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English Benchmarks - C

C. Writing

The high school graduate can:

C1. Plan writing by taking notes, writing informal outlines and researching.

C2. Select and use formal, informal, literary or technical language appropriate for the purpose, audience and context of the communication.

C3. Organize ideas in writing with a thesis statement in the introduction, well-constructed paragraphs, a conclusion and transition sentences that connect paragraphs into a coherent whole.

C4. Drawing on readers' comments on working drafts, revise documents to develop or support ideas more clearly, address potential objections, ensure effective transitions between paragraphs and correct errors in logic.

C5. Edit both one's own and others' work for grammar, style and tone appropriate to audience, purpose and context.

C6. Cite print or electronic sources properly when paraphrasing or summarizing information, quoting, or using graphics.

C7. Determine how, when and whether to employ technologies (such as computer software, photographs and video) in lieu of, or in addition to, written communication.

C8. Present written material using basic software programs (such as Word, Excel and PowerPoint) and graphics (such as charts, ratios and tables) to present information and ideas best understood visually.

C9. Write an academic essay (for example, a summary, an explanation, a description, a literary analysis essay) that:

  • develops a thesis;
  • creates an organizing structure appropriate to purpose, audience and context;

    • includes relevant information and excludes extraneous information;

  • makes valid inferences;
  • supports judgments with relevant and substantial evidence and well-chosen details; and
  • provides a coherent conclusion.

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C10. Produce work-related texts (for example, memos, e-mails, correspondence, project plans, work orders, proposals, bios) that:

  • address audience needs, stated purpose and context;
  • translate technical language into non-technical English;
  • include relevant information and exclude extraneous information;
  • use appropriate strategies, such as providing facts and details, describing or analyzing the subject, explaining benefits or limitations, comparing or contrasting, and providing a scenario to illustrate;
  • anticipate potential problems, mistakes and misunderstandings that might arise for the reader;
  • create predictable structures through the use of headings, white space and graphics, as appropriate; and
  • adopt a customary format, including proper salutation, closing and signature, when appropriate.

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