitting unnecessary details.
17. Argument and Debate
Understanding arguments in non-fiction texts, identifying the main points, and critiquing the logic behind them.