This course emphasizes analytical reading, writing, oral communication, and thinking skills that students need for success in secondary school academic programs and their daily lives. Students will study and interpret texts from contemporary and historical periods, including short stories, poems, and short essays, and will investigate and create media works. An important focus will be the correct and effective use of spoken and written language.

Literature Studies and Reading
Students will:

• read and demonstrate an understanding of a range of literary and informational texts, both contemporary and from historical periods;
• demonstrate an understanding of the elements of a range of literary and informational forms, with a focus on plays, short stories, and short essays;
• identify and explain the effect of specific elements of style in a range of literary and informational texts.

Writing
Students will:

• use a variety of print and electronic sources to gather information and explore ideas for written work;
• identify the literary and informational forms suited to various purposes and audiences and use the forms appropriately in their own writing, with an emphasis on supporting opinions or interpretations with specific information;
• use a variety of organizational techniques to present ideas and supporting details logically and coherently in written work;
• review their written work, independently and collaboratively, with a focus on support for ideas and opinions, accuracy, clarity, and unity;
• edit and proofread to produce final drafts, using correct grammar, spelling, and punctuation, according to the conventions of standard Canadian English with the support of print and electronic resources when appropriate.

Language
Students will:

• use the knowledge of vocabulary and language conventions to speak, write, and read competently using a level of language appropriate to the purpose and audience;
• use listening techniques and oral communication skills to participate in classroom discussions and more formal activities, such as storytelling, role playing, and reporting/presenting, for specific purposes.

Media Studies
Students will:

• use knowledge of the elements, intended audiences, and production practices of a variety of media forms to analyse specific media works;
• use knowledge of a variety of media forms, purposes, and audiences to create media works and describe their intended effect.