discuss how interpretations of the same text might vary, according to the prior knowledge and experiences of various readers

use previous reading experiences, personal experiences and prior knowledge as a basis for reflecting on and interpreting ideas encountered in texts

identify explicit and implicit ideas and information in texts; listen and respond to various interpretations of the same text

select appropriate reading rate and strategies for comprehending texts less closely connected to prior knowledge and personal experiences

preview complex texts as to their intent, content and structure, and use this information to set a purpose and select strategies for reading

use knowledge of visual and textual cues and structural features when skimming and scanning various print and other media texts to locate relevant information effectively and efficiently

analyze and discuss how the structural features of informational materials, such as textbooks, bibliographies, databases, catalogues, web sites, commercials and newscasts, enhance the effectiveness and efficiency of communication

apply and explain effective procedures for identifying and comprehending words in context; adjust procedures according to the purpose for reading and the complexity of the texts

use reference materials, including a writer's handbook, to verify correct usage, address uncertainties and solve problems that arise

experience oral, print and other media texts from a variety of cultural traditions and genres, such as essays, broadcast advertisements, novels, poetry, documentaries, films, electronic magazines and realistic fiction

identify and discuss how timeless themes are developed in a variety of oral, print and other media texts

consider historical context when developing own points of view or interpretations of oral, print and other media texts

compare and contrast own life situation with themes of oral, print and other media texts

express the themes of oral, print or other media texts in different forms or genres

consider peers' interpretations of oral, print and other media texts, referring to the texts for supporting or contradicting evidence

analyze how the choices and motives of characters portrayed in oral, print and other media texts provide insight into those of self and others

identify and discuss theme and point of view in oral, print and other media texts

discuss and explain various interpretations of the same oral, print or other media text

relate the themes, emotions and experiences portrayed in oral, print and other media texts to issues of personal interest or significance

discuss how techniques, such as irony, symbolism, perspective and proportion, communicate meaning and enhance effect in oral, print and other media texts

discuss character development in terms of consistency of behaviour and plausibility of change

describe how theme, dominant impression and mood are developed and sustained through choices in language use and the interrelationship of plot, setting and character

identify features that define particular oral, print and other media texts; discuss differences in style and their effects on content and audience impression

explain the relationships between purposes and characteristics of various forms and genres of oral, print and other media texts

evaluate the effectiveness of different types of media texts for presenting ideas and information

compare the development of character, plot and theme in two oral, print or other media texts

evaluate the effectiveness of oral, print and other media texts, considering the believability of plot and setting, the credibility of characters, and the development and resolution of conflict

compare a main character in one text to the main character in another text from a different era, genre or medium

identify ways that a change in narrator might affect the overall meaning of oral, print and other media texts

summarize the content of media texts, and suggest alternative treatments

analyze creative uses of language and visuals in popular culture, such as advertisements, electronic magazines and the Internet; recognize how imagery and figurative language, such as metaphor, create a dominant impression, mood and tone

generalize from own experience to create oral, print and other media texts on a theme

create oral, print and other media texts on common literary themes

create oral, print and other media texts that interrelate plot, setting and character, and reveal the significance of the action

create oral, print and other media texts that include main and minor characters, and show how the main character develops and changes as a result of the action and events

synthesize ideas and information from a variety of sources to develop own opinions, points of view and general impressions

assess adequacy, accuracy, detail and appropriateness of oral, print and other media texts to support or further develop arguments, opinions or points of view

select types and sources of information to achieve an effective balance between researched information and own ideas

select information sources that will provide effective support, convincing argument or unique perspectives

obtain information reflecting multiple perspectives from a variety of sources, such as expository essays, graphs, diagrams, online catalogues, periodical indices, film libraries, electronic databases and the Internet, when conducting research

expand and use a variety of tools and text features, such as organizational patterns of texts, page layouts, font styles and sizes, colour and voiceovers, to access information

distinguish between primary and secondary sources, and determine the usefulness of each for research purposes

follow up on cited references to locate additional information

evaluate sources for currency, reliability and possible bias of information for a particular research project

organize ideas and information by developing and selecting appropriate categories and organizational structures

balance all sections of oral, print and other media texts and ensure sentences, paragraphs and key ideas are linked throughout

develop coherence by relating all key ideas to the overall purpose of the oral, print or other media text

use own words to summarize and record information in a variety of forms; paraphrase and/or quote relevant facts and opinions; reference sources

select and record ideas and information that will support an opinion or point of view, appeal to the audience, and suit the tone and length of the chosen form of oral, print or other media text

choose specific vocabulary, and use conventions accurately and effectively to enhance credibility

evaluate usefulness, relevance and completeness of gathered information; address information gaps

reflect on new understanding and its value to self and others

communicate ideas and information in a variety of oral, print and other media texts, such as media scripts, multimedia presentations, panel discussions and articles

integrate appropriate visual, print and/or other media to reinforce overall impression or point of view and engage the audience

reflect on the research process, identifying areas of strength and ways to improve further research activities

share sample treatments of a topic with peers, and ask for feedback on the relative effectiveness of each

work collaboratively to make appropriate revisions based on feedback provided by peers

revise to ensure effective introductions, consistent points of view, effective transitions between ideas and appropriate conclusions

revise to enhance effective transitions between ideas and maintain a consistent organizational pattern

revise to combine narration, description and exposition effectively

develop personal handwriting styles appropriate for a variety of purposes

identify and experiment with some principles of design that enhance the presentation of texts

distinguish between the denotative and connotative meaning of words, and discuss effectiveness for achieving purpose and affecting audience

explore the derivation and use of words, phrases and jargon, including variations in language, accent and dialect in Canadian communities and regions

experiment with the language and components of particular forms to communicate themes or represent the perspectives of a variety of people or characters

identify and use parallel structure in own writing

identify and use coordination, subordination and apposition to enhance communication

use a variety of strategies to make effective transitions between sentences and paragraphs in own writing

demonstrate the deliberate, conscientious and independent application of a variety of editing and proofreading strategies to confirm spellings in own writing

identify situations in which careful attention to correct spelling is especially important

identify and use variant spellings for particular effects, depending on audience, purpose, content and context

use quotation marks to distinguish words being discussed in own writing

use dashes to show sentence breaks or interrupted speech, where appropriate in own writing

know that rules for punctuation can vary, and adjust punctuation use for effect in own writing

select, organize and present information to appeal to the interests and background knowledge of various readers or audiences

choose appropriate types of evidence and strategies to clarify ideas and information, and to convince various readers and audiences

integrate a variety of media and display techniques, as appropriate, to enhance the appeal, accuracy and persuasiveness of presentations

follow the train of thought, and evaluate the credibility of the presenter and the evidence provided

provide feedback that encourages the presenter and audience to consider other ideas and additional information