G3N
NERDC · 39 topics

English

G3N tutors you through the full NERDC English syllabus offline — from Theme 1: Reading, Theme 2: Writing, Theme 3: Listening and Speaking and more — with adaptive lessons, instant quizzes, flashcards and exam-ready summaries.

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Syllabus

What you’ll cover in English.

The complete topic outline G3N teaches, mapped to the NERDC curriculum.

Primary 4

4 topics
Theme 1: Reading
  • Comprehension
    • Read passages at age-appropriate level independently and with minimal support
    • Identify main idea of a passage: the central message or primary topic
    • Identify supporting details that explain, expand, or prove the main idea
    • Distinguish between facts (verifiable information) and opinions (beliefs/judgments)
    • Draw inferences from passages: understand unstated information based on context clues
    • Predict what might happen next based on story events and character actions
    • Understand cause-and-effect relationships: why events happened and their results
    • Answer literal comprehension questions: who, what, when, where from the text
  • Concepts of Print
    • Recognize letter-sound relationships: beginning, middle, and ending sounds in words
    • Decode words using phonetic knowledge: sound out unfamiliar words systematically
    • Recognize high-frequency sight words: common words seen repeatedly (the, is, and, to)
    • Understand book parts: title, author, illustrator, table of contents
    • Recognize print conventions: left-to-right reading, top-to-bottom progression, word spacing
    • Identify punctuation marks and their purposes: period (.), comma (,), question mark (?)
    • Use context clues to determine word meaning: picture clues, surrounding words
    • Distinguish between uppercase and lowercase letters; use appropriately
Theme 2: Writing
  • Sentence Writing
    • Write simple sentences with capital letter at beginning and period at end
    • Write sentences that tell about events in correct sequence using time words (first, next, then)
    • Use correct subject-verb agreement in sentences (The cat runs, not The cat run)
    • Write complete sentences with subject (who or what) and predicate (what is being done)
    • Use proper capitalization: beginning of sentence, proper nouns, the pronoun 'I'
    • Use correct punctuation: periods at ends, commas in lists, question marks for questions
    • Arrange related sentences in logical order to create coherence
    • Write sentences describing people, places, and things using descriptive words
  • Letter Writing
    • Identify letter parts: greeting (Dear...), body, closing (Sincerely, Love)
    • Write informal letters to friends: use friendly, conversational tone
    • Include appropriate content for informal letters: personal news, shared experiences
    • Use correct letter format: proper spacing, alignment, punctuation
    • Write thank-you notes: express gratitude and mention why you're thankful
    • Write birthday greetings or congratulations letters: use appropriate warm tone
    • Address envelope correctly: sender's address, recipient's address, stamp placement
    • Use appropriate closing phrases for informal letters
  • Composition
    • Write narrative compositions: tell stories with characters, setting, and events
    • Organize narratives with clear beginning (introduce character/setting), middle (main events), end (resolution)
    • Write descriptive compositions: use sensory words (see, hear, feel, taste, smell) to paint pictures
    • Describe objects in detail: size, color, shape, texture, use
    • Write about familiar topics: family, school, community, seasons, animals
    • Use time-order words (first, next, then, finally) to show sequence in narratives
    • Use descriptive adjectives to make writing more interesting: big, bright, soft
    • Write simple dialogue to show characters speaking
Theme 3: Listening and Speaking
  • Oral Communication
    • Engage in simple conversations using complete sentences
    • Respond to questions using relevant, complete answers
    • Take turns in conversations; listen while others speak
    • Use polite language in communication: 'please,' 'thank you,' 'excuse me'
    • Speak clearly and enunciate words so others understand
    • Speak with appropriate volume and pace for classroom setting
    • Express ideas using clear, organized speech
    • Ask questions to clarify what others have said
  • Aural Discrimination
    • Discriminate between vowel sounds: short (/a/ hat) vs. long (/ay/ say)
    • Distinguish consonant sounds: identify similar sounds that are slightly different
    • Recognize long and short vowel sounds in spoken words
    • Identify beginning sounds in words: isolate initial consonant or consonant cluster
    • Identify ending sounds in words: recognize final consonants
    • Recognize rhyming words: pairs of words with same ending sounds
    • Identify syllables in words: count number of beats/parts in spoken words
    • Recognize stressed syllables in multi-syllable words
  • Oral Composition
    • Create and tell simple narrative stories: with characters, setting, plot
    • Describe pictures or objects in detail using appropriate vocabulary
    • Tell personal stories about experiences: family events, school activities
    • Use time-order words (first, next, then, finally) when telling stories
    • Add descriptive details to make stories more interesting
    • Maintain logical sequence when narrating events
    • Answer comprehension questions about own oral compositions
    • Use varied intonation and expression when telling stories
  • Advanced Speaking Skills
    • Use question tags appropriately in simple contexts (You like ice cream, don't you?)
    • Demonstrate correct stress patterns in words: emPHAsis on correct syllable
    • Use intonation to show meaning: rising tone for questions, falling for statements
    • Recite poems with appropriate expression and pacing
    • Sing simple songs with correct pronunciation and rhythm
    • Use facial expressions to enhance oral communication
    • Demonstrate contrast between formal and informal speech
    • Show excitement, sadness, or other emotions through tone of voice
Theme 4: Grammatical Accuracy
  • Tense Usage
    • Use simple present tense correctly: I go, you go, he/she/it goes, they go
    • Use simple past tense correctly: I went, you went, he/she/it went, they went
    • Understand that present tense shows current actions or habitual actions
    • Understand that past tense shows completed actions
    • Use future tense with 'will': I will go, you will go, etc.
    • Understand tense sequence: keeping verbs in same tense within a narrative
    • Maintain tense consistency throughout compositions
    • Use appropriate tense in response to time-related questions
  • Parts of Speech
    • Identify nouns: naming words for people (teacher), places (school), things (desk)
    • Use nouns correctly: common nouns (dog, cat) vs. proper nouns (Fido, Nigeria)
    • Identify pronouns: words that replace nouns (he, she, it, they)
    • Use pronouns correctly to avoid repetition: 'The girl ran. She was fast.'
    • Understand pronoun-antecedent agreement: pronoun must match the noun it replaces
    • Identify adjectives: words that describe nouns (big, red, happy)
    • Use adjectives appropriately in descriptions
    • Identify adverbs: words that describe verbs (quickly, happily, slowly)
  • Sentence Structure
    • Use question tags correctly with common verbs: 'You like football, don't you?'
    • Understand adverbial clauses that answer when: 'When I arrive, we'll start.'
    • Understand adverbial clauses that answer conditions with 'if': 'If it rains, we stay inside.'
    • Use coordinating conjunctions (and, but, or) to join clauses
    • Write subject-verb-object sentences: 'The dog chased the ball.'
    • Use modifiers correctly to avoid confusion: 'The happy girl ran quickly.' not 'Girl happy ran quickly.'
    • Construct compound sentences using conjunctions
    • Avoid sentence fragments: ensure each sentence has subject and verb

