After completing this course students should be able to read and understand various types of literature appropriate for their grade level. In the area of writing the students will become adept at writing argumentative, informative, narrative, and research essays. They will learn to use clear and easy to understand writing with style and function appropriate to their topic. The students will learn how to revise and improve their writing using guidance from peers. The students will learn to research topics using valid and varied sources to gather important information. The proper use of citations and paraphrasing will be emphasized. The students will learn to use texts they have read in order to support their opinions and arguments in a logical way. To improve their speaking and listening skills students will learn to effectively engage in collaborative discussions and analyze information presented in various media and formats. They will learn to evaluate the soundness of reasoning in a speaker’s argument and claims.