Primary 5

4 topics
Theme 1: Reading
  • Phonics
    • Decode words using phonetic knowledge: blend sounds systematically to identify words
    • Recognize consonant digraphs: ch, sh, th, wh represent single sounds
    • Recognize vowel digraphs: ea, oa, igh represent single vowel sounds
    • Apply knowledge of letter-sound relationships to unfamiliar words
    • Identify phonetic patterns in word families: cat, bat, mat, sat, fat
    • Use phonetic strategies before relying on pictures or context clues
    • Recognize silent letters in words: know, write, psychology
    • Apply phonetic skills to read multisyllabic words: compound words, words with prefixes/suffixes
  • Comprehension
    • Read various text types with understanding: fiction, non-fiction, poetry, informational texts
    • Identify and state the main idea of paragraphs and passages
    • Locate supporting details that develop the main idea
    • Make connections between ideas in texts
    • Distinguish between facts and opinions in texts
    • Make inferences about characters' feelings and motivations
    • Predict outcomes based on story events and character behavior
    • Answer literal questions directly from text information
  • Vocabulary
    • Build vocabulary through wide reading of age-appropriate materials
    • Determine word meaning from context clues: surrounding words, sentence meaning
    • Use picture clues to support word meaning determination
    • Recognize word relationships: synonyms (similar meanings), antonyms (opposite meanings)
    • Understand word families: base word with prefixes and suffixes (un-, re-, -tion, -able)
    • Use simple glossaries and word lists to find word definitions
    • Apply new vocabulary words in speaking and writing
    • Understand that words can have multiple meanings depending on context
Theme 2: Writing
  • Formal Letter Writing
    • Identify parts of formal letters: return address, date, recipient address, greeting, body, closing, signature
    • Write formal letters following standard business letter format
    • Use formal, respectful tone in formal letter writing
    • Write letters to authority figures: teachers, government officials, business owners
    • Write letters requesting information or assistance
    • Write complaint or commendation letters using appropriate respectful language
    • Use correct formal closings: 'Yours truly,' 'Sincerely,' 'Respectfully'
    • Include relevant details and information in letter body
  • Narrative and Descriptive Composition
    • Write guided narrative compositions: story with clear plot, characters, setting, conflict, resolution
    • Use descriptive language and sensory details (sight, sound, smell, taste, touch) to enhance narratives
    • Include dialogue in narratives to reveal character and advance plot
    • Write descriptive compositions focusing on single subjects: people, places, events
    • Use vivid adjectives and adverbs to create descriptive images
    • Organize narratives in logical sequence using transition words: first, next, then, finally, meanwhile
    • Develop characters by describing their appearance, actions, and dialogue
    • Create interesting settings using descriptive details
  • Letter of Invitation and Gratitude
    • Write formal invitations: include date, time, location, RSVP information
    • Write informal invitations: friendly tone, include event details and instructions
    • Respond to invitations appropriately: accept or decline politely
    • Write thank-you notes: express gratitude and explain why item/action appreciated
    • Write letters of congratulations: celebrate others' achievements appropriately
    • Write letters of sympathy: express support and concern for others' difficulties
    • Use appropriate tone for each letter type: warm for thank-you, respectful for sympathy
    • Include specific details about what is appreciated or remembered
Theme 3: Listening and Speaking
  • Structured Dialogue
    • Engage in structured dialogues following given scenarios or scripts
    • Take both roles in conversations: speaker and listener
    • Use appropriate greetings and closings in dialogues
    • Express ideas clearly in dialogue using complete, well-formed sentences
    • Demonstrate appropriate stress and intonation: emphasis on key words, rising tone for questions
    • Use dialogue conventions: turn-taking, responding to others' points
    • Adapt language based on situation formality: formal vs. informal conversations
    • Use appropriate body language: eye contact, facial expressions, posture during dialogue
  • Telephone Communication
    • Use telephone appropriately: proper greeting, clear introduction
    • Follow telephone call-and-response patterns: greeting exchange, stating purpose
    • Speak clearly and slowly on telephone for comprehension
    • Listen actively to telephone conversation partner
    • Take telephone messages accurately: note name, number, message
    • Use polite language: 'please,' 'thank you,' appropriate closing
    • Handle telephone interruptions graciously: excuse yourself politely
    • Recognize appropriate times for telephone calls: avoid early morning or late evening
  • Oral Composition
    • Create and present oral compositions about self and family experiences
    • Speak coherently about personal topics: interests, family, community
    • Organize spoken ideas logically: introduce topic, provide details, draw conclusion
    • Use time-order words and other transitions in oral compositions
    • Add descriptive details to oral compositions to maintain audience interest
    • Maintain appropriate volume and pacing for audience comprehension
    • Use gestures and facial expressions to enhance oral presentation
    • Demonstrate confidence speaking in front of classroom
  • Debate and Discussion
    • Participate in classroom debates on simple, familiar topics
    • Support opinions with concrete reasons and examples
    • Listen to others' viewpoints respectfully during discussions
    • Respond to others' ideas without being dismissive
    • Use evidence from personal experience or texts to support points
    • Ask questions to clarify others' positions
    • Revise opinions when presented with convincing evidence
    • Maintain appropriate volume and tone during debates
Theme 4: Grammatical Accuracy
  • Adjectives and Adverbs
    • Use simple adjectives to modify nouns: big, red, happy, fast
    • Place adjectives correctly before nouns: 'the big house,' not 'the house big'
    • Understand role of adverbs: modify verbs to show how, when, or where actions occur
    • Use adverbs correctly: 'She ran quickly,' 'He writes neatly'
    • Understand that adjectives describe nouns while adverbs describe verbs
    • Compare adjectives: positive (big), comparative (bigger), superlative (biggest)
    • Compare adverbs: add -er or -est or use 'more'/'most' (quickly, more quickly, most quickly)
    • Use appropriate modifiers to clarify meaning
  • Alphabetical Order and Vocabulary
    • Arrange words in alphabetical order using first letter: apple, ball, cat
    • Use second and third letters for alphabetization when first letters match
    • Use alphabetical order in reference materials: dictionaries, glossaries, indexes
    • Organize lists alphabetically for clarity and easy reference
    • Understand organizational value of alphabetization
    • Look up words in dictionary or glossary using alphabetical order
    • Recognize that alphabetization helps locate information efficiently
    • Create alphabetically organized lists for personal use
  • Direct and Indirect Speech
    • Identify direct speech: exact words a person said, enclosed in quotation marks
    • Use correct punctuation in direct speech: 'The boy said, "I like dogs."'
    • Identify indirect speech: restatement of what someone said without exact words
    • Convert direct speech to indirect speech: 'He said he liked dogs.'
    • Understand that indirect speech doesn't use quotation marks
    • Maintain meaning when converting between direct and indirect speech
    • Use appropriate introductory verbs: said, asked, answered, replied
    • Place quotation marks correctly around spoken words in direct speech
  • Active and Passive Voice
    • Identify active voice: subject performs the action (The cat chased the mouse)
    • Identify passive voice: subject receives the action (The mouse was chased by the cat)
    • Construct active voice sentences correctly
    • Construct passive voice sentences correctly using 'was/were' + past participle
    • Understand when active voice is preferred: clearer, more direct, more concise
    • Understand when passive voice is appropriate: when agent is unknown or emphasis on receiver
    • Convert active voice to passive voice and vice versa
    • Maintain tense when changing voice
  • Tense Variation
    • Use present perfect tense correctly: 'I have gone,' 'She has finished'
    • Use present perfect for actions that began in past and continue to present
    • Use past perfect tense correctly: 'I had gone before she arrived'
    • Understand that past perfect shows action completed before another past action
    • Use simple present, simple past, and present perfect in appropriate contexts
    • Use future perfect for actions that will be completed by specific future time
    • Maintain tense consistency throughout extended pieces of writing
    • Shift tenses appropriately when needed in narratives
  • Comparison and Cause-Effect
    • Use comparative structures: 'The same as' (The dog is the same size as the cat)
    • Express similarities: 'Both... and,' 'likewise,' 'similarly'
    • Express differences using 'but,' 'however,' 'on the other hand'
    • Identify cause-and-effect relationships: Because X happened, Y occurred
    • Use cause-effect connectives: 'because,' 'since,' 'as a result,' 'so,' 'therefore'
    • Write sentences showing cause and effect clearly
    • Identify causes and effects in texts
    • Understand that cause answers 'why' and effect answers 'what happened'

Primary 6

4 topics
Theme 1: Reading
  • Phonemic Awareness
    • Identify individual phonemes (sounds) in words: distinguish /c/ and /s/ in 'city'
    • Segment words into phonemes: 'cat' = /c/ /a/ /t/
    • Blend individual sounds to form words: /c/ /a/ /t/ = cat
    • Manipulate phonemes: change /c/ in cat to /b/ = bat
    • Add phonemes: add /s/ to beginning of 'top' = stop
    • Delete phonemes: remove /s/ from 'stop' = top
    • Substitute phonemes: change first sound in 'pin' to 'b' = bin
    • Recognize that words are made of individual sounds
  • Phonics and Decoding
    • Use multi-strategy approach to decode unfamiliar words: phonetics, context, word structure
    • Apply phonetic strategies first, then use other strategies as needed
    • Recognize common prefixes: un-, re-, pre-, dis- and their meanings
    • Recognize common suffixes: -tion, -ment, -less, -able and their meanings
    • Use knowledge of base words with affixes to decode longer words
    • Apply knowledge of syllables to decode multisyllabic words
    • Recognize common letter patterns: -ight (light, fight), -ough (though, through)
    • Use word families to recognize related words
  • Fluency
    • Read with appropriate speed: not too fast (loses meaning) or too slow (loses flow)
    • Read with proper phrasing: group words meaningfully, not word-by-word
    • Read with appropriate expression: match tone to text mood and punctuation
    • Use punctuation to guide phrasing and expression: pause at commas, stop at periods
    • Maintain comprehension while reading fluently
    • Read smoothly without excessive repetitions or hesitations
    • Read dialogue with appropriate character voices and emotions
    • Increase reading rate as comfort with material increases
  • Comprehension
    • Understand narrative texts: identify characters, setting, plot, conflict, resolution
    • Understand expository texts: identify main ideas and supporting details
    • Understand persuasive texts: recognize author's position and supporting arguments
    • Identify themes in stories: universal messages or lessons
    • Make inferences about characters' motivations and feelings
    • Make predictions about story outcomes based on evidence
    • Determine author's purpose: entertain, inform, persuade, express
    • Identify cause-and-effect relationships in texts
  • Vocabulary Development
    • Expand vocabulary through wide reading of varied texts
    • Determine word meaning from context clues: definition clues, example clues, contrast clues
    • Use reference materials: picture dictionaries, glossaries, thesauruses
    • Recognize synonyms and use them to vary word choice
    • Recognize antonyms and use them for contrast and comparison
    • Understand figurative language: similes ('like'), metaphors, personification
    • Recognize word relationships: parts of whole, categories, functions
    • Understand connotation (emotional associations) vs. denotation (literal meaning)
  • Concepts of Print
    • Understand text organization: chapters, sections, paragraphs structure
    • Use text features to locate and understand information: headings, bold words, italics
    • Use table of contents to navigate books
    • Use indexes to locate information quickly
    • Understand and use other text features: callouts, sidebars, captions
    • Recognize how different text layouts convey different information types
    • Understand that text and illustrations work together to create meaning
    • Use hierarchical structure of text (main ideas, supporting details)
Theme 2: Writing
  • Paragraph Writing
    • Identify paragraph structure: topic sentence, supporting sentences, concluding sentence
    • Write introductory paragraphs that catch reader interest and introduce topic
    • Develop body paragraphs with relevant supporting details and examples
    • Write concluding paragraphs that summarize main points and create closure
    • Ensure paragraph unity: all sentences support the main idea
    • Use transition sentences to connect paragraphs smoothly
    • Maintain consistent topic focus throughout paragraph
    • Include sufficient details to support and explain main idea
  • Composition
    • Write multi-paragraph compositions for varied purposes: narration, description, information
    • Write personal narratives: recount personal experiences with vivid details
    • Write descriptive compositions: paint pictures using sensory language
    • Write informative compositions: explain topics or share knowledge
    • Organize compositions with clear introduction, body, and conclusion
    • Use transitions to connect ideas within and between paragraphs
    • Develop ideas with specific details, examples, and descriptions
    • Use varied sentence structures to maintain reader interest
  • Digital Communication
    • Write email messages with appropriate subject lines and greetings
    • Use formal or informal tone in emails based on recipient
    • Write text messages using appropriate conventions and abbreviations
    • Proofread digital messages for errors before sending
    • Understand digital communication etiquette: replying promptly, using appropriate tone
    • Distinguish between formal (email) and informal (text) digital communication
    • Use appropriate punctuation and capitalization in digital messages
    • Understand privacy and safety in digital communication
  • Biographical Writing
    • Write biographies of notable people: research and present factual information
    • Write autobiographies: recount personal life experiences and achievements
    • Organize biographical writing chronologically: birth through present
    • Include relevant details about person's life, accomplishments, impact
    • Use reliable sources for biographical information
    • Distinguish between facts and interpretations in biographical writing
    • Describe significant events and how they shaped the person
    • Show why the person is notable or interesting
Theme 3: Listening and Speaking
  • Intonation and Command Forms
    • Use rising intonation for questions: 'Do you like ice cream?'
    • Use falling intonation for statements: 'I like ice cream.'
    • Use emphatic intonation to show importance or emotion
    • Use command form (imperative) for instructions: 'Please sit down.' 'Close the door.'
    • Distinguish between commands and requests: 'Close the door' (command) vs. 'Could you close the door?' (request)
    • Use appropriate intonation to clarify command vs. question meaning
    • Understand that intonation changes affect word meaning
    • Practice intonation in dialogues and conversations
  • Incident Reporting
    • Report incidents accurately: state facts without exaggeration
    • Organize incident reports logically: what happened, when, where, who involved
    • Use precise, objective language in incident reporting
    • Provide relevant details: time, location, people involved, sequence of events
    • Distinguish between observation (what was seen) and interpretation
    • Answer questions about reported incidents clearly
    • Maintain objectivity when reporting negative incidents
    • Demonstrate accuracy in oral incident reporting
  • Drama and Role-play
    • Participate in short plays: memorize lines and follow scripts
    • Use appropriate voice, gestures, and movement to portray characters
    • Understand dramatic elements: characters, setting, conflict, resolution
    • Create characters through voice, posture, and mannerisms
    • Work cooperatively with other students in dramatic performances
    • Improvise dialogue in role-play scenarios
    • Maintain character throughout dramatic presentation
    • Use props and costumes to enhance dramatic performance
  • Dialogue and Intonation Practice
    • Practice dialogues using varied intonation patterns
    • Engage in discussions about relevant social issues
    • Demonstrate understanding of how tone conveys meaning
    • Use appropriate tone to express opinions and feelings
    • Participate respectfully in discussions about values (honesty, integrity)
    • Listen to understand different perspectives on issues
    • Express ideas clearly in dialogues
    • Respond appropriately to others' viewpoints
  • Phonetic Awareness
    • Describe vowels and consonants using phonetic terminology
    • Identify and articulate vowel sounds: short (/a/, /e/, /i/, /o/, /u/) and long
    • Describe consonant sounds and how they're produced
    • Recognize diphthongs (two vowel sounds: /oi/ in boy, /ou/ in house)
    • Distinguish between similar phonetic sounds
    • Demonstrate correct pronunciation of difficult phonetic sounds
    • Use phonetic knowledge to correct pronunciation errors
    • Recognize regional and dialect variations in pronunciation
  • Public Speaking
    • Prepare speeches on familiar or researched topics
    • Organize speeches: introduction, body, conclusion
    • Deliver speeches to classroom audience with confidence
    • Use appropriate volume and pacing for audience comprehension
    • Make eye contact with audience members
    • Use natural gestures to support spoken ideas
    • Avoid reading directly from notes; use notes as reminders only
    • Respond to questions about speech topic
  • Listening Comprehension
    • Listen to public notices and announcements with understanding
    • Extract main ideas from oral presentations
    • Remember details from oral communication
    • Take notes during longer listening activities
    • Answer comprehension questions about listened material
    • Demonstrate listening skills through relevant responses
    • Understand consumer information presented orally
    • Ask clarifying questions when confused about oral information
  • Pronunciation
    • Pronounce monosyllabic words (one syllable) correctly
    • Pronounce bisyllabic words (two syllables) with correct stress
    • Pronounce polysyllabic words (multiple syllables) accurately and with correct stress
    • Place stress on correct syllable in multisyllabic words
    • Use appropriate intonation patterns in different contexts
    • Correct own pronunciation errors with awareness
    • Pronounce new or unfamiliar words after hearing correct pronunciation
    • Speak at natural intervals without excessive pauses
Theme 4: Grammatical Accuracy
  • Dictionary and Alphabetical Order
    • Use alphabetical order to locate words in dictionaries and glossaries
    • Use guide words to find entries quickly
    • Interpret dictionary entries: pronunciation, part of speech, definitions, examples
    • Understand multiple meanings of words in dictionary entries
    • Use dictionary to verify spelling of words
    • Use glossary for subject-specific vocabulary
    • Understand abbreviations used in dictionary entries: n. (noun), v. (verb), adj. (adjective)
    • Use dictionary to understand word etymology (word origin)
  • Idiomatic Expressions
    • Understand idioms: phrases with meaning different from individual words
    • Recognize common idioms: 'raining cats and dogs,' 'piece of cake,' 'break the ice'
    • Understand that idioms can't be translated literally
    • Use idioms appropriately in speaking and writing
    • Identify figurative language: similes, metaphors, personification, hyperbole
    • Distinguish between literal and figurative meanings
    • Apply figurative language to enhance writing
    • Recognize and interpret figurative language in texts
  • Word Formation
    • Recognize synonymous word relationships: different words with similar meanings
    • Find synonyms for overused words to improve writing
    • Identify antonyms: words with opposite meanings
    • Use antonyms for contrast and comparison in writing
    • Understand word families: words derived from same root
    • Recognize prefixes and suffixes that change word meaning
    • Form new words using common prefixes: un-, re-, pre-, dis-
    • Form new words using common suffixes: -tion, -ment, -less, -able
  • Verb Forms
    • Use regular verbs correctly: add -ed for past tense (walked, jumped)
    • Use irregular verbs correctly: go/went/gone, eat/ate/eaten, see/saw/seen
    • Form progressive tenses: -ing form (is running, was walking)
    • Use correct verb forms in simple tenses
    • Use correct verb forms in perfect tenses: have walked, had seen
    • Maintain subject-verb agreement with various subjects
    • Use helping verbs (is, are, was, were, have, has, had) correctly
    • Form passive voice verbs: was/were + past participle
  • Speech and Dialogue
    • Use quotation marks correctly in direct speech: 'She said, "Hello."'
    • Use punctuation marks with dialogue: commas, periods, question marks, exclamation points
    • Convert direct speech to indirect speech accurately
    • Use appropriate introductory verbs: said, asked, answered, replied, whispered
    • Capitalize first word of direct quotation
    • Place punctuation correctly inside quotation marks
    • Write dialogue that sounds natural and reveals character
    • Use dialogue to advance plot in narratives
  • Literary Devices
    • Identify similes: comparisons using 'like' or 'as' (brave as a lion)
    • Identify metaphors: direct comparisons without 'like' (Life is a journey)
    • Understand purpose of similes and metaphors in literature
    • Identify personification: giving human qualities to non-human things (The wind danced)
    • Identify hyperbole: extreme exaggeration (I've told you a million times)
    • Recognize alliteration: repetition of beginning sounds (Peter Piper picked...)
    • Identify onomatopoeia: words that imitate sounds (buzz, hiss, splash)
    • Recognize imagery: descriptive language appealing to senses

JSS 1

5 topics
Theme 1: Reading
  • Comprehension and Analysis
    • Analyze narrative texts: identify plot structure, character development, conflict, resolution
    • Analyze expository texts: identify main ideas, supporting details, organizational pattern
    • Analyze persuasive texts: identify author's position, arguments, evidence, counterarguments
    • Identify themes: universal ideas or lessons conveyed by texts
    • Make inferences: use textual evidence and prior knowledge to understand implied meanings
    • Draw conclusions based on evidence from text and reasoning
    • Evaluate authors' purposes: whether text entertains, informs, persuades, or expresses
    • Understand authors' perspectives and biases that influence texts
  • Vocabulary Development
    • Build vocabulary from varied reading across genres and subjects
    • Determine word meanings from multiple context clues: definition, example, comparison
    • Understand denotation (literal meaning) vs. connotation (emotional associations)
    • Recognize word relationships: synonyms, antonyms, homonyms, homophones
    • Understand word families and how prefixes/suffixes change meaning
    • Use sophisticated vocabulary in speaking and writing
    • Understand words with multiple meanings based on context
    • Learn subject-specific vocabulary from content area reading
Theme 2: Listening and Speaking
  • Oral Communication
    • Engage in substantive discussions on academic topics
    • Express well-reasoned opinions with supporting evidence
    • Listen actively and take turns in group discussions
    • Respond relevantly and respectfully to others' points
    • Ask clarifying questions to deepen understanding
    • Summarize others' ideas to show understanding
    • Use formal speaking conventions in academic settings
    • Adapt language based on audience and context
  • Presentation Skills
    • Prepare well-organized presentations on researched or familiar topics
    • Write and use effective note cards for presentations
    • Deliver presentations with confidence and poise
    • Use appropriate volume, pacing, and pronunciation
    • Make eye contact with audience members throughout presentation
    • Use gestures and body language to enhance presentation
    • Use visual aids appropriately to support presentation
    • Answer audience questions knowledgeably
Theme 3: Grammatical Accuracy
  • Grammar and Sentence Structure
    • Identify sentence types: simple (one independent clause), compound (two independent clauses), complex (independent + dependent clause)
    • Use coordinating conjunctions correctly: and, but, or, nor, for, yet, so
    • Use subordinating conjunctions correctly: because, although, when, if, after, before, while
    • Ensure subject-verb agreement in all contexts: singular subjects, plural subjects, collective nouns
    • Use correct pronoun-antecedent agreement: pronoun must match noun in number and gender
    • Identify and correct misplaced modifiers
    • Use parallel structure in lists and comparisons
    • Construct complex sentences correctly
Theme 4: Writing
  • Written Expression
    • Write for various purposes: narrative, expository, persuasive, descriptive
    • Write for various audiences: peers, teachers, general public
    • Organize compositions with clear introduction, body paragraphs, conclusion
    • Develop ideas with specific, relevant details and examples
    • Use appropriate tone and voice for purpose and audience
    • Use precise vocabulary to express ideas clearly
    • Apply grammatical conventions correctly throughout writing
    • Use transitions to connect ideas within and between paragraphs
Theme 5: Literature
  • Literary Analysis
    • Identify and analyze literary elements: character, plot, setting, theme, point of view
    • Analyze character development: how characters change through story
    • Understand character motivation: why characters act as they do
    • Identify plot structure: exposition, rising action, climax, falling action, resolution
    • Analyze setting: time, place, and how it affects story
    • Identify themes: universal ideas explored in literature
    • Understand different literary genres: fiction, poetry, drama, nonfiction
    • Recognize literary devices: metaphor, simile, personification, symbolism, imagery

JSS 2

5 topics
Theme 1: Reading
  • Advanced Comprehension
    • Analyze complex texts with sophisticated language and ideas
    • Identify author's tone: attitude toward subject matter (formal, sarcastic, ironic, etc.)
    • Analyze author's style: unique way of writing (word choice, sentence structure, rhythm)
    • Evaluate validity of arguments: assess strength of evidence and reasoning
    • Evaluate credibility of sources: consider author's expertise and potential bias
    • Distinguish between fact, opinion, and propaganda in texts
    • Recognize use of rhetorical devices: appeals to emotion, logic, credibility
    • Analyze how authors create persuasive effects
Theme 2: Listening and Speaking
  • Advanced Oral Communication
    • Participate effectively in debates: present position, support with evidence, refute counterarguments
    • Engage in scholarly discussions using academic vocabulary
    • Use persuasive speaking techniques: rhetorical devices, logical reasoning, credible evidence
    • Evaluate others' presentations critically: assess argument strength, supporting evidence, delivery
    • Provide constructive feedback on peers' presentations
    • Speak extemporaneously on familiar topics without extensive notes
    • Use conventions of formal debate and discussion protocol
    • Adapt communication to address different audiences and contexts
Theme 3: Grammatical Accuracy
  • Advanced Grammar
    • Use complex sentence structures with multiple clauses and phrases
    • Apply advanced subordination techniques for varied sentence structure
    • Understand and use mood: indicative (statements), subjunctive (hypothetical), imperative (commands)
    • Use subjunctive mood correctly: 'If I were you...' instead of 'If I was you...'
    • Understand voice in depth: how active and passive voice affect emphasis and clarity
    • Use voice purposefully for rhetorical effect
    • Apply advanced pronoun usage: relative pronouns, indefinite pronouns
    • Ensure consistency in tense, mood, and voice throughout texts
Theme 4: Writing
  • Advanced Composition
    • Write persuasive essays: thesis, evidence, counterarguments, logical reasoning
    • Write analytical essays: deep analysis of texts or topics
    • Support arguments with varied evidence: quotes, statistics, examples, expert testimony
    • Organize complex arguments clearly: logical progression of ideas
    • Use sophisticated transitions between ideas and paragraphs
    • Develop voice and style as a writer: distinctive approach to expression
    • Apply advanced writing techniques: parallel structure, rhetorical questions, repetition
    • Revise substantially to improve argument strength and clarity
Theme 5: Literature
  • In-Depth Literary Analysis
    • Analyze symbolism: what symbols represent beyond literal meaning
    • Analyze imagery: how descriptive language creates mental pictures
    • Understand how symbols and imagery create theme
    • Analyze point of view: how narrator's perspective shapes story
    • Examine unreliable narrators: narrators whose perspective is flawed or misleading
    • Compare and contrast characters: identify similarities and differences
    • Compare and contrast texts: similar themes, genres, time periods, or authors
    • Analyze relationships between characters

JSS 3

5 topics
Theme 1: Reading
  • Critical Reading
    • Critically analyze texts: question assumptions, evaluate reasoning
    • Recognize bias: identify author's preferences or prejudices influencing text
    • Identify propaganda techniques: bandwagon, testimonial, loaded words, false dilemma
    • Evaluate arguments: assess validity of claims and strength of evidence
    • Distinguish between emotional appeals and logical reasoning
    • Identify fallacies in reasoning: ad hominem, false cause, sweeping generalizations
    • Evaluate credibility of sources: author expertise, recency, corroboration
    • Recognize multiple perspectives on complex issues
Theme 2: Listening and Speaking
  • Rhetorical Communication
    • Use rhetorical devices effectively: metaphor, paradox, irony, repetition, rhetorical questions
    • Identify persuasive techniques in others' speech: ethos, pathos, logos
    • Apply rhetorical appeals in own speaking: build credibility, appeal to logic and emotion
    • Recognize how word choice and tone affect persuasiveness
    • Engage in formal presentations and speeches to diverse audiences
    • Participate in complex debates: present nuanced positions, counter sophisticated arguments
    • Use evidence and logical reasoning to support positions
    • Speak with confidence and authority on complex topics
Theme 3: Grammatical Accuracy
  • Mastery of Grammar
    • Ensure grammatical correctness throughout all writing
    • Apply all grammatical rules learned in previous levels consistently
    • Understand grammar in context: recognize when to bend rules for effect
    • Use advanced grammatical structures for rhetorical effect
    • Apply parallelism: use similar grammatical structures for related ideas
    • Understand dangling modifiers and how to correct them
    • Apply pronoun reference rules consistently
    • Use ellipsis (leaving out words understood in context) effectively
Theme 4: Writing
  • Proficient Composition
    • Write well-organized essays: clear thesis, supporting body paragraphs, strong conclusion
    • Use evidence effectively: incorporate quotes, paraphrases, and examples with analysis
    • Develop ideas thoroughly: elaborate on points with explanation and examples
    • Use sophisticated transitions: show connections between ideas
    • Maintain academic tone while engaging readers
    • Edit and revise for clarity, concision, and impact
    • Develop distinctive writing voice recognizable across pieces
    • Apply writing conventions consistently: grammar, punctuation, capitalization
Theme 5: Literature
  • Advanced Literary Study
    • Study classic literature: recognizing masterworks and understanding their significance
    • Study contemporary literature: understanding current literary voices
    • Understand historical context: how time period influences literature
    • Understand cultural context: how culture influences literature
    • Analyze how literature reflects society and historical events
    • Understand literary periods and movements: characteristics and representative works
    • Appreciate literary merit: recognize excellent writing and understand why
    • Analyze author's craft: how specific techniques create effects

SSS 1

4 topics
Theme 1: Oral English
  • Listening Comprehension
    • Understanding extended spoken English
    • Identifying main ideas and supporting details
    • Recognizing speaker's purpose and attitude
    • Understanding implied meaning
    • Taking notes from oral presentations
  • Speaking Skills
    • Formal speech and presentation skills
    • Group discussions and debates
    • Public speaking with confidence
    • Pronunciation and intonation mastery
    • Oral presentation of ideas and arguments
Theme 2: Reading and Comprehension
  • Reading Diverse Texts
    • Analyzing narrative and expository texts
    • Understanding literary devices
    • Critical reading and analysis
    • Identifying author's purpose and tone
    • Making inferences and predictions
  • Vocabulary and Context
    • Advanced vocabulary development
    • Understanding word relationships
    • Using context clues effectively
    • Word families and derivations
    • Technical and specialized vocabulary
Theme 3: Writing Skills
  • Written Expression
    • Essay writing (narrative, descriptive, argumentative)
    • Expository and persuasive writing
    • Report writing and formal letters
    • Creative writing and imaginative compositions
    • Organizing and developing ideas
  • Grammar and Mechanics
    • Advanced sentence structures
    • Complex grammar usage
    • Punctuation and capitalization
    • Agreement and parallelism
    • Editing and proofreading
Theme 4: Literature
  • Literary Appreciation
    • Understanding literary genres (poetry, prose, drama)
    • Analyzing character development
    • Understanding plot structure and theme
    • Recognizing literary devices (metaphor, symbolism, imagery)
    • Appreciating different literary styles

SSS 2

4 topics
Theme 1: Advanced Oral Skills
  • Advanced Listening and Speaking
    • Understanding nuanced meanings and implications
    • Advanced discussion and debate techniques
    • Persuasive speaking strategies
    • Academic presentations and seminars
    • Intercultural communication
Theme 2: Critical Reading Analysis
  • Advanced Comprehension Skills
    • Analyzing complex texts critically
    • Understanding authorial bias and perspective
    • Evaluating evidence and arguments
    • Comparing and contrasting texts
    • Synthesizing information from multiple sources
Theme 3: Professional Writing
  • Academic and Professional Writing
    • Research papers and formal essays
    • Persuasive and argumentative writing
    • Business correspondence
    • Report and proposal writing
    • Citation and documentation
Theme 4: Literature Studies
  • In-Depth Literary Analysis
    • Analyzing novels and novellas
    • Understanding drama and theatrical techniques
    • Poetry analysis and interpretation
    • Historical and cultural context in literature
    • Literary criticism and theory

SSS 3

4 topics
Theme 1: Mastery of Oral English
  • Sophisticated Communication
    • Interpreting implicit meanings and nuances
    • Advanced debate and negotiation skills
    • Leadership communication
    • Formal and informal register mastery
    • Cross-cultural and international communication
Theme 2: Advanced Text Analysis
  • Critical Textual Study
    • Deconstructing complex arguments
    • Understanding multiple perspectives and interpretations
    • Evaluating source credibility and reliability
    • Analyzing rhetorical strategies
    • Literary and linguistic analysis
Theme 3: Sophisticated Writing
  • Advanced Composition
    • Writing persuasive and analytical essays
    • Creating research-based arguments
    • Academic and scholarly writing
    • Creative and imaginative writing
    • Writing for publication and presentation
Theme 4: Advanced Literature Study
  • Literary Scholarship
    • Analyzing canonical works
    • Understanding literary movements and periods
    • Applying critical theories to texts
    • Comparing literary traditions
    • Literature and society relationships
